Retired Army Major General Appeals to Atlanta Travelers to Donate International Phone Cards for Troops

American Airlines Donates Two Round-Trip Ticket Drawings as Public Incentive

12-22-06 Retired U.S. Army Major General Gordon "Duke" Duquemin is appealing to holiday travelers to support the USO's efforts to collect international phone cards for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The USO has expressed an urgent need for international phone cards to help deployed soldiers call home. In Atlanta, American Airlines employees are collecting the phone cards at American Airlines counters at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport through Jan. 10.

Duquemin is asking travelers passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Airport during the holidays to help by bringing international phone cards to any American Airlines counter.

"Americans are always generous, particularly when it comes to supporting our men and women in uniform," said Duquemin. "For those people who are looking for a way to support our troops, international phone cards are very much appreciated."

As an incentive to increase card donations, American Airlines is offering the public two opportunities to win round-trip coach airfare for two with every donation of an international phone card. No purchase is necessary. Phone cards also may be donated directly to the USO; however, only cards donated through American Airlines will include entry for airfare.

Donation boxes, informational flyers, and donation envelopes are located at each American Airlines counter at the Atlanta airport. To donate and to enter the drawing for free airfare, customers should place their international phone card donation in the designated envelope and provide contact information. Each donation with contact information received in the designated box no later than Jan. 10 will be entered in the drawing. There is no limit to the number of entries. Winners will be selected by Jan. 15.

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The USO is not part of the U.S. Government but is supported by the President of the United States and the Department of Defense. Each President has been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since its inception. The original intent of Congress -- and enduring style of USO delivery -- is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military.