Eckrich, Operation Homefront and Safeway Team Up to Honor Military Family

Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, partnered with Safeway and Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families, to honor a Colorado Springs, Colo., military family.

Eckrich hosted a special presentation outside a local Safeway in Fountain, Colo., to honor, thank and support the Huddleston family. The family was surprised with a gift of free groceries for one year at Safeway, courtesy of Eckrich. 

As part of the event, crowds of shoppers were treated to samples of delicious Eckrich smoked sausage and deli meat, live country music and an appearance by Colorado's Hit Country music radio station 96.9. In addition, Eckrich provided local military service members and their families with $25 Safeway gift cards to thank them for their service.

Army Sergeant First Class Ronie Huddleston is medically retired after serving in the United States Army for 20 years. In 2005, Ronie sustained numerous injuries when his squad was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). Ronie's wife, Elizabeth, volunteers for Operation Homefront's Hearts of Valor program and runs a support group for caregivers. The family has two children and three grandchildren at home.

"For companies like Eckrich to give from their heart to non-profits that directly support the troops and their families is an amazing thing," says Ronie Huddleston. "Because it's not just us, it's our family, too."

The surprise is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor, thank and support military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront. The Huddleston family is supported by Operation Homefront's Hearts of Valor program, a network of caregivers for wounded, ill or injured service members. Operation Homefront supports these caregivers through annual retreats, support groups and online communities.

Eckrich, entering its fifth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, has donated more than $2 million to the organization since 2012.

"Eckrich continues to thank, support and honor our military families across the country," says Chuck Gitkin, senior vice president of marketing at Smithfield Foods. "We appreciate Safeway's partnership in this event. We thank the Huddleston family for their service and are proud to present them with one year of free groceries."