Travelers may donate airline miles Published Nov. 21, 2003 By K.L. Vantran American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Operation Hero Miles allows travelers to donate frequent-flier miles to help servicemembers on leave from Iraq reach their destinations. Servicemembers participating in the two-week "rest and recuperation" leave program are flown free to airports at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany; Atlanta; Baltimore; and Dallas, but must pay for connecting flights from and back to those ports. Launched by Maryland Congressman C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, whose district includes Baltimore/Washington International Airport, the Hero Miles Web site lists participating airlines. It also provides information on how to donate frequent-flier miles and how servicemembers can receive complimentary tickets. "I am getting a phenomenal response to Operation Hero Miles," Ruppersberger said. "So many Americans want to donate their frequent-flier miles to help our men and women in uniform in Iraq so (servicemembers) can spend quality time with their family and friends here at home.” According to the operations Web site, more than 60 million miles have been donated so far.