As a member of Congress, Linda Sanchez racks up frequent-flyer miles.
With Memorial Day approaching, the Lakewood Democrat announced Friday that she is donating 25,000 unused miles so the families of wounded troops can fly to see their relatives.
Sanchez is giving her points to Operation Hero Miles, a non-profit program.
"Sometimes the love and familiar face of a family member is the best medicine to help a service member recover from an injury," Sanchez said.
Operation Hero Miles was created by Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, D-Md., in 2003. Ruppersberger worked with the airlines and created "Operation Hero Miles" so the troops could fly home at no cost.
The military now pays for leave travel, so the program shifted its focus to families of the wounded.
For information on donating and ticket eligibility, visit http:// www.heromiles.org.
