Cheerwine donating drinks to pre-Super Bowl party at Walter Reed

Published 12:00 am Friday, January 30, 2009

As part of its ongoing support for American troops, Salisbury-based Cheerwine is donating more than 300 soft drinks to the annual pre-Super Bowl party at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
The 82nd Airborne Division Wounded Warrior Committee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the injured soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division at North Carolina’s Fort Bragg, is host for the party.
“Cheerwine is grateful to be part of an effort to help wounded soldiers and work with a committee that supports the military,” said Tom Barbitta, vice president of marketing for Cheerwine.
The 82nd Airborne Division Wounded Warrior Committee, a subcommittee of the All-American Strategic Response Force Association (AASRF), holds fundraisers and takes donations to provide supplies and support to wounded soldiers.
Members of the committee regularly visit seriously wounded soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, Ft. Bragg’s Womack Army Medical Center in North Carolina, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center to bring them the supplies they request.
Wesley Bauguess, president of the Wounded Warrior Committee, and Maj. Virginia McCabe are planning this year’s Super Bowl Party at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Wesley accepted the position as president in honor of her late husband, Major Larry Bauguess, Jr., who died in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007.
His enthusiasm for the 82nd Airborne Division inspires her dedication to supporting Ft. Bragg’s injured soldiers.
“We love our soldiers,” Bauguess said. “Through Cheerwine’s generous donation, we can make this event even better.”
The party will be held for wounded service members from all branches at Walter Reed in the Malone House. Festivities will include food, Cheerwine and entertainment from the 82nd Division All American Chorus and the Redskin Cheerleaders.
E-mail the Wounded Warriors Committee at woundedwarriorcommittee@yahoo.com for information on how to make a donation.