{"id":1937,"date":"2015-04-09T09:41:27","date_gmt":"2015-04-09T14:41:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=1937"},"modified":"2015-04-09T09:41:27","modified_gmt":"2015-04-09T14:41:27","slug":"exchange-pizza-hut-and-mwr-give-back-to-fort-benning-with-eli-young-band-concert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=1937","title":{"rendered":"Exchange, Pizza Hut and MWR Give Back to Fort Benning with Eli Young Band Concert"},"content":{"rendered":"

FORT BENNING \u2013<\/span><\/b> For <\/span>Sgt. Richard Dixon and his wife, Rhonda<\/a>, kicking back at a free Eli Young Band outdoor concert was a perfect way to spend time together on a brisk spring night. The pair staked out a spot close to stage at Wetherby Field so they wouldn\u2019t miss any of the action.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"DSC_6635\"<\/a>The Dixons were among 4,000 fans who attended a free concert by Grammy-nominated <\/span>Eli Young Band<\/span><\/a>. The Grammy-nominated musicians played a free show March 28 for Soldiers, family members and the Fort Benning community. The \u201cSix String Salute to the Champs\u201d was Fort Benning\u2019s prize for winning the Army & Air Force Exchange Service\u2019s and Pizza Hut\u2019s Wing-A-Palooza contest last summer and included opening acts Kelsea Ballerini and Old Dominion.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are grateful for events like this,\u201d Sgt. Dixon said. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to a good time\u2014and it\u2019s all for free.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Despite cool temperatures, fans flocked to the open-air venue, stretching out on blankets and setting up lawn chairs as they settled in for a night of live music with their families and friends. Hours before the gates opened, fans of all ages lined up, eager to enter and secure their seats.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a time to celebrate,\u201d said Exchange Director\/Chief Executive Officer Tom Shull, who attended the event. \u201cSoldiers and their families have made so many sacrifices, especially during combat in the last 13 years. Events like this let them know we care and are here to take care of them and their families.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Shull thanked Pizza Hut and MWR, calling the free concert a \u201ctremendous event for the community.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The morning of the concert, the <\/span>band signed autographs<\/span><\/a> and handed out free T-shirts at the Fort Benning Exchange during a meet-and-greet session. Spc. Dereck Glenn, wife Chelsea, and their toddler, Izabella, were among the first line, arriving at 8:30 a.m.\u2014before the store even opened. By the time the band arrived, <\/span>more than 100 fans<\/span><\/a> had lined up to greet them.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are huge fans,\u201d Chelsea Glenn said. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to meet them and see them in concert.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Exchange, Pizza Hut and Fort Benning Morale, Welfare and Recreation teamed up to bring the free show to Fort Benning. Last summer, Fort Benning\u2019s Pizza Hut saw the greatest percentage increase in wing sales out of Army and Air Force locations in the U.S., earning their community a free concert. Soldiers and families placed more than 1,100 orders for wings to win the show for the Fort Benning community.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In October, the Eli Young Band performed for the OCONUS Wing-A-Palooza winner. Camp Schwab, Okinawa, won that contest, and the free concert was held at Camp Hansen with about 7,000 military members and families in attendance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

— 30 —<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/a><\/span> or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Media Notes:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or <\/span>mitchelljul@aafes.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\t

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