American Airlines Sponsors Kayak Angler Society of America's Heroes on the Water

American Airlines is the most recent organization to sign on to help active duty soldiers rehabilitating from war injuries by sponsoring Kayak Angler Society of America's Heroes on the Water (HOW) Program. The sponsorship will go a long way toward improving the ability of HOW members and volunteers to reach soldiers across the nation and introduce them to the therapeutic benefits of kayak fishing.

American Airlines is the first corporate sponsor of Heroes on the Water.

"This is a great day for all of us committed to help our injured service members," said HOW National Coordinator Jim Dolan. "This partnership speaks volumes about the quality of American Airlines commitment to our military active duty service members and veterans.

"This partnership comes at a critical juncture in HOW's growth," he added. "Heroes on the Water is expanding across the country, and American's sponsorship will greatly aid us in our effort to reach more soldiers."

Formed in 2007 by avid kayak anglers who also happened to be veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Kayak Angler Society of America's (KASA) mission is to increase access to - and participation in - kayak angling nationwide. KASA's HOW program is designed to introduce the rehabilitative aspects of kayak angling to veterans recovering from war injuries.

"American Airlines has a long history of supporting and honoring those who serve our country," said Capt. Steve Blankenship, American's Director of Military and Veterans Affairs. "We are extremely honored to support the Heroes on the Water Program's much-needed assistance to our wounded heroes."

American has a number of initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of our servicemen and women. Since 2003, American Airlines and the Fort Worth Air Power Foundation have partnered to host the annual Sky Ball gala, whose mission is to raise funds to benefit the families of deployed reservists and Guardsmen from North Texas.

In addition, American is a long-time support of America's Huey 091 Foundation and its work with the iBOT mobility systems. Much more than a typical power wheelchair, the iBOT Mobility System can go up and down stairs, travel over uneven terrain and rise up to reach high shelves and counter tops. American has helped raise funds to purchase more than 25 iBOTs for severely wounded service members.

For more information on KASA programs, including Heroes on the Water, or to donate, visit the KASA Web site. KASA is a certified non-profit educational organization under IRS Code Chapter 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.



Media Contact
Jim Dolan (214) 295-4541