Help Mark Martin: One Million Holiday Cards for Our Troops


NASCAR driver Mark Martin and U.S. soldiers show off a special camouflage paint scheme on the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet during racing action at Texas Motor Speedway leading up to the Sprint Cup Seriesä Dickiesâ 500

NASCAR driver Mark Martin and U.S. soldiers show off a special camouflage paint scheme on the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet during racing action at Texas Motor Speedway leading up to the Sprint Cup Series Dickies' 500

Photo participants: Mark Martin, Staff Sergeant James Peacock, Staff Sergeant Shawn Rule, Captain Tony D. Tinderholt and Sergeant Alex DeLuna

NASCAR DRIVER Mark Martin joins forces WITH VAULT AND the USO to generate SUPPORT for u.s. troops

No. 8 U.S. Army and VAULT Co-Primary Paint Scheme Promotes Effort to Deliver More Than One Million Holiday Greetings to U.S. Military Worldwide

ATLANTA, October 31, 2008 – VAULT is going head to toe camo in its national partnership with the USO to generate support for U.S. troops around the world. In keeping with the VAULT motto, “Get It Done. And Then Some.,” Coca-Cola North America is implementing the largest marketing campaign for the brand since its 2006 launch to ensure the program’s success.

The VAULT “Honoring the Uniform: Calling for Support” initiative features an exclusive opportunity for people across the country to send hand-written postcards to troops worldwide and raise up to $100,000 for the USO through MyCokeRewards.com.

People are encouraged to write messages of support on pre-addressed postcards, which can be found on special camouflage-themed VAULT 12-packs, at VAULT displays in participating retail stores or online at DrinkVault.com and MyCokeRewards.com, while supplies last. The postcards can be dropped in the mail with a first-class stamp and will arrive at a USO collection center for security screening before being distributed to U.S. troops during the holiday season.

The program will be highlighted as part of a special camouflage paint scheme on the No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet driven by Mark Martin during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Seriesä Dickiesâ 500 (Nov. 2) at Texas Motor Speedway. VAULT also is the title sponsor for the pre-race show and is presenting a live concert by REO Speedwagon.

The VAULT postcard program replicates the popular service previously operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, which allowed the American public to send mail addressed to “any service member” for more than 17 years before being discontinued in 2003 due to security concerns.

“Since email has become the primary form of communication with soldiers, handwritten, personal notes are especially valued and can provide an incredible morale boost,” said John Hanson, USO Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communication. “By teaming with VAULT and utilizing the reach of Coca-Cola’s distribution system, we’re giving people across America a chance to send a positive note to our troops delivered through the network of USO Centers.”

In addition to sending postcards, people can help raise up to $100,000 for the USO by visiting MyCokeRewards.com through the end of the year and turning the points they earn by drinking Coca‑Cola products into a cash donation. My Coke Rewards points found under caps and on packaging of more than 60 products from Coca-Cola North America can be donated to help support the continuing efforts of the USO to provide a home away from home to U.S. troops wherever they serve.

Packaging and Partners

Special edition packaging features a black and green camouflage “V” scheme for VAULT and black and red camouflage “V” packaging for VAULT Red Blitz. The camouflage design extends across 20 oz. bottles, 16 oz. cans, Fridge Packsä, two-liter bottles and 12 oz. cans, all of which are available for a limited time.

White Castle, one of VAULT’s top foodservice customers, is an exclusive partner for the “Honoring the Uniform: Calling for Support” program and is promoting it by distributing postcards in each of the company’s 415 Castles. In addition, White Castle is featuring camouflage cup carriers and showcasing 6-foot by 8-foot postcards customers can sign in selected cities and Castles.

Additional 6-foot by 8-foot postcards will be part of Veterans Day sampling events nationwide and at USO airport centers this fall. The oversized postcards will be collected and sent to USO Centers to serve as reminders of America’s love and support.

New Advertising

The USO program is part of a larger campaign for VAULT. A newly redesigned Web site launched at DrinkVault.com, and new television advertising broke Labor Day weekend. The television spots will air during NHRA and NASCAR broadcasts through the end of the racing season, as well as in cinema and on-line.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca‑colacompany.com.

About the USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, Blackwater Worldwide, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, S & K Sales Co., and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.uso.org.