FORT BRAGG, N.C. (May 25, 2013) – America’s most iconic beer paid tribute to America’s heroes on Thursday, as Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, made a special visit with military men and women stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Folds of Honor Foundation founder Major Dan Rooney and Rocky Sickmann, director of military sales for Anheuser-Busch and retired U.S. Marines Sergeant, joined Harvick at Fort Bragg while he visited the Warrior Transition Battalion’s (WTB) Soldier and Family Assistance Center. The Fort Bragg Warrior Transition Battalion provides command and control, primary care and case management for warriors who have suffered injury or illness while serving as a member of the U.S. Army.
“I’m always at a loss for words for how to express my utmost gratitude to the men and women who serve our country,” Harvick said. “I know the entire NASCAR community is behind me when I say I can’t thank these individuals enough for their dedication and service. Freedom isn’t free. It’s because of them that we can enjoy even the simplest things in life.”
While at Fort Bragg Harvick presented the installation with the firesuit he wore while driving the No. 29 Budweiser Armed Forces Chevrolet to victory in the 2011 Coca-Cola 600. The firesuit was accepted by Major Jason Todd of the WTB on behalf of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) group.
Harvick’s visit to Fort Bragg was a part of Budweiser’s “Red, White and Blue Summer” initiative, which benefits Folds of Honor Foundation. Since 2010, Anheuser-Busch has raised more than $5 million for the Folds of Honor Foundation and provided more than 1,000 scholarships to the families of soldiers killed or disabled in service. From May 5 to July 4, 2013, with every purchase of Budweiser, the King of Beers will make a donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation up to $1.5 million*.
“Having Kevin Harvick at Fort Bragg to say thank you to the men and women who serve our country was great to witness,” said Sickmann. “Any time we can give back to those who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom, it’s an honor.
“Budweiser has been a proud supporter of America’s Armed Forces for more than 150 years through various programs. The Folds of Honor Foundation gives back to military families through scholarships and other assistance and we’re proud to help those efforts.”
Budweiser’s commitment to the Folds of Honor Foundation is an example of the brand’s continued support of America’s Armed Forces.
“The soldiers we met at Fort Bragg were inspiring,” said Rooney. “Their selfless dedication to serving our country is just amazing and serves as a reminder of why the Folds of Honor Foundation is working so hard to ensure no family is left behind in the fight to preserve American freedom.
“The support of companies like Budweiser allows us to do all that we can to aid the families of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country. Without their assistance we couldn’t help provide healing, hope and an opportunity for dreams to be realized.”
This weekend Harvick’s No. 29 Budweiser Folds of Honor Chevrolet will sport a special patriotic paint scheme that reflects Budweiser’s limited-edition red, white and blue packaging and features the Folds of Honor Foundation on the rear deck lid and TV panel in Sunday’s 600-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
About Anheuser-Busch
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 47.7 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers. The company brews Budweiser and Bud Light, two of the world’s largest-selling beers. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.
About Folds of Honor
FHF was founded in May 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 Fighter Pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, PGA Professional, and USGA member. A decorated military pilot, Maj. Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq. It was after his second tour, while a passenger on a commercial flight, that Maj. Rooney witnessed an event that would profoundly change his life. As the plane landed, the pilot announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an American hero on board – Corporal Brock Bucklin. And his twin brother, Corporal Brad Bucklin, is accompanying him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while Cpl. Bucklin’s family receives him in his final homecoming.” Maj. Rooney watched through the window of the plane as the flag-draped casket was lowered. He saw a family waiting for Brock, and a little four-year old boy waiting for his father. This tragic homecoming inspired Maj. Rooney to create the Folds of Honor Foundation. To learn more about FHF, visit www.foldsofhonor.org.
*Budweiser and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation will donate 2 cents per case of Budweiser sold, May 5 - July 4, 2013, with a maximum donation of $1.5 million to the Folds of Honor Foundation.