Entering its second year, the program provides a unique opportunity for people to send hand-written postcards to “any service member” stationed worldwide. Beginning today, people are encouraged to write messages of support on pre-addressed postcards, which are available through VAULT displays at convenience retail outlets and on VAULT standees in grocery stores where VAULT is sold. They also are available at VAULT-sponsored events and on MyCokeRewards.com, while supplies last. Consumers can provide postage and easily drop the postcards in the mail for delivery to a USO collection center for screening before being distributed to U.S. troops.

“Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for all Americans to recognize the special contributions and sacrifices made by U.S. troops, especially during this time of the year,” said Neil Golson, VAULT Brand Manager, Coca-Cola North America. “These messages will go a long way in bringing comfort and lifting the spirits of our troops, especially those who are a world away from home.”

In addition to boosting morale through the postcard program, VAULT is asking consumers to contribute to the USO by donating their own MyCokeRewards points, which translate to cash for the organization. MyCokeRewards points, found under caps and on packaging of more than 60 products from Coca-Cola North America, can be redeemed at MyCokeRewards.com to donate funds that help support the continuing efforts of the USO to provide a home away from home to U.S. troops wherever they serve.

Sandy Douglas, President, Coca-Cola North America, recently presented $100,000 from last year’s campaign to Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO, during a special performance by Montgomery Gentry at The Tabernacle Concert Hall in Atlanta. The concert served as the kickoff of “The Uniform of Heroes: The Taste of Support” campaign.

“We’re proud to continue the effort to support our U.S. troops, and it’s exciting to partner with VAULT on this important campaign once again,” said Troy Gentry. “VAULT and the USO have created a great way to spread goodwill and offer our thanks to the brave men and women serving our country. We hope thousands of people will get involved again this year.”

“Corporate partnerships, like the one we have enjoyed with Coca-Cola for 68 years, are the lifeblood of the USO, and programs like VAULT’s ‘The Uniform of Heroes: The Taste of Support’ make an enormous difference to the troops who defend our nation,” said Gibson. “We’re very pleased to work with VAULT and Montgomery Gentry again in generating awareness and delivering much-appreciated thoughts and well-wishes for U.S. troops worldwide.”

Background on Operation USO Care Package program:
The Operation USO Care Package program began in 2003 and has assembled more than 1.6 million care packages. The USO sends approximately 25,000 packages a month to deployed service members. With the help of the USO at this service event, all guests will be packing 3,000 care packages that will be sent to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stage participants:
· Art Rooney II
· Coach Mike Tomlin
· Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes
· Team Captains Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, James Farrior and Jeff Reed

Expected attendees include:
· Pittsburgh Steelers and their staff
· Over 50 Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda)
· Secretary Vilsack
· Secretary Shinseki
· Senator Bob Casey
· Senator Arlen Specter
· Members of the House of Representatives
· Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
· PA County Executive Dan Onorato