ATLANTA, May 4, 2022 — The Best Defense Foundation, along with title sponsor Delta Air Lines, is set to take 30 World War II veterans to Normandy for the 78th anniversary of D-Day. These veterans will participate in a nine-day experience that will feature 12 of the veterans receiving the French Legion of Honor as well as multiple parades in towns such as Sainte-Mère-Église and Carentan, a commemorative parachute jump at La Fiere and official commemoration ceremonies throughout the area.
Delta Air Lines is the presenting sponsor of this Battlefield Return Program to Normandy. They will be providing a historic charter flying the veterans directly into Deauville, Normandy. Thirty Delta veteran employees, many who served in Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Iraq and Afghanistan, will accompany the WWII veterans on the charter flight. Including volunteers from Best Defense Foundation, over 75 U.S. veterans will be traveling to Normandy.
“Around 10% of Delta’s employees are veterans, with many of them continuing to serve in the Guard or Reserves,” said Tad Hutcheson, Delta’s Managing Director of Community Engagement. “We are indebted to these heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow for the sacrifices they’ve made on behalf of our country and the world. It is our privilege to participate in this charter that celebrates and honors these veterans.”
Michelin, the leading mobility company, will be sponsoring two unique dining experiences for the veterans.
"Beyond tires, Michelin provides maps and guides that, today, enrich travels to make them unique experiences,” said David Chapman, Vice President of Government and Defense at Michelin North America, Inc. "During World War II, these guides were crucial in aiding Allied troops during the events surrounding D-Day. Michelin is proud of this support and we are deeply honored to commemorate, and show our appreciation for these veterans.”
Michelin North America has a strong relationship with current and former military members, including an employee business resource group to recognize veterans' experiences and mentor employees. The company has been named a best employer for veterans by Forbes magazine.
The celebration will begin with an opening gala in Atlanta – home of Delta, the program"s presenting sponsor. Amazon is also supporting the Atlanta-based kickoff event out of deep appreciation for the military and as part of their ongoing efforts to support military and veteran families through hiring, workforce development and community engagement.
"Amazon is proud to support the Best Defense Foundation as they honor the greatest generation on their return to the battlefields of yesterday. We owe much to their generation's sacrifice.” said John Quintas, Amazon's Director of Global Military Affairs.
CWTSatoTravel most recently signed on as a sponsor and with a 73 year tradition of providing travel services to the U.S. military, they will once again be supporting our heroes on this historic occasion. Additional sponsors include Sig Sauer and Born Primitive, which have long-standing partnerships with the Best Defense Foundation. Both have supported Best Defense Foundation as sponsors of past Battlefield Return Programs, as well as the Stronghold Transition Program, which provides newly transitioned special forces veterans with the help they need to lead a successful life after the military.
For additional sponsor opportunities and media inquiries, please contact Amanda Thompson, Best Defense Foundation via email at amanda@bdf.org.
About Best Defense Foundation
Founded by Donnie Edwards, the Best Defense Foundation"s mission is to help veterans and their families. Its efforts are funded exclusively through sponsorships, private donations, fundraising events and Edwards' own philanthropy and generosity. A cornerstone of the Foundation is a commitment to bring WWII veterans back to their battlefields to help them find closure and camaraderie with their brothers-in-arms and celebrate their acts of heroism and sacrifice all those years ago. Since 2018, the Foundation has provided "Battlefield Return” programs to Iwo Jima, Belgium, the Eagle"s Nest, Guam, Tinian and Saipan, Normandy and Germany. Learn more about BDF’s programs at www.bdf.org.
About Delta Air Lines
More than 4,000 Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) flights take off every day, connecting people across more than 275 destinations on six continents with award-winning operational excellence, customer service, safety and innovation. As the leading global airline, Delta's mission is to create opportunities, foster understanding and expand horizons by connecting people and communities to each other and their potential.
Delta believes social responsibility lies at the intersection of our values and expertise, which is why we return 1% of the company's annual profits to the communities where we live, work and serve. Even more importantly, Delta people are making a difference in their communities by devoting their time and talents to a wide array of Delta's non-profit and charitable partners.
Connect with Delta on Delta News Hub, delta.com, via @DeltaNewsHub on Twitter and
Facebook.com/delta.
About Michelin North America Inc.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels, and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide variety of industries – from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 22,500 employees and operates 34 production
facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)
About Amazon Global Military
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth"s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth"s Best Employer, and Earth"s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
Photos courtesy of Austin Bishop and the Best Defense Foundation.