As a documented narcissist, it's rare that I write about something that doesn't involve me. It's hard to see outside the beautiful, well-coiffed, and structurally sound box that is Echowood. But once in a while, an organization comes along that should be mentioned, praised, and appreciated for the good work they're doing. I'm speaking about Operation Homefront. The fine folks at Jim Beam introduced me to the organization, which provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home, this week and I was blown away. We rightly concentrate on our troops overseas, but forget about the multiples of people they're leaving behind here. Luckily, Operation Homefront was set up to assist these families and help out returning soldiers. And they're taking it one step further. Today Jim Beam is kicking off "Salute Soldiers with the Spirit of America," a program designed to welcome home the troops returning from tours of duty, support those still on duty overseas, and give service members and their friends memorable experiences throughout the year.
As part of the program, Jim Beam has launched a contest in which those of legal drinking age may nominate service members who are 21 years of age or older for a chance to win VIP, legendary experiences at a high-profile sporting or music event. To help announce the contest, Jim Beam and military charity Operation Homefront have teamed up and invited select soldiers and their buddies to experience the biggest football game of the year in person, and to provide an example of the types of VIP packages contest entrants will have the opportunity to win. For more information on this contest, keep reading!
Through June 21, friends and families of the troops can submit nominations of up to 250 words, in English, at www.jimbeam.com or the Jim Beam Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/jimbeam) describing why their friend or family member in the military deserves to be honored by Jim Beam.
The Grand Prize winners and their nominees will receive special treatment and exclusive access to one of the following events:
Jim Beam is initiating the opportunity for troops to experience these extraordinary events with a trip to the biggest football game of the year. The participating soldiers, nominated randomly through Operation Homefront, were selected to help announce the contest based on their character, integrity and desire to bond with a friend/family member at the game.
"At Jim Beam we want to ensure that returning soldiers' welcome home is not only memorable, but that it includes exciting experiences shared with family and friends," said Kelly Doss, senior director of bourbon and whiskeys, Beam Global. "By giving returning soldiers the chance to enjoy great times with loved ones we hope they'll learn just how much we appreciate the sacrifices they've made on America's behalf."
Jim Beam will continue its commitment to Operation Homefront, as well, with an initial donation this year of $150,000 to the organization. Most recently Jim Beam distributed 50,000 cases of a commemorative Operation Homefront bottle to help raise awareness of the organization. To learn more about the Jim Beam relationship with Operation Homefront, please visit www.jimbeam.com/partnerships/operation-homefront.
"Opportunities like this mean a lot to our troops, who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf," said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of Operation Homefront. "As part of Team USA, they love being able to cheer on the teams at the biggest football game of the year! I applaud Jim Beam for its steadfast support of our nation's military."
I had the distinct opportunity to meet with Army Captain Joel Arends about Operation Homefront and the contest and it's great to hear first-hand the success (and good deeds) it's doing. I asked Capt. Arends what the troops like to receive from people back home, and he said "A simple thanks." He was humble and I was greatly impressed.
So there you have it. We all know someone who is a soldier, or a family with a member deployed overseas. Start nominating! Support the troops and their families! And hopefully give some select members of our military the chance to experience some amazing events.
Jim Beam is committed to social responsibility and advises legal purchase age consumers to drink smart®. Through drinksmart.com, Beam Global educates legal purchase age consumers about how to make responsible choices about alcohol.
The Grand Prize winners and their nominees will receive special treatment and exclusive access to one of the following events:
- The famous thoroughbred stakes race at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2010 as well as a visit to the Jim Beam distillery and a VIP bourbon tasting and meal with Fred Noe, seventh-generation Jim Beam distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam.
- The final two days of a major golf championship at Pebble Beach on June 19 and 20, 2010.
- A home game for a professional baseball team on Chicago's South Side on July 10, 2010.
- A Kid Rock concert and the opportunity to meet Kid Rock in 2010.
Jim Beam is initiating the opportunity for troops to experience these extraordinary events with a trip to the biggest football game of the year. The participating soldiers, nominated randomly through Operation Homefront, were selected to help announce the contest based on their character, integrity and desire to bond with a friend/family member at the game.
"At Jim Beam we want to ensure that returning soldiers' welcome home is not only memorable, but that it includes exciting experiences shared with family and friends," said Kelly Doss, senior director of bourbon and whiskeys, Beam Global. "By giving returning soldiers the chance to enjoy great times with loved ones we hope they'll learn just how much we appreciate the sacrifices they've made on America's behalf."
Jim Beam will continue its commitment to Operation Homefront, as well, with an initial donation this year of $150,000 to the organization. Most recently Jim Beam distributed 50,000 cases of a commemorative Operation Homefront bottle to help raise awareness of the organization. To learn more about the Jim Beam relationship with Operation Homefront, please visit www.jimbeam.com/partnerships/operation-homefront.
"Opportunities like this mean a lot to our troops, who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf," said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of Operation Homefront. "As part of Team USA, they love being able to cheer on the teams at the biggest football game of the year! I applaud Jim Beam for its steadfast support of our nation's military."
I had the distinct opportunity to meet with Army Captain Joel Arends about Operation Homefront and the contest and it's great to hear first-hand the success (and good deeds) it's doing. I asked Capt. Arends what the troops like to receive from people back home, and he said "A simple thanks." He was humble and I was greatly impressed.
So there you have it. We all know someone who is a soldier, or a family with a member deployed overseas. Start nominating! Support the troops and their families! And hopefully give some select members of our military the chance to experience some amazing events.
Jim Beam is committed to social responsibility and advises legal purchase age consumers to drink smart®. Through drinksmart.com, Beam Global educates legal purchase age consumers about how to make responsible choices about alcohol.
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