American Airlines, Dallas Mavericks And Abacus Host 10th Annual Seats For Soldiers Event

Wounded service members honored with dinner and courtside seats to Mavs game

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Dec 05, 2014, 10:00 ET

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, the Dallas Mavericks and Abacus are partnering for the 10^th year to host Seats for Soldiers, a unique experience for our nation's military heroes. This year, more than 100 wounded service members will travel from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to join reserve troops from the Dallas/Fort Worth area in attending the Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks game on Dec. 7 at American Airlines Center. This year's event falls on the 73^rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and attending the game will be Edward Guthrie, a veteran of the United States Navy and a survivor of the attack.

"American Airlines is proud to give back to the men and women who serve our country," said American's chairman and CEO Doug Parker. "We are honored and humbled by the sacrifice these individuals have made and it is our privilege to once again partner with the Mavericks to host this one-of-a-kind event."

American Airlines will provide transportation between San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth through Fuel Smart, American's employee-led fuel conservation program that helps provide flights for wounded warriors and veterans using funds generated through employees' everyday actions to save fuel. In addition, American's pilots and flight attendants will volunteer their time for this occasion.

After arriving at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the group will enjoy dinner at Abacus prior to attending the Mavericks-Bucks game. This year's featured menu by Abacus owner and executive chef Kent Rathbun includes a first course of buffalo guiso empanadas with guajillo mole, lime crema and a radish slaw. Shared plates include a slow-roasted half chicken, southern cornbread dressing, green beans and country brown gravy. Dessert will be a German chocolate cake with butter pecan ice cream. Beverage service will also be provided, all free of charge to the service members.

"This event is always a memorable experience for everyone attending the game," said Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. "We love that this event originated with a single fan and has continued to grow year after year. It's an inspiring reminder of the amazing people that make up our community."

Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder Neal Hawks originated the Seats for Soldiers concept, and he and other front-row season ticket holders have again generously donated their courtside seats, valued at more than $350,000. After the game, the soldiers will have the opportunity to meet and have their photos taken with the Dallas Mavericks Dancers and ManiAACs, as well as players and coaches from both teams.

The Mavericks-Bucks game will be broadcast on the American Forces Network, which is available to U.S. armed forces serving in 175 countries and aboard ships at sea.

About American Airlines Group

American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. Together with wholly owned and third-party regional carriers operating as American Eagle and US Airways Express, the airlines operate an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to 339 destinations in 54 countries from its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. The American Airlines AAdvantage and US Airways Dividend Miles programs allow members to earn miles for travel, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and everyday purchases. Members of both programs can redeem miles for tickets as well as upgrades to First Class and Business Class. In addition, AAdvantage members can redeem miles for vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and retail products. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines and follow US Airways on Twitter @USAirways.

About the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and began as an expansion franchise in 1980. The Mavs have won three division titles (1987, 2007, 2010) two conference championships (2006, 2011) and under the leadership of owner Mark Cuban, Head of Basketball Operations/GM Donnie Nelson and Head Coach Rick Carlisle, the team won its first NBA Championship in 2011. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through outreach programs and the Dallas Mavericks Foundation. For more information on Dallas Mavericks players, staff, stats and tickets, please visit mavs.com.

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SOURCE American Airlines