Jack Daniel's/USO "Toast To The Troops" Campaign Rolls On With Visit To Navy Pier Chicago

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jack Daniel Distillery and USO are bringing their "Toast to  the Troops" campaign to Navy Pier Chicago on June 18th, with a special "Stuffing Party" to fill 10,000 Operation USO Care Packages for our servicemen and women serving overseas.  

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

As part of the day's activities, groups of volunteers will stuff the bulk of the packages, but the famed distillery and the USO are also asking the general public to help out and stuff a bag of their own for our soldiers.  All of the packages will include a "toast" – a special message of support – for our troops. 

The daylong event will conclude with a special free and open-to-the public concert by ten year veteran and country music superstar Craig Morgan at 7:00p.m. on the East End Plaza of the Pier.  Concert attendance will be limited, and free wristband tickets will be available at the USO Navy Pier Center (700 E. Grand Ave. #105) beginning Friday, June 8th on a first come, first-served basis.

Since the first Toast to the Troops event in 2005, 15 stuffing events have been held across the country delivering more than 160,000 Operation USO Care Packages to our troops serving overseas.  The Chicago event will be only the second event held off a military installation.  In addition to the toast card message of support, the packages include items requested by service members, such as prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen, playing cards, disposable cameras and snacks.

"We're so proud of our troops and their families and hope everyone will come out, sign a toast card and stuff their care package in honor of these heroes," said Jennifer Powell, Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel's.  

"Even though more and more of our troops are coming home, there are still thousands serving our nation overseas and in harm's way," said Craig Morgan.  "We want them to know that they have our unconditional love and support, and sending them a Care Package with a special message of support means a lot.  I know - I've been there."

"This initiative is exciting for the USO of Illinois, as the Chicagoland community comes together to help deliver a touch of home from the heartland to wherever our troops are serving around the world," said Alison Ruble, President & COO. "We are especially excited to welcome Craig Morgan who has not only served so honorably in uniform, but embodies the true spirit of patriotism that we hold so dear." 

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 "Corn Star" is the follow up to Morgan's Top 15 hit and title track "This Ole Boy."  Craig received one of country music's highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. 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 began in 2003.  More information on the Operation USO Care Package program and other USO programs supporting active duty military and their families 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.

SOURCE Jack Daniel Distillery