America Supports You: Anheuser-Busch Offers Free Theme Park Admission

America Supports You ^ | Samantha L. Quigley

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, 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.

Related Sites:
Here’s to the Heroes
America Supports You

[PurpleMan]

America Supports You.

Isn’t that the group that’s head is under criminal investigation for:
1) circumventing the Federal Acquisitions Regulations and other fiscal laws by using Stripes as a conduit to fund America Supports You

2) Issuing contracts for America Supports You without legal reviews and other required procedures.

3) Issuing contracts for America Supports You violated rules governing the use of nonappropriated funds, which require such money to be spent to benefit Stripes.

4) Sole-sourcing a contract to a public relations firm headed by a friend of without any competition or market analysis.

5) Has a whistle blower complaint against her.

That knucklehead makes Ron Brown look like Mother Teresa.

[lesser_satan]

Makes me proud to be a Michelob drinker!

[irishtenor]

Don’t forget the “Hospitality Center” where they give you free beer!!!!!

[!1776!]

America Supports You.

Isn’t that the group that’s head is under criminal investigation for:

{snip}

Not sure, don't know the background of the group or whether you have a history of being opposed or pissed at them.

Do know that I took my family to Sea World in San Diego and was impressed with their tribute to the brave men and women who protect our Constitution and Nation.

I've seen tokens here and there before, and given what our men and women and uniform are doing, this is only a token also, but it was the best I've seen yet.

Maybe there is a bad apple somewhere in the group, they do show up here and there, even in good organizations with good goals, and in general with a good track record.

It would be a shame to denigrate a company for doing the right thing and making at least some effort to make recognizing the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and their families because of some generalized association with a group that may or may not (innocent until proven guilty?) have warts.

What's the other option - wait for perfection and show no gratitude?

I was very pleased, and happy my children could see the respectful recognition of our servicemembers. Congratulations to AB for doing so when so many others won't.

For those that want to denigrate a public showing of such respect, I guess I don't know what to say...

[C19fan]

Quite right about Sea World. Before the Shamu show starts one of the killer whale trainers asks active and retired service members to stand up. Gets a big applause.

Ditto on the free beer!!!

[ryan71]

Busch Gardens in Tampa is awesome! Sheikra is Florida's best coaster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Wx_CeaZU0

[ryan71]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btseZtARlZE&feature=related

[SandRat]

By a former AFIS General Counsel Diane Beaver (low life Lawyer)

[TornadoAlley3]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VsSiB2ZqhY

[PurpleMan]

Looks like low life lawyer vs.a low life political appointee. (Both females, too. Dare we say “cat fight?”

Provides great entertainment

[SandRat]

Hiss! Rharrrrrrrrrrr! Pfffffft!