Budweiser teams up with the USO in new program

ST. LOUIS With the help of nearly 3,000 soldiers stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Budweiser announced a partnership with the United Service Organizations to honor the men and women of America’s Armed Forces through the Proud to Serve Those Who Serve program.

As part of the program, Budweiser and its wholesalers will donate $250,000 in May and June to the USO’s Operation Enduring Care program, which was created to meet the recovery needs of wounded service members and their families. The donation will help fund the development of two wounded warrior centers at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Va. The centers will integrate programs, community services and recreation space, alongside government provided nonmedical services, creating a centralized location for innovative, state-of-the-art warrior care.

In line with the partnership, NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne joined representatives from the USO and Fort Hood to announce the donation program and unveil a special Armed Forces paint scheme on the No. 9 Budweiser Ford that will run at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 30 and at Daytona International Speedway on July 3.

“'The Great American Lager' has supported America’s Armed Forces for more than a century, from producing diesel engines for Navy Submarines during World War I to the ‘Here’s to the Heroes’ tour in 2005,” said Dave Peacock, president, Anheuser-Busch. “With the help of our wholesalers and the No. 9 Budweiser Ford team, we’re proud to contribute to the USO’s invaluable services for troops and their families.”