SSC Sends USO Holiday Boxes to our deployed heroes

On November 17, 2012, over 70 Space Systems Company volunteers in Sunnyvale “United in Gratitude” to package 150 USO Holiday Boxes for the service men and women spending their holidays thousands of miles away from home.

Lockheed Martin has a deep rooted respect for our nation’s service members and the sacrifices they make to help protect our country. “This USO event gives our employees an opportunity to show their support for our forward deployed military troops,” shared Kevin Bilger, vice president programs and quality. Bilger, joined by four other members of the SSC executive leadership team, volunteered for the event, showcasing the company’s commitment to supporting our nation’s service men and women. “These holiday boxes are a just small token of our thanks for their sacrifice in defending the freedoms we often take for granted,” continued Bilger. “We send the troops our deepest gratitude and our heartfelt wishes for a safe return home.”

“Every day of the year, the USO works to lift the spirits of our nation’s troops and families, and Lockheed Martin has played a key role in helping us fulfill that mission, supporting programs that help deliver a touch of home to deployed troops around the world and encouraging its employees to do the same,” said Cathy Martens, USO vice president of corporate alliances.  “While families around the world come together to celebrate the holidays this year, many of our deployed service men and women will be away from their loved ones and the comforts of home. These USO Holiday Boxes will not only boost morale, but also show our troops we are thinking of them and grateful for their sacrifice.”

SSC volunteers were joined by a number of special guests who highlighted the impact of Lockheed Martin’s support of the USO. Helping to kick-off the event, Sunnyvale Mayor, Anthony Spitaleri, thanked Lockheed Martin for their support and sponsorship of the Holiday Boxes while Major Leland Olesen of the 23^rd Marine regiment, San Bruno, Calif., reminded volunteers how special it is for service members to receive these boxes.

Volunteers carefully packed holiday boxes that included everything from assorted snacks and hand and foot warmers to an adult snowman costume and elf hats. SSC volunteer, Terri Peters, said, “I couldn’t imagine a better morning spent. It was very moving to see all that the troops were going to receive.” Mayor Spitaleri shared the sentiment. “It was a privilege to work alongside the passionate team from Lockheed Martin in support of our troops. This inspiring event is yet another great example of how our businesses dedicate so much toward helping our Sunnyvale community whether it’s for people right here at home or for those so far from home serving our country.”

Lockheed Martin has a worldwide partnership with the USO. Lockheed Martin employees have stuffed 162,600 care packages and 250 Winter Holiday Boxes. On the same day as the SSC Holiday Box event, 1,500 miles away in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, 100 Lockheed Martin volunteers hosted a traditional USO care package event. Lockheed Martin has been the only sponsor --and stuffer-- of the Winter Holiday Boxes program since the program’s inception in 2011.