Quinn Asks Illinoisans To Support Veteran Programs

Updated: 12/19/10 3:24 p.m.

CHICAGO (AP) ― Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn wants Illinois residents to donate their frequent flyer miles to members of the military.

Quinn said Sunday that the Operation Hero Miles program lets military families visit wounded service members recovering in hospitals around the world. The governor says the program is "especially important" during the holidays.

The program also provides airplane tickets to service members so they can travel home on medical leave. The governor's office says the program has provided more than 20,000 donated tickets worth $27 million.

Quinn also highlighted a scratch-off lottery ticket called Veterans Cash and the Illinois Military Family Relief fund.

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