Nov 18, 2014

HMSHost Donates $25,000 to Provide Coca-Cola Beverages to Over 30 USO Centers Across the Nation

BETHESDA, MD – Support of those who have served our country, both past and present, should continue throughout the year, even after the celebrations of our nation’s Veteran’s Day wind down. With that spirit in mind, global restaurateurHMSHost donated $25,000 to the United Service Organizations (USO), to be used to purchase Coca-Cola beverages that will refresh traveling troops in over 30 USO centers at airports across the nation. The donation comes as part of a program that HMSHost ran over the summer in coordination with Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” program.

“When troops and military families are greeted with their favorite beverage at a USO center, we hope they are reminded that our country is thankful for their service and the many sacrifices they make,” said Christy Hartsell, USO VP of Corporate Alliances. “The USO is proud to partner with HMSHost, and we know how crucial donations like this are in continuing our mission to support troops and their families, wherever they may be.”

Over the summer, HMSHost invited travelers across the country to thank our troops and virtually “Share a Coke” with them by using the hashtag #HostAHero on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+. Signage was placed in HMSHost-operated dining venues in airports and travel plazas across the country, to encourage travelers to have conversations on social media around and with the heroes who are part of their lives; fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, friends and others. Almost everyone knows someone who has been in the service. The goal of the program was to raise awareness and provide support to our troops both at home and abroad, and to provide a connection with them through social media.

For our nation’s troops, not many things represent home better than an ice-cold, refreshing Coca-Cola, which has been part of American culture since 1886. With this donation, HMSHost seeks to provide that taste of home and support our troops traveling through USO centers in America’s busiest airports.

“It’s nearly impossible to properly thank our troops for their service and sacrifices for our country. We only hope that this small gesture provides comfort and support to troops across the country as they travel on duty or on their way home,” said Jeff Yablun, Chief Commercial Officer and EVP at HMSHost. “The USO centers and the USO organization as a whole do such an amazing job of supporting our troops. We are delighted to partner with the USO, as well as Coca-Cola, on this program.”

The USO is uniquely positioned to be the only organization to support America’s military throughout their service. From the moment troops join, through their deployments and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is there for them with comforts of home in airport centers, career building workshops, family strengthening programs, caregiver support and more. For more information about the USO and to find out how you can show your support, visit www.uso.org.