Jul 3, 2014

HMSHost Quenches Troops’ Thirst This Summer With Coca-Colas Donated to USO Centers in Airports

BETHESDA, MD – Just in time for Independence Day, global restaurateur HMSHost has launched a partnership program with the United Service Organizations (USO) to support US service women and men while they are traveling through America’s busiest airports. From July 1st through September 1st (Labor Day), in coordination with Coca-Cola’s current “Share a Coke” summer program, HMSHost invites travelers across the country to thank our troops; to virtually “Share a Coke” with them by using the hashtag #HostAHero on social media sites Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google Plus. HMSHost aims to reach 100,000 uses of the hashtag, and in support will donate $25,000 toward the purchase of Coca-Colas that will refresh service women and men in over 30 USO centers in airports across the nation.

“Having a cold Coca-Cola on a hot summer day is an American tradition, but to our troops and their families, especially those far from home, these simple pleasures turn in to very special moments,” said John I. Pray, Jr., Interim President and CEO of the USO. “On behalf of the entire USO family, I’d like to thank Coca-Cola and HMSHost for helping us provide a taste of home to our troops and families as they visit USO centers around the world.”

Almost nothing is quite as refreshing as a cold Coca-Cola in summer. The taste goes so well with summer activities such as picnics and barbeques, and having a Coca-Cola is an undeniable part of Americana. Our nation’s troops and families know this well as a Coca-Cola often represents a sweet slice of home for heroic troops who are away on deployment. Of course, enjoying this slice of home in USO centers is also something troops can enjoy on a more regular basis.

“Each year, thousands of US troops visit USO centers in airports while traveling for duty. Anything we can do as a company to support the USO’s operation of airport centers that will improve the experience for every person in uniform is something we consider a very worthy cause,” said HMSHost Chief Commercial Officer and EVP Jeff Yablun. “These centers are essential comfort zones set aside for troops to relax on their journey, which is why HMSHost is proud to be able to make this donation to the USO. We are looking forward to helping the USO and our troops, as well as to seeing many patriotic conversations on social media.”

In HMSHost operated dining venues in airports and travel plazas across the country, travelers will find signage encouraging social media conversations around the heroes who are part of the lives of travelers.

The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide by providing a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases. The USO also provides critical support to those who need it most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded, ill and injured troops and their families and the families of the fallen.