7,500 USO Care Packages Will be Stuffed for Service Members
By Volunteers and General Public; Free Concert by Army Vet Craig Morgan
A dedicated group of military spouses, USO volunteers and Jack Daniel’s employees and friends will stuff the bulk of the care packages from 2 p.m.-6 p.m., but the famed distillery is asking the general public to stop by The Jacksonville Landing from 11 a.m-6 p.m. to stuff a bag of their own. Each care package will include a “toast” card – a personal message of support for our troops.
The stuffing lines will be located on Hogan Street between The Landing and Times-Union Center building. All supplies for the care packages will be provided.
Following the care package stuffing, a free and open-to-the-public concert will be held by ten-year Army veteran and country music superstar Craig Morgan at 7 p.m. in The Landing’s Courtyard. (The Landing is a non-ticketed venue and is standing room only. Chairs, coolers, cans, bottles and glass are not allowed on the property).
Since the first Toast to the Troops event in 2005, 18 stuffing events have been held across the country delivering more than 165,000 Operation USO Care Packages to our troops serving overseas. 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.
“Jack Daniel’s has a long and proud history of supporting our military, and we’re happy to bring this event to Jacksonville,” said Jennifer Powell, Senior Brand Manager for Jack Daniel’s. “We hope our friends in the area will stop by during the day to stuff their own care package and let our nation’s heroes serving in harms’ way know how much they are loved and supported.”
“I’ve said it before, but being part of every Toast event over the past eight years has been a really rewarding experience for me,” said Craig Morgan. “Our nation’s service members and their families sacrifice so much for us on a daily basis and I hope everyone will come out and join us for what promises to be a great day to honor and support these heroes.”
“For so many of our troops serving overseas this summer these care packages will serve as a touch of home and a ‘thank you’ on behalf of so many Americans,” said Kelli Seely, USO Senior Vice President of Development and Chief Development Officer. “Thank you to the volunteers, Jack Daniels’ employees, and the public for their support of this event and our troops.”
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,” “International Harvester” and "This Ole Boy," the title track to his latest album. The project boasted a Top 5 album debut on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. He's just released the soulful single "Wake Up Lovin' You" from a new album due later this year on Black River Entertainment. 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, he 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
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