Donating miles to military personnel on furlough-Truth!

Donate Airline Miles to Help Military Personnel on Furlough-Truth!

Summary of the eRumor
The eRumor says you can donate air miles to help military personnel make connections to their hometowns while on furlough.

The Truth
This one is true.
During the Iraq war, military personnel were being given two-week furloughs that involved free flights to several major airports.
They were on their own for connections from there to their hometowns, however.
When congress initially failed to include funds for military personnel to pay for connecting flights, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland started "Operation Hero Miles" to encourage donations of air miles for that purpose.
Fund have now been set aside by Congress for this purpose, but probably not enough to help all of those who will be traveling.
Several members of congress, entertainment companies, businesses, and airlines have donated free miles.

For more details, CLICK HERE for the Operation Hero Miles website.

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

-- HELP GET THE TROOPS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Soldiers stationed in Iraq are granted two-week leaves in the largest
R & R program since Vietnam. It doesn't cost them a dime to get back
to their hometown, so long as home is near where the military jets
land--Baltimore, Dallas or Atlanta. If a soldier has to take another
flight to his or her hometown, they have to purchase the ticket, which
is often a high-priced last-minute fare.

Now, Congress provided funding for this purpose in November. The
problem? The funding is not available yet. And they're not sure
there's enough to cover all the troops. What can you do to help a
soldier get home for the holidays? Donate your frequent flyer miles.
Seven airlines will accept your patriotic donation. There's more
information at: http://www.heromiles.org/