Naval Station Norfolk Next Up for Jack Daniel's/USO "Toast to the Troops" Program

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 150 military spouses, sailors and USO volunteers will join forces to assemble thousands of Operation USO Care Packages on Friday, December 16th at Naval Station Norfolk. The event will be the 15th Jack Daniel's USO Toast to the Troops stuffing party, and will be followed by a free concert by Army veteran and country music star Craig Morgan. 

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 14 other "stuffing parties," headlined by Craig Morgan, 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 15th Toast to the Troops stuffing party will continue the tradition of having a "thank you" barbecue for the stuffing party volunteers followed by a free base-wide concert headlined by Morgan. 

"All of us at Jack Daniel's honor and support our nation's servicemen and women, and we are very excited to bring our Toast to the Troops program to the  largest naval base in the world," said Jennifer Powell, Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel's. "We 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 support to our military community."

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.  

"Jack Daniels continues to be a fantastic friend to the USO," said Kelli Seely, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. "Since 2005, these events have proven an opportunity for the community to demonstrate their support for our nation's men and women in uniform."

Ten-year Army veteran Craig Morgan has been a part of all 14 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'm honored to have been 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 appreciate their efforts." 

The stuffing party will begin at 1:00 p.m. on December 16th adjacent to Devary Theater; the concert will get underway at 7:00 p.m. in the theater and is open to anyone with base access. 

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 newest single "This Ole Boy," is climbing the country radio charts in advance of his sixth studio album releasing in 2012. Craig received one of country music's highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. In addition to his career as a country music superstar, Craig is also a celebrated TV personality as the host of "Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors," currently in its second season on The Outdoor Channel. 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. 

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, 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.

SOURCE Jack Daniel's