031251 Burger King Gives Meals to Soldiers In Iraq

Kirksville, IA - Local Burger King restaurants in both Kirksville and Ottumwa have joined the growing movement in the popular chain's support to provide free meals to American soldiers serving in Iraq.

For many owners of the popular restaurant chain, Burger King bringing thousands of American soldiers who are serving overseas a little piece of "home," during the holiday season is what its all about.

"It feels good that we are showing the soldiers that we haven't completely forgotten about them considering everything that continues to happen," says Beth Bone, shift manager of Burger King in the City of Bridges.

As of this week, both restaurants in Ottumwa and Kirksville have joined the growing movement in the Burger King system to provide free meals to American soldiers serving in the Middle East. "All we want is the opportunity to show that regardless of what some of these politicians are saying, the families back home support our soldiers one hundred%," says Randy Bradley, owner of the Burger King restaurant in Ottumwa.

Customers can simply come to the restaurants and order a "Soldier Meal," and pay $4 dollars. The money collected from this will be sent to one of the three Burger King restaurants in Iraq which are operated by the Army/Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES). They in turn will begin feeding free meals to American soldiers.

"People have actually been thrilled to actually do this. They have been really supportive and they've been coming in. We've had customers come in just to order the soldier meals and nothing else," adds Bone.

According to Bradley, the Burger King restaurants will continue this program as long as the people of both Ottumwa and Kirksville support it.

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