Monday, September 15, 2008

America Supports You: Distillery, USO to Host 'Toast to Troops'

By Sharon Foster
Special to American Forces Press Service

Sept. 15, 2008 - The Jack Daniel distillery and United Service Organizations will enlist the help of
military spouses and other volunteers to assemble 10,000 Operation USO care packages at a "stuffing party" Sept. 18 at Fort Bragg, NC. The event – called "Toast to the Troops" - will include a barbecue for volunteers and guests and a special celebration concert by country music star and Army veteran Craig Morgan, who served 11 years on active duty and another six years in the Army Reserve.

Since 2005, the distillery has been collecting personal messages of support in the form of "toasts" to include in USO care packages. The distillery has hosted seven other stuffing parties at
military installations across the country.

The 10,000 care packages will include prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen and other items specifically requested by deployed servicemembers.

Morgan has performed at every Jack Daniel and USO "Toast to the Troops" event. He also has entertained troops in Iraq on the USO's Sergeant Major of the
Army holiday tour.

In 2006, Morgan received the USO Merit Award, presented by the USO of Metropolitan Washington.

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