BETHPAGE, N.Y., Nov. 8, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A soldier high-fiving his young son, patriotic music and a heartfelt thank you to our armed forces were all part of the images created and shared Nov. 5, when Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) sponsored Military Appreciation Night for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=11020
"We're honored to work again with the Islanders and sponsor this event," said Pat McMahon, sector vice president and division general manager, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' Battle Management and Engagement Systems. "It is so important to recognize and thank the men and women who wear the uniform of our armed services and their families for their dedication and sacrifice."
The company also invited members of the USO and the Navy Operational Support Center of Long Island to the game held at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.
"Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy have had a long history together," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Van Horn, commanding officer, Navy Operational Support Center Long Island. "This event highlights that relationship and also pays tribute to all of our service members and their families."
Dressed in WWII-era bright blue attire, country and gospel recording artist Heidi Ferren, better known to service members as "Miss USO," sang "God Bless America" during the first intermission, boosting morale for the troops and fans inside Nassau Coliseum.
In the second intermission, American Pride, an original Northrop Grumman music video was shown to the fans on the Coliseum's "jumbotron." American Pride is a patriotic video showcasing various products the company makes to support the troops.
New York Islanders Military Appreciation night is just one of many military-focused activities sponsored by Northrop Grumman. On Long Island, the company also sponsors the Long Island Ducks Military Appreciation Night, and regularly conducts USO fundraising activities for U.S. troops and their families. In September, the company hosted USO Operation Care Package, where over 10,000 care packages were assembled to be sent to deployed service members.
Northrop Grumman is a national sponsor of the USO, including its Military Bowl, which will be held Dec. 28 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The Military Bowl seeks to generate broad support for the USO, strengthen the regional economy, and honor the troops and their families. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
