Bass Pro Shops honors active military and veterans this November and December
Category: News Release
Nov 11th, 2015 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Nov 11th, 2015 at 12:00 AM
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bass Pro Shops is honoring the brave men and women in uniform this November and December by hosting fundraising months that invite customers to join in the cause to support two leading organizations for service members, military families, and veterans. From Nov. 11, 2015, through the end of the year, Bass Pro Shops will provide the donation program for the United Service Organizations (USO) and AMVETS at its stores across the country. Bass Pro Shops will promote these organizations and provide fundraising opportunities for them throughout the two-month period.
“Bass Pro Shops has a long history of supporting our military, veterans and our families especially through their vast amount of outreach. It is truly amazing the direct impact we are accomplishing in partnering with them,” said Stewart Hickey, AMVETS national executive director. “All proceeds derived from our partnership are used in supporting programs including Warrior Transition Workshops and our National Career Centers. Both of these programs directly assist returning veterans in overcoming issues like high unemployment rates and PTSD, enabling them to return to productive civilian lives. The effort that Bass Pro puts into their patriotic initiatives is awe inspiring, and we graciously thank them for making a difference.”
The program raises awareness and vital funds for the groups. In the last six years, Bass Pro Shops helped raise $1.5 million on behalf of these two organizations.
“When service members are far from home, the USO provides them with programs, like USO2GO, which connect them back to their loved ones,” said Kristina Griffin, USO Director of Corporate Alliances. “The items in our USO2GO kits include comforts of home, like snacks, coffee, video games and sporting goods. Support from Bass Pro Shops and their customers this holiday season will help us support our nation’s military and show them that their country appreciates their service.”
Bass Pro Shops has a history of honoring our men and women in uniform. For example, the company hosts Military Discount Days, for servicemen and women, which start the 15th of every month and last one week. During this time, active duty and retired military receive a 10 percent discount off regularly priced merchandise by presenting a valid military identification card (some exclusions apply). In November, Bass Pro Shops celebrates Veterans Day by beginning Military Discount Days on Nov. 11. To find the closest Bass Pro Shops store, visit: http://www.basspro.com/stores.
Support for military personnel is a personal passion for Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. For his contributions and support of the military, the National Infantry Foundation and the Chief of Infantry of the United States Army awarded Morris the prestigious Civil Level Order of Saint Maurice.
The USO, a private, nonprofit organization, strengthens America’s military community through programs, services and entertainment that connect them to their family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. For nearly 75 years, the USO has served the men and women in the U.S. military and their families throughout their service – from the moment they join, through their deployments and as they transition back to their communities. Over time, the USO has become the vital bridge between Americans and the men and women in uniform who serve this country.
The mission of AMVETS, which is chartered by Congress, is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American veterans who have served honorably. AMVETS also strives to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services. The helping hand that AMVETS volunteers extend to veterans and their families takes many forms.
About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 97 stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 120 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com), a leading brand of fishing boats for more than 37 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com), voted by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 50 Best Hotels for Families in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.
About the USO
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.
About AMVETS
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.AMVETS.org.