Pizzas 4 Patriots and DHL Express Score a Touchdown for U.S. Troops

PLANTATION, Fla. & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pizzas 4 Patriots is teaming up with the world’s leading international express shipping provider, DHL Express, to quarterback the special delivery of 21,000 pizzas to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen on Super Bowl Sunday – America’s biggest day of the year for eating pizza.

“We are fortunate to have an experienced, committed staff that truly understands the intricacies of international shipping. While DHL Express handles urgent shipments like this across borders every day, I know our teams are working extra hard to ensure the pizzas arrive fresh and in excellent condition.”

With DHL Express donating the services of its global express shipping network to the non-profit organization, Pizzas 4 Patriots will be able to send enough deep dish pizza to feed every soldier stationed in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

“Since 2008, we have had the pleasure of providing our brave U.S. servicemen and women overseas with the most delicious, authentic ‘slices of home’, letting them know we care and we are thinking of them,” said Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans, founder of Pizzas 4 Patriots. “While our soldiers’ presence in the Middle East continues to become smaller, they still need to know that we appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families and our country.”

The DHL Express team will be packing and loading all 21,000 ready-to-bake, Chicago-style pizzas from Illinois-based Great Kitchens into DHL cargo jets and shipping them to the troops stationed at several military bases across Afghanistan and Kuwait. A send off event hosted by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is scheduled for January 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago.

“While we can never do enough to honor the many sacrifices our men and women in uniform make, we should make every effort to show our appreciation,” Governor Quinn said. “I want to thank DHL Express and Pizzas 4 Patriots for their extraordinary effort in giving our troops the chance to enjoy the game with the food they grew up with.”

Once in the Middle East, the shipment will be distributed to Camp Bastion, Bagram Airbase and Kandahar – all in Afghanistan – as well as Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and various Forward Operating Bases in both countries. DHL Express will provide door-to-door, final delivery for the distribution, working closely with the U.S. military to ensure the pizzas are delivered fresh and ready at the various military bases.

“We are honored to leverage our global network, so U.S. troops can enjoy a taste of home this Super Bowl Sunday,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S. “We are fortunate to have an experienced, committed staff that truly understands the intricacies of international shipping. While DHL Express handles urgent shipments like this across borders every day, I know our teams are working extra hard to ensure the pizzas arrive fresh and in excellent condition.”

Since 2008, Pizzas 4 Patriots has worked with DHL Express to send more than 122,000 pizzas in support of U.S. military personnel overseas.

DHL – The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of 53 billion Euros in 2011.

About Pizzas 4 Patriots

Pizzas 4 Patriots, founded by Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans, is a non-profit organization with the mission of making a positive difference in the lives of our service men and women. We proudly support those patriots presently serving, as well as our wounded Veterans. It is our goal to provide our Armed Forces with unique gifts from home. We have been fortunate to receive donations, ranging from financial to products and services, from individuals, families, corporations, and other organizations, all wanting to show appreciation for the sacrifice of our brave troops. Our goal is to bring a little bit of home to the troops, and show them that they are supported by the country and residents who enjoy the freedoms that they provide for us. For more information on our programs, please visit: www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.