On this July 4th 2009, as we are all thinking of celebrating our nation's independence, let's not forget about why we are free and are able to enjoy the liberties that we often take for granted.  It's important for us to come together and celebrate what makes us unique as Americans, but it's also very important for us to remember why we should do so. 

We are at a time unlike any other time in our recent history, as we face economic hardships at home, and have brave men and women serving on two battle fronts on the other side of the globe.  We need to take a moment to reflect, and to say a prayer for the safety of these troops.  As the father of a Marine serving in Iraq right now, I would like to say a special thank you to all of the people that have supported Pizzas 4 Patriots and Operation Pizza over the past year, and I hope we can continue to offer these very special support programs in the future. 

As you probably know by now, MSgt Mark Evans, Frank Guidara of Uno's, and Ethan Mattern of DHL, are going to be in Iraq to meet with the troops, and to serve them pizza on the 4th of July.  Without the great support of Uno's and DHL, Mark and the rest of us would never have been able to make this such a huge success, sending 28,000 deep dish pizzas to Iraq and Afghanistan.   And, without the incredible support and efforts of General David Petraeus and his command staff, as well as many others, we would never have gotten this effort - Operation Pizza Surge, off the ground.  We will be offering the World's Largest Pizza Party on the 4th, and we invite everyone to join us as we show our support for our great troops.

Here is a special message from General David Petraeus, Commander of the US Central Command:

                              

We continue to get emails showing support from every corner of the globe, from kids, teachers, military families, Veterans, corporate CEOs and everyday folks.  Occasionally, we get something that really jumps out at us, and the following is one of them. 

Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 9:03:51 AM
Subject: Hula-Hoopin' for Pizzas 4 Patriots!
For those of you that already know--Take a look at this one! 

 

For those that don't:

Christa wanted to do something for our troops.  She decided to have a lemonade-type stand at the end of our street. However, Christa wanted to do something just a little different than the typical lemonade!  SHE HULA-HOOPED FOR THE TROOPS!  She wanted to raise enough money to send some care packages.  I thought what she planned was such a great story of giving that I told her I would double anything she made.  Well, long story short, she made some money!  We just donated all of it to Pizzas 4 Patriots (check out the website)!  What better way to give back? Hopefully our troops will get pizza for the 4th of July-Just a little slice of home!

 

A special thanks to the neighborhood kids that cheered Christa on and donated some of their own money to help the cause!  Thanks Nathan Stern, Brady Heiges and Spencer Courtney!

 

Take Care,

Darcey

Proud Mom

CLICK HERE to see the newspaper clipping that Darcey sent to us and in the email to her friends!

We received this incredible email today (Sunday, May 31st) and wanted to share it with everyone.  This is an example of the type of support we get from folks all around the country.  This is what it's all about!

On Saturday May 30th we had a yard sale, to raise money for your organization.  We had four families who gathered items to sell.  We heard about the pizzas for the armed forces on Fox News and decided we would make as much as we could.  My grandsons (20 and 18) came early in the morning to carry everything out then put up the tent.  We advertised in the paper and posted signs on the street poles in the surrounding area.  Many people would tell us to keep the change while purchasing items.(from three to five dollars).

We also had people who came, purchased nothing, but gave a donation.  One young couple on bikes came by and just handed us twenty five dollars.  Our total is $225.00 we will be mailing a cashier's check tomorrow.  My neighbor works for a large pharmaceutical company in our area, and has been collecting in her building; she has a very impressive amount she will be mailing shortly.  God bless you for such a wonderful undertaking.

We pray for our men and women for their safe return.

Regards, Nancy Pierce

PS...There were many tears from the shoppers...

 

Thank you Nancy, and thanks to your neighbor and all of the people that participated.

MSgt Mark Evans and Family, and all of us here at Pizzas 4 Patriots

Leading up to his appearance on Fox and Friends Weekend on Saturday May 16th 2009, MSgt Evans headed to New York City to spread the word about the upcoming 4th of July Pizzas 4 Patriots - World's Largest Pizza Party!  for the troops in the Middle East.  DHL has offered an entire cargo jet for us to fill, and we are purchasing pizzas from Uno Chicago Grill.   We are working on getting Queensryche to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain our brave men and women serving in harm's way.  Below is a "teaser" that aired today on Fox and Friends.  Thanks to everyone for their support. 

MSgt Mark Evans on America's Newsroom with Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly, Jan 30,2009


  

MSgt Mark Evans on Fox & Friends, Thursday, January 29, 2009

(Troops shown are from the Illinois Army National Guard,  
33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, in Afghanistan)

          

Latest video from Friday January 23, 2009 - loading of pizzas and beer enroute to the troops. 

           


Check out these links to some additional coverage from January 23, 2009:

ChicagoBears.com

NBC 5 Chicago

ABC 7 Local

MyFoxChicago

Daily Herald 

Chicago Sun Times

Pioneer Local

 

 

     
                 Dennis Miller
                   

Download | Duration: 00:02:39

(MSgt Mark Evans on the Dennis Miller Show, Tuesday, January 13th, 2009)

Johnathan Brandmeier "Johnny B" from 97.9 fm, The Loop - Chicago's Rock Station has been one of our biggest supporters.  This clip was from an interview a couple of days ago with MSgt Mark Evans.  

Thanks Johnny B - we love ya! 

Download | Duration: 00:07:09