{"id":3076,"date":"2018-11-15T16:25:32","date_gmt":"2018-11-15T16:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/ExchangePost\/?p=3076"},"modified":"2018-11-15T16:40:23","modified_gmt":"2018-11-15T16:40:23","slug":"exchange-traeger-bring-barbecue-to-1000-service-members-in-the-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/ExchangePost\/2018\/11\/15\/exchange-traeger-bring-barbecue-to-1000-service-members-in-the-middle-east\/","title":{"rendered":"Exchange, Traeger Bring Barbecue to 1,000 Service Members in the Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"BAGHDAD, Iraq \u2013 <\/strong>The Army & Air Force Exchange Service partnered with Traeger Wood Fired Grills to\u00a0bring a little bit of home to service members in Iraq by hosting two barbecues<\/a> to celebrate Veterans Day weekend.<\/p>\n

After putting on a similar event with the Navy Exchange Service Command for service members at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Traeger executives wanted to bring the party to service members serving in the Middle East. For this event, they grilled, smoked and served brisket and pulled pork, side dishes and drinks to 1,000 service members<\/a>, Department of Defense civilians and contractors in two locations, the Union III base and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, on Nov. 9 and 10.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t think of a better way to say thank you to the men and women who volunteer to protect our way of life than bringing the barbecue to them, especially on Veterans Day weekend,\u201d Traeger Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Andrus said.<\/p>\n

The Exchange helped provide logistics to transport all the people, equipment and food, including Traeger grills, cherry and pecan wood pellets, meat, barbecue rubs and sauces, and drink mixes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you to the folks at Traeger, who helped us \u2018go where you go\u2019 to serve the troops who serve all of us,\u201d said Brian Smith, the Exchange\u2019s general manager in Iraq.<\/p>\n

Traeger pitmaster Curtis Nations held court to cook the barbecue for service members, showing them how to prepare and smoke pulled pork and brisket on Traeger wood fired grills.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe love to share the art of barbecue with anyone, especially these brave men and women,\u201d Nations said.<\/p>\n

After the cookouts, Traeger donated the grills and leftover supplies to the troops there for future use.<\/p>\n

Facebook-Friendly Version:<\/strong> The Army & Air Force Exchange Service partnered with Traeger Wood Fired Grills and the Department of Defense to bring a little bit of home to service members by hosting two barbecues in Iraq to celebrate Veterans Day weekend. Read more:\u00a0https:\/\/wp.me\/p9Q7PG-NC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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About the Exchange:<\/strong> Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/a> or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About Traeger Grills: <\/strong>Traeger Grills, headquartered in Salt Lake City, has been revolutionizing BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for 30 years with one simple, all-encompassing cooking solution. Traeger pellet grills use 100% all natural hardwood fuel to infuse food with flavorful smoke, making food taste delicious and most of all, memorable. As the inventor of the original and world’s top selling wood-fired grill, Traeger utilizes wood-fired convection power to provide 6-in-1 versatility; grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ meals to perfection every time. Visit www.traegergrills.com<\/a> \u00a0for more information and to purchase Traeger grills and accessories.<\/p>\n

Connect with Traeger<\/strong><\/p>\n