Eglin Air Force Base Next Up for Jack Daniel's/USO "Toast to the Troops" Program

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida will be the site of the next Jack Daniel's/USO "Toast to the Troops" event on April 15th as military spouses, USO volunteers and others will assemble thousands of Operation USO Care Packages for our troops serving overseas.

Since 2005, the Jack Daniel Distillery has been collecting personal messages of support in the form of "toasts" to include in USO care packages, and has hosted 13 other "stuffing parties" at military installations across the country.  More than 150,000 care packages have been sent to our troops through the "Toast to the Troops" program.

The 14th "Toast to the Troops" stuffing party will continue the tradition of having a "thank you" barbecue for all the package stuffing volunteers followed by a free base-wide concert headlined by country music star and Army veteran Craig Morgan.  

"All of us at Jack Daniel's honor and support our nation's servicemen and women," said Jennifer Powell, Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel's.  "We also recognize and sincerely appreciate the sacrifices made by the spouses and families of our military heroes.  The Toast program is just one way for us to show our love and support to those who truly deserve it."

The Operation USO Care Packages, sponsored for $25 each, include items requested by service members, such as prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen, playing cards, disposable cameras and snacks.  The packages are being assembled for troops deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations, as well as troops arriving and departing on rest and recuperation (R&R) flights.  

"We thank Jack Daniel's for their continued support," said Elaine Rogers, president and CEO of the USO of Metropolitan Washington, which administers the Operation USO Care Package program.  "Since 2005, these events have been an excellent opportunity for local communities to demonstrate their support for our men and women in uniform and their families."  

Ten-year Army veteran Craig Morgan has been a part of all 13 previous Jack Daniel's/USO "Toast to the Troops" events dating back to 2005.  He is a recipient of the USO Merit Award and has made nine overseas trips to entertain our U.S. troops.

"I've been honored to be part of the Toast to the Troops program since it began six years ago and it's always inspiring for me to perform for our troops and their families," said Morgan.  "I know how much it means to receive a care package out in the field and to know that you are supported.  Our troops, their spouses and families sacrifice so much, and I'm glad to get the chance to let them know how much we value their efforts."    

One of country music's best-loved artists, 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" (Billboard's most-played country songs of the year in 2005) and "International Harvester."  Craig received one of country music's highest honors when was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.  Prior to becoming a country music star, Craig Morgan spent more than 10 years of active duty in the Army and additional years in the Army Reserves.  Adding to his diverse list of talents, Morgan is also the host of "Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors," the Outdoor Channel's #1 rated Saturday morning hunting show.

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, 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.  Based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery 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 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, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services.  We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency.  We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners: American Airlines, AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. 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 www.uso.org.

Contact:  Jill Meyer (615) 780-3397
Eglin AFB Contact:
Lois Walsh  (850) 882-5987

SOURCE Jack Daniel's