MGM Resorts International Teams with American Airlines and USO for 2011 Salute to the Troops Event

In celebration of America's service members, MGM Resorts International will host "A Salute to the Troops" honoring more than 60 wounded warriors and their guests. In its third year, the four-day program in collaboration with the USO (United Service Organizations) will be a weekend of relaxation, entertainment and sightseeing for our nation's veterans and their guests traveling from the Washington, D.C., area and San Antonio, Texas.

"There are no days off for the commitment and sacrifice of our nation's military service members and their families. We're honored and humbled to be in their presence and to be able to express our gratitude and appreciation," said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.

As the official airline of the USO, American Airlines will fly the honored service members to Las Vegas onboard American's yellow-ribbon aircraft, "Flagship Liberty." Upon arriving in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International employees will welcome the group to The Mirage Hotel & Casino, the host property, during a "walk of gratitude." Following the welcoming reception Felix Rappaport, president and COO of The Mirage, will host an opening ceremony and dinner.

The wounded warriors and their guests also will have the opportunity to attend a performance of Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert at The Mirage and participate in a special meet-and-greet with the unparalleled ventriloquist. This is the third consecutive year Fator will be involved with the "A Salute to the Troops" event. Additional weekend entertainment includes a special concert by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at the Mandalay Bay Beach and tickets to CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

Steve Blankenship, Managing Director - Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines said, "At American Airlines, we have a long history of supporting the men and women who have given so much in service to our country. We are especially proud to be the official airline of the USO and to help make this weekend possible."

The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. The USO provides critical support to service members including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen. The USO provides a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top-quality entertainment and innovative programs and services.

To post a comment, you must register and login.