I was fortunate enough to attend the news conference announcing announcing the partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and seven-time GRAMMY-winning mega-star, Carrie Underwood to support military families through Operation Homefront. I admit that it was quite thrilling to be be in the same room with Carrie Underwood, but what I found most impactful was the sincere commitment Carnival Cruise Line and Carrie Underwood share for our troops.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said, “Military families represent a cornerstone of our country and we are honored by the opportunity to partner with Carrie and Operation Homefront to bring much needed awareness and aid to our troops and their loved ones. The partnership will bring to life many of the heartwarming stories our troops have to share while in turn bringing them some fun along the way.”
Driving the effort to raise funds for the cause, fans of Underwood, and of the program, will have the opportunity to donate by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on carnival.com/HonorFamilyFun. Commemorative dog tags will also be available for purchase at merchandise stands at all of Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller Tour stops as well as on board the fleet of Carnival ships with all proceeds going to Operation Homefront.
“I’m honored to be able to join Carnival Cruise Line and Operation Homefront to lift up these soldiers and their families,” said Underwood. “I am really looking forward to meeting them on my tour and for the opportunity to personally thank them for all they do for our freedom.”
Said Retired Brigadier General John I. Pray, Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront, “Carnival Cruise Line really knows what it means to support our men and women in uniform and their families,” “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Carnival team and superstar Carrie Underwood to focus on the challenges our military families face as they work tirelessly to protect the freedoms we enjoy daily.”
Carnival’s #HonorFamilyFun program will culminate in a concert for hundreds of military families aboard the new Carnival Vista in New York City on November 4, 2016.