Checkers gives car to Iraq war Vietnam

Nation's Restaurant News,  June 25, 2007  

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TAMPA, FLA. -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., parent company of both Checkers and Rally's, presented 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards with the keys to a new Dodge Caliber at a restaurant in Richards' hometown of St. Louis.

Checkers and Rally's donated the car as part of the contents of Operation Gratitude's milestone 200,000th care package. Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization that sends care packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas. Lance Cpl. Richards received the care package on Dec. 29, 2006, while stationed at Camp Fallujah in Iraq. Upon opening the package, he discovered a postcard from Checkers and Rally's saying, "This Dodge Caliber is yours when you return home."

Terri Snyder, chief marketing officer for Checkers, said: "We are honored to recognize one of America's true heroes through our partnership with Operation Gratitude. This new car is one small way Checkers and Rally's can continue to show our appreciation to the troops. We thank Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards for his service to our country, and hope that he and his fiancee enjoy their new car."

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