If anyone's interested, here is bbinchi's link from last year on starting the pins: http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ft...ML/006781.html


http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ft...ML/006522.html

bbinchi posted 11-14-2001 11:29 PM:
Thought I would share this with all of you here. I wrote to both Mike Gunn and Dan Garton about a suggestion for a program that could allow us to visibly show our support for American Airlines. The bulk of my original note appears directly below; the replies I received follow. I trust that neither of the gentlemen who replied will object to my posting their comments here.
First, my original note:

Mr. Michael W. Gunn
Executive V.P.
Marketing and Planning
AMR Corp.

Mr. Dan P. Garton
Executive V.P.
Customer Service
AMR Corp.

Dear Messrs. Gunn and Garton,

Let me say first that everyone at American Airlines is in my thoughts and prayers following the tragic events of the past two months. Please know that I share your sadness and concerns.

Recently (Nov. 9 & 10) I flew American Airlines ORD-SHV-ORD (with conex in DFW) and saw something truly inspiring while in the Terminal A, Gate 2 departure area for American Eagle flights on Friday morning. Many of the employees were sporting large, rectangular buttons that said "Proud to be American." I have since learned that these buttons were supplied to all American Airlines employees by the Coca-Cola Company.

How about a variation on that theme to help your loyal customers demonstrate their support for the airline they love the most? Why not find a way to have some buttons made with the slogan "Proud to Fly AAmerican" so that we can show we are not only willing to fly during these difficult times but we will fly American Airlines, a company that has treated us well and one that we want to support going forward.

I realize there would be production and distribution costs involved but perhaps you could find an organization or corporation willing to partner with you in this effort or perhaps you could barter with a manufacturer to produce the buttons. Frankly, I would gladly pay for mine. What do you think? Let's do it! I want to wear my button proudly when I fly!

With my thanks for your time and attention and with sincere best wishes,

bbinchi

Within a few hours I received a brief reply from Mr. Garton, who thanked me for my loyalty and support but did not comment specifically on my proposal.

Later, I received the following note:

Mr. bbinchi,

Thanks for taking the time to write Messrs. Gunn and Garton, for your idea, for your pride in our company, and for your support. We never take it for granted.

Your idea has merit and I plan to discuss it here -- perhaps we could try an experiment.

Thanks again.

Rob Britton, Managing Director, Advertising and Marketing Planning
American Airlines
Fort Worth, Texas USA

It was very kind of both gentlemen to reply to my note ... I hope they can pull this off!

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