LISLE, Ill., Nov. 08, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It was the surprise of a lifetime for the Watson family of Boise, Idaho when Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, partnered with Albertsons, Operation Homefront and former Boise State football player Ian Johnson, to present the family with a brand-new SUV, courtesy of Eckrich.
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The Watsons were invited to attend a VIP breakfast before the annual Veterans Day parade in Boise when they were surprised by Johnson, a running back made famous for his winning play in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.
Johnson stepped out of the SUV, which was then presented to the family on behalf of Eckrich. As a popular athlete in Boise, Johnson was honored to help present the new SUV, decorated in the colors of Eckrich with Albertsons and Operation Homefront logos. The vehicle was later part of the parade with the Watson family.
“I am proud to partner with Eckrich to honor the Watson family,” said Johnson. “It’s amazing what Eckrich has been doing over the last four years to support military families. Joining Eckrich to honor such a deserving family is an experience I will never forget.”
The gift of a new SUV is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor, thank and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront, whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families. Eckrich, in its fourth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, has surpassed $1 million in donations since 2012.
“I’d like to thank Eckrich for all of the wonderful things that they've done for our military families,” said Bob Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, Operation Homefront. “We've had a great relationship with Eckrich over the last four years, and I can’t think of a better partner to have as Operation Homefront moves forward in our mission.”
Jannette Watson is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. She was injured during combat medic training in Texas and is currently undergoing treatment. Jannette, her husband Richard, and their four children maintain a small farm in Boise.
“Eckrich is proud to honor military families across the country,” said Chuck Gitkin, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Smithfield Foods. “We are grateful that Albertsons and Ian share our passion for giving back to such deserving families. On behalf of Eckrich, we are pleased to provide the Watson family with a new SUV in appreciation for their sacrifice.”
Eckrich is a brand of Smithfield Foods. For more information about Eckrich please visit www.eckrich.com.
About Eckrich
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.
About Operation Homefront
A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Operation Homefront has provided assistance to thousands of military families since its inception in 2002. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity watchdog groups, nationally, 92 percent of Operation Homefront’s expenditures go directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net.