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WASHINGTON D.C. (May 15, 2008) - For the rest of this year,
sitting in Shamu the killer whale's "splash zone" or talking turkey
with a big yellow bird are just two activities servicemembers and
their families can enjoy for free at Anheuser-Busch Adventure
Parks.
Through its "Here's to the Heroes" program, which began in 2005,
the brewing company is offering free tickets to its theme parks for
servicemembers and up to three family members to thank them for all
they do in service to the country.
"It's important to us for all the reasons you can probably
predict," said Fred Jacobs, vice president of communications for
Anheuser-Busch. "[This] is a great way for them to reconnect,
particularly if they've been separated."
Jacobs knows the program is living up to the company's goals
when he sees letters like one an airman wrote.
Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Huffman said in his letter that he
didn't join the service for applause or to become a hero, but is
simply serving his country as his father and grandfather did.
In his 26 years of service, Huffman said, he's seen the pendulum
of public support swing from the more negative end of the spectrum
to where it is today.
"I see the people express their support, and while I do
appreciate it, I never really gave it much thought ... until I sat
through the opening video of the whale show at Sea World," he said
in the letter to Anheuser-Busch. "There before [everyone] was your
CEO expressing his gratitude to me. Sure, it wasn't directed solely
at me, ... [but] I felt a pride in serving that I had forgotten was
in me. I had become so complacent.
"For that alone, I owe you thanks," Huffman added. "The free
admission and opportunity to enjoy some high-quality family time
was icing on the cake."
Active-duty servicemembers, activated or drilling reservists
from all five branches of service, and National Guardsmen are
eligible for the program.
All servicemembers need do is register online, print and sign
the form and bring it with them. If the form can't be printed, it
can be filled out upon arrival at the park. Every person over 10
participating in this program must present valid active-duty
military or service identification.
Each pass is valid for a one-day admission per person per year
to five of Anheuser-Busch's seven theme park brands. Visitors may
choose Sea World Orlando, San Diego or San Antonio; Busch Gardens
Tampa Bay or Williamsburg; Pennsylvania's Sesame Place; Florida's
Adventure Island; or Virginia's Water Country USA. Discovery Cove
and Aquatica parks are not included in this offer.
Anheuser-Bush is a corporate supporter of America Supports You,
a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations
with servicemembers and their families serving at home and
abroad.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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