18th Jack Daniel's/USO "Toast to the Troops" Care Package Stuffing Party Set For Fort Hood, TX

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Military spouses, Jack Daniel's employees and USO volunteers will come together at Fort Hood, TX, on August 28^th to stuff 7,500 Care Packages for our servicemen and women serving overseas.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110829/CL59034LOGO-a)

The Jack Daniel's/USO Care Package Stuffing Party will be the 18^th event held since the famed distillery and the USO partnered on the effort, and the third Toast event held this summer as part of the brand's "Independence" campaign.  Earlier events were held at the Chicago Navy Pier in June and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on August 7th.   

All the care packages will include a special "toast" card message of support for our troops that the distillery has been collecting throughout the summer.  The packages also include items requested by service members, such as prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen, playing cards, disposable cameras and snacks.

The daylong event will conclude with a free installation-wide concert open to military I.D. card holders and their families by Army veteran and country music superstar Craig Morgan, who has been part of every Toast event.  The concert will begin at 7:00p.m. at the Abrams Physical Fitness Center (Building 23001).  No ticket is required for admission.

"Without our military men and women, we would not be able to enjoy our freedom and independence in this great country," said Jennifer Powell, Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel's.  "The 'Toast' campaign is one way for us to let our servicemen and women know how much we support and thank them for their tremendous sacrifices made on our behalf."

"We thank Jack Daniel's for their continued support," said Kelli Seely, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the USO.  "We are delighted that Jack Daniel's employees, military spouses and volunteers are joining to collect messages of support for our service members."

"Being part of all 18 'Toast to the Troops' events has been humbling for me because I know what it means to receive a Care Package while serving overseas," said Craig Morgan.  "I also know how much these events can shine a light on the sacrifices made by military spouses and their families on the home front.  We can't wait to get to Fort Hood to let these families know how much they're loved and supported."

One of country music's best-loved artists, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits:  "Bonfire," "Almost Home," "Redneck Yacht Club," "That's What I Love About Sunday" and "International Harvester".  His latest single "More Trucks Than Cars" is a follow up to Morgan's Top 15 hit and title track, "This Ole Boy." Prior to becoming a country music and TV sensation, Craig Morgan spent over 10 years of active duty in the Army and an additional nine years in the Army Reserves.  He is an avid supporter of America's military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award.

Due to heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages addressed to "Any Service Member."  The Operation USO Care Package program is the best way to send a message of encouragement directly to troops and provide a touch of home.  The USO has distributed more than two million care packages since the program's inception in 2003.  More information on the Operation USO Care Package program and other USO programs can be found at www.uso.org.

About Jack Daniel's
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel's is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey-Based Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails. 
Jack Daniel's encourages its friends to drink responsibly.

About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. All of our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.  In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President's Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT&T, Clear Channel, The Coca-Cola Company, jcpenney, Kangaroo Express, Kroger, Lowe's, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation and TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381).  To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

SOURCE Jack Daniel’s