Commissaries honor Vietnam vets with special events

by Sallie Cauthers
DeCA marketing and mass communication specialist

10/17/2013 - FORT LEE, Va. -- During the Veterans Day holiday weekend, commissaries worldwide will honor all veterans, particularly those who served during the Vietnam War, with commemorative events, special sales promotions, giveaways and food demos.

The tribute to Vietnam-era veterans is linked to the introduction of the 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemoration Flag, said Rogers E. Campbell, DeCA's executive director of Sales, Marketing and Policy.

"The flag recognizes the service, valor and sacrifice of our military members who made it possible for America to remain strong and safe as a defender of democracy worldwide," Campbell said. "We hope that every time a Vietnam War veteran and their family sees this flag, they will know that a grateful nation remembers, thanks and honors them."

In addition to commemorative events in the stores, commissary customers will find discounts on name-brand items thanks to special promotions that run from Oct. 24 to Nov. 13. Throughout this promotional period, DeCA's industry partners - vendors, suppliers and brokers - are collaborating with commissaries to offer discounts beyond everyday savings.

Companies participating in this super sale include: Lipton, Bertolli, Hellman's, Breyers, Dove, AXE, Country Crock, Kraft Foods, Healthy Choice Frozen Foods, Marie Callenders, Hunts, Gatorade, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, Aunt Jemima, Smuckers', Martha White, Kellogg's, General Mills, Mid-Valley Produce, Ocean Spray, Hormel, Campbell Soup and Del Monte.

"It is with great honor that your local commissary serves our nation's veterans with dignity and gratitude for everything they have done to keep our country safe," Campbell said. "We cannot thank the Vietnam War veterans and all war veterans enough for what they have done for our country, our Constitution and our families."

Customers are asked to check their local commissary for dates and times for the commemorative events and for the specific sales events offered at their store.