"Pizzas 4 Patriots" Initiative To Support U.S. Troops At Super Bowl Celebrations Overseas

Plantation, Fla. and Chicago, Ill -- DHL Provides Delivery to Lift Spirits of US Troops in the Middle East

DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company, with the support of a local Chicago-area business and community members will deliver thousands of freshly frozen pizzas to U.S. servicemen and women serving throughout Iraq and Afghanistan in time for Super Bowl XLIII celebrations.

In 2008 a suburban Chicago Veteran, MSgt. Mark Evans, was inspired by his son’s idea to send thousands of pizza’s to the troops in time for July 4th celebrations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year he’s continuing his family’s mission by organizing the delivery of more than 2,000 pizzas for Super Bowl celebrations. Evans collected enough donations to purchase all of the pizzas, provided below cost by Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria of Northbrook Illinois.

DHL, which flies directly to many of the U.S. bases in Iraq, has agreed to donate its shipping services for delivery of the pizzas.

Thousands of pizza’s packaged in temperature-controlled containers will be picked up Friday, January 23, at Lou Malnati¿s Pizzeria, and loaded onto DHL trucks. The shipment will fly from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York directly to the Middle East, with delivery to military bases just in time for Super Bowl celebrations.

"As a retired member of the military, I appreciate the support of the local community and DHL helping bring reminders of home to our U.S. troops stationed thousands of miles away" said Ret. Sgt. Mark Evans. "The reactions we have received by families, friends of the military and the troops themselves about this initiative have been heartwarming"

DHL was the first international air express carrier to provide service to Iraq and Afghanistan following the lifting of sanctions and now operates the most extensive logistics service into these countries.

"As the specialists in international shipping, DHL is honored to leverage its global network and transport this shipment to lift the spirits of our servicemen and women based in the Middle East" said Adrian Watts, Managing Director U.S. Government Sales and Support for DHL Express. "It’s part of our ongoing efforts to support our troops, and honor our U.S. servicemen and women who help keep us all safe"

About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.

DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL’s international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Some 300,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers’ expectations.

Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than 63 billion euros (more than $93 billion) in 2007. For more information on DHL, please visit www.dhl.com.

About Pizzas 4 Patriots
Pizzas 4 Patriots is a non-profit organization with the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of our service men and women. We proudly support those patriots presently serving, as well as our wounded Veterans. It is our goal to provide our Armed Forces with unique gifts from home. We have been fortunate to receive donations, ranging from financial to products and services, from individuals, families, corporations, and other organizations, all wanting to show appreciation for the sacrifice of our brave troops. Our goal is to bring a little bit of home to the troops, and show them that they are supported by the country and residents who enjoy the freedoms that they provide for us.

For more information on our programs, please visit: www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.

Video, photo and interview opportunities available:
Location: Lou Malnati¿s, 3685 Woodhead Drive, Northbrook, Ill 60062
Date: Friday, January 23, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM


Source: webwire.com