LISLE, Ill., April 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, joined Bashas’ and Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families, to honor a Phoenix military family Thursday night.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5685a5ea-ba58-4e7b-a6cc-e0c23de222d4
Three-time American Country Award winner, country music singer Easton Corbin, welcomed the Six family backstage before his concert in Phoenix and surprised the family with a gift of $5,000 in free groceries at Bashas’, courtesy of Eckrich. The Six family then watched Corbin perform during the Storyteller Tour headlined by Carrie Underwood.
"This is the third time I’ve been able to surprise and thank our military families with Eckrich,” said Corbin. “This is a really special campaign and I’m really happy Eckrich asked me to a part of it. I hope the Six family enjoy their free groceries at Bashas’ from our friends at Eckrich. It’s great that we can give back to those who have sacrificed.”
Alfa Six served a combined 16 years in both the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 2012 with over 10 medals, countless ribbons and other awards. He was stationed in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, Alfa struggles with PTSD and other injuries. Alfa and his wife, Lori, have three children together. Lori serves as Alfa’s full-time caregiver.
"It's refreshing to know there are companies out there, like Eckrich, who care about and support military families," said Alfa Six. "With three growing kids, this gift of free groceries will truly help our family."
“Bashas’ is proud to be a part of honoring this family and thanking them for the sacrifices they have made for our community and our country,” said Edward Basha, President & CEO, Bashas’ Family of Stores. “We are humbled by the service of all men and women in our Armed Forces and are thrilled the Six family is being honored in such a way.”
The event is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor, thank and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront. The Six family is supported by Operation Homefront’s Hearts of Valor® program, a network of caregivers for wounded, ill or injured service members. Operation Homefront supports these caregivers through annual retreats, support groups and online communities.
Eckrich, in its fifth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, has donated more than $2 million to the organization since 2012.
“We thank Easton Corbin for helping us honor our military families,” said Chuck Gitkin, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Smithfield Foods. “We also appreciate Bashas’ partnership with us as we give a special thanks to the Six family for their sacrifice. We hope they enjoy the $5,000 in free groceries.”
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 $14 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.
About Easton Corbin
Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin is lauded for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. American Songwriter says, "Easton Corbin has one of those rare, glorious voices that was made—just made—for singing country music.” His self-titled debut album released in 2010 and spawned back-to-back hits “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It;” making him the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. In 2012 the Gilchrist County Florida native released his sophomore album, All Over The Road, which included the Top 5 hits “Lovin’ You Is Fun” and “All Over The Road.” Corbin set a career-best debut on Country Airplay with his top 5 hit single, “Baby Be My Love Song," from his No. 1 debuting album About To Get Real. His current single “Yup” is climbing the country singles chart. Corbin is currently on tour with Carrie Underwood’s The Storyteller Tour.
About Bashas’
Bashas’ Family of Stores – the family-owned grocer that operates Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Dine supermarkets – is an Arizona-based company founded by brothers Ike and Eddie Basha, Sr. With more than 100 grocery stores, it is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work in Arizona. Since the company’s inception in 1932, Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.bashas.com.