Air Force Lt. Stephen Braddy, with his
son Timothy, receives a one-flipper salute from Shamu the
killer whale for being the 100,000th military guest at
SeaWorld Orlando through Operation Salute, Sept. 5. The
program provides free park admission to military members
and their families. Photo by Chris Gotshall, courtesy of
SeaWorld Orlando |
On Sept. 5, Air Force Lt. Stephen Braddy became the
100,000th military guest to visit SeaWorld Orlando through
the program. And although unable to give updated numbers
about just how many additional service members have visited
the parks, an Anheuser-Busch official said it has been "a
lot."
Anheuser-Busch launched Operation Salute in May to honor
military members for their role in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"It is our privilege to offer our parks to the men and
women of our armed forces and their families," said Patrick
Stokes, president and chief executive officer of Anheuser-
Busch. "It is a small gesture of thanks for the hardships
endured every day by our soldiers and those closest to
them," he added.
"The men and women in our armed forces have made tremendous
sacrifices, risking their lives and being separated from
their families during the war," agreed August A. Busch III,
chairman of Anheuser-Busch. "We wanted to express our deep
gratitude for their service, and this gives those who serve
and their families some needed relaxation and enjoyment."
The free admission is offered to all active duty military,
ready and standby reservists, U.S. Coast Guardsmen,
National Guardsmen, coalition forces serving with U.S.
troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom and foreign military
personnel servicing with U.S. units.
Up to four of the service member's immediate family members
also qualify for free admission tickets through the
program, even if the service member is unable to accompany
them.
To get the free tickets, requesters must visit their local
morale, welfare and recreation ticket office to get an
application form. Completed forms are redeemable at park
ticket windows. Military identification cards are required.
As an extension of the program, Anheuser-Busch recently
announced plans to donate its nonalcohol brews -- O'Doul's
and O'Doul's Amber -- to service members in Iraq and
Afghanistan. The company also will donate its 180 Energy
Drink and 180 Sport vitamin-enhanced water and more than
18,000 pieces of sporting equipment.
Anheuser-Busch also donated $1 million to create the
Intrepid/Anheuser-Busch Fallen Heroes Fund, which will
provide scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. and
coalition forces killed during the war in Iraq. The company
also is matching its employees' contributions to the United
Service Organizations through Veterans Day.
"Operation Salute is exactly what we mean at the USO when
we talk about the incredible power of 'Thank You,'" said
Edward A. Powell, USO president and chief executive
officer. "It is an extraordinary example of a company's
recognition of the sacrifices our military makes on behalf
of all Americans."
Anheuser-Busch officials the company has a 150-year history
of supporting the U.S. armed forces. Nearly 1 million
service members and their families visited the company's
parks without charge following the first Gulf War and
during the Anheuser-Busch Salute to America's Heroes, a 9-
11 tribute that included all branches of the U.S. military.
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