Military Support from Anheuser-Busch

Whether lending resources or raising funds for veterans and dependents of military families, Anheuser-Busch, its employees and family of wholesalers have supported America’s armed forces for more than 150 years.

In recognition of the company’s long history of service to the military, our nations’ veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, the Department of Defense presented Anheuser-Busch with the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award in 2009.

Recent programs

In March 2011, Budweiser launched the “Here’s to the Heroes” Home Run program. The effort includes a $100 donation for every home run hit during the 2011 Major League Baseball regular season to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to the dependents of service members killed or disabled in the line of duty. Additionally, Budweiser is donating a portion of every case sold from May 26 – July 10 to the organization.

On New Year’s Day 2011, Budweiser paid tribute to America’s heroes with a patriotic float in the Rose Parade®. The float was pulled by the world renowned Budweiser Clydesdales and featured veteran service organizations and Anheuser-Busch employees who had served in the military.

Since 1987, Anheuser-Busch and its Foundation have donated nearly $11 million to military charities, including the

USO, Fisher House, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Pentagon Memorial Fund, America Supports You, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Hispanic War Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, among others.

Recent programs to support the USO have included:

•Sponsoring entertainment shows for U.S. troops in Bosnia, the Middle East and duty stations around the world

•Donating $250,000 and racing a special “Proud to Serve Those Who Serve” paint scheme on the No. 9 Budweiser Ford in two races during the 2010 NASCAR season

•Providing non-alcohol beer and televisions to create 2010 Super Bowl watch parties for service members stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan

•Sponsoring a live simulcast of the 2010 Lollapalooza music festival for troops in the Middle East, this featured special salutes from the audience and performers

From 2001 to 2009, more than 5 million military service personnel and their families received free admission to select theme parks through the “Here’s to the Heroes” program sponsored by Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser. The company remains a sponsor of this popular program in Florida, Virginia and Texas.

Anheuser-Busch helped found the U.S. Military Sports Association, an organization that supports our uniformed men and women’s sports activities, and has donated more than 18,000 pieces of sports equipment to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Historical Efforts

Anheuser-Busch’s military support dates back to the company’s co-founders. Both Adolphus Busch, and his father-in-law, Eberhard Anheuser, served in the Union Army as members of the Missouri Volunteers during the Civil War.

During World War I and World War II, the company produced diesel engines for Navy submarines and amphibious recon vehicles for the Army. More than 1,500 employees served and all had jobs when they returned. In addition, the company retooled factories to make gliders and wing assemblies, and donated freight cars for military transport.

In 1944, employees raised $879,350 in war bonds, enough to purchase two B-17 bombers for the Army Air Corps. The Army named the planes “Miss Budweiser” and “Buschwacker.”

Anheuser-Busch helped thousands of Americans show support for the troops in 2005 through the “Here’s to the Heroes Tour.” The 28-city national tour allowed visitors to record customized 10- to 30-second messages of support distributed to U.S. troops in more than 177 countries via the American Forces Radio and Television Service.

Employer Support

More than 5,500 Anheuser-Busch employees have served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and other military campaigns. Employees currently serving in the U.S. military may resume their jobs at Anheuser-Busch.