American Airlines and the Fort Worth Airpower Foundation Host Sixth Annual Sky Ball Fundraiser

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines and the Fort Worth Airpower Foundation (FWAPF) are once again uniting to support the families of North Texas military personnel and pay tribute to the "Greatest Generation," the veterans of World War II. This year more than 600 American Airlines and American Eagle employee volunteers will help host the sixth annual Sky Ball on Saturday, Oct. 11, at American's Alliance Airport (AFW) maintenance hangar to raise funds to benefit the families of area service men and women. This year's celebration will include a celebrity appearance by actor Gary Sinise, star of CSI-New York and Lt. Dan in the film Forrest Gump.

"American Airlines and American Eagle are proud to continue our long-time support of our military, their families and the sacrifices they make for their country," said Roger Frizzell, American's Vice President - Corporate Communications and Advertising. "Partnering with the Fort Worth Airpower Foundation on Sky Ball VI is one more way we can honor the heroism of these brave men, women and their families. Our employees look forward to volunteering to support this fundraiser every year."

Ten thousand North Texas soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and members of the National Guard serve our country, and thousands of them have been called to active duty for multiple tours overseas. When a loved one is called to serve, many families struggle with financial hardships and obligations. Most Reserve and Guard personnel who are called to duty earn only a fraction of their civilian salaries.

The Fort Worth Airpower Foundation is dedicated to helping the families of North Texas military members who have been called to serve our country by providing financial support to those who are facing severe financial difficulties as a result of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Proceeds from the Sky Ball will provide financial assistance to military families on a case-by-case basis. Support comes in many forms, including financial aid for deployment and welcome-home receptions, comfort gatherings for the families, support for the Welfare and Relief projects of the units assigned in North Texas, and delivering care packages and other gifts to the soldiers wounded in battle who are recuperating at military hospitals in Texas.

"Helping North Texas military families is important to the employees of American Airlines and American Eagle because they know that these are our neighbors fighting to defend our freedom, and they refuse to stand by while their families are left here to struggle financially," said Mike Snyder, Sky Ball VI chairman. "These employees have made this effort their own, and without their passion, this cause and this event would not be possible."

In addition to Gary Sinise, the patriotic program for Sky Ball VI will include appearances by Broadway and film actor James McEachin, musical performances from Nashville country music star Michael Peterson, and singing duo Vandel-Snook. The evening will also feature a silent and a live auction offering such premium items as a 2009 Porsche. Guests will also enjoy a WWII static aircraft display and an exclusive pyrotechnic nighttime air show.

Last year's event raised more than $600,000 for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and National Guard Relief Fund, as well as other needs for families at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth.

Sponsorships, tables and raffle tickets are available for the event. Additional information about Sky Ball VI can be found at http://www.fwapf.org/skyball.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. American Airlines, American Eagle, the AmericanConnection(R) airlines, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

About The Fort Worth Airpower Foundation

The Fort Worth Airpower Foundation (a 501(c)(3) Foundation) is an associate entity of the Fort Worth Airpower Council, the nation's oldest military support organization, established in 1958 with Frank Kent as its first Chairman. The Foundation is pledged to support and enhance the Military of the United States of America in all efforts to protect and promote freedom. Specifically, the Foundation is committed to supporting the families of the men and women serving our country, especially those assigned to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB) Fort Worth, recognizing and honoring the JRB's importance to our community.

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