American and Envoy recently teamed up to bring 17 very special families on an all-expenses paid trip from Washington D.C. to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. What makes the families so special is that they are military families, most of whom are patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Known as “Salute to the Troops – Orlando,” employee volunteers worked in partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, USO Metro (Washington DC area), the Airpower Foundation, the Non-Commissioned Officer Association (NCOA) and Disney World to make the magic happen.
“Disney really pulled out all of the stops to ensure that these families, who are fighting the toughest battles of their lives, received VIP treatment from the moment they arrived until the time they left,” American’s Senior Manager, Military and Veterans Initiatives, Capt. Jim Palmersheim said.
While at Disney World, the families were treated to three nights at the exclusive Disney Beach Resort, an opening banquet hosted by Mickey Mouse, all-inclusive Park Hopper passes, VIP escorts around the parks with front-of-the-line privileges and a closing dinner at Epcot Center.
“It was a great honor and privilege for our employees to have the opportunity to support the troops who protect our freedom,” said Envoy System Operations Control Director, Robert Nault. “It was truly an amazing weekend for all involved.”