Operation Feeding Freedom

I’ve always been a fan of the Outback chain… and I can also attest to Carrabbas Italian cuisine as well. Unfortunately, Carrabbas has no locations in Oregon, so that’s a treat only when I get to visit family back home in Florida. But I certainly don’t mind traveling 35 miles to the nearest Outback Steak House

I was curious that there wasn’t some big tadoooo in the news… or that either of the restaurants weren’t using this as an advertising vehicle. As CJ’s “Soldier’s Perspective” specifically points out:

OSI doesn’t publicize the Operation Feeding Freedom program because they don’t do it for publicity. They do it for their love of troops. And they definitely showed it today by taking the time to not only serve the troops, but stop and talk with them.

This genuinely got my curiosity piqued… I mean, aren’t all of these businesses cold-hearted, money making machines? Based on the “evil corporation” rhetoric that flies fast and furious from so many of our resident lib/prog/socialist visitors, how could this possibly be true?

In addition to CJ’s historical blog post and accompanying pictorial on his own blog, I also wanted to share what I learned about Operation Feeding Freedom….

This year is actually Operation Feeding Freedom IX. The OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (OSI), have been doing this since 2002. (this linked article is about the Nov 2010 OFF.

The first launch of Operation Feeding Freedom began with a team of Outbackers who traveled to Afghanistan in 2002 to feed the troops stationed there. Since that trip, over 150 members of the OSI team have made another seven trips serving Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Djibouti, Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and aboard the USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf. Overall, 167,000 troops have been served at numerous bases, forward operating bases and command and control locations.

“This operation was made possible through the support of United States Central Command and the Services. They have worked hand in hand with us over the past eight years in providing logistical support and military escorts during the trip to ensure our team’s safety,” says Dave Alvarado, OSI Team Leader for Operation Feeding Freedom. ”Additionally, OSI is appreciative of the significant contributions made by our purveyors and vendors. Through their generosity, the menu featured Bloomin’ Onions, Calamari, Boule Bread with Herbs and Olive Oil, Cavatappi Amatriciana, Chargrilled Steaks, Ravioli and Cheesecake for dessert.”

Operation Feeding Freedom is part of OSI’s ongoing commitment to support the troops. Earlier this year and with the help of its customers, Outback Steakhouse donated $1 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, veterans, and their families.

The restaurant employees are all volunteers, and line up for the opportunity to play mess chef and visiting caregiver and appreciators of our warriors. According to the Naple News on OFF VIII last year, they not only brought food to 38,000 troops at four bases, they spent extra time to visit one of the base hospitals as well.

Perhaps OSI is so cognizant of our military because they are based in Tampa, home of MacDill AFB. But the annual feed isn’t their only contribution to troops. As mentioned in the article excerpt above, they also donated $1 million to Operation Homefront in March 2010, aided by country star, Tim McGraw and the Outback’s “Red, White and Bloomin'” menu that month. Operation Homefront amasses volunteers all over the US to help military families with any and everything… from home/auto repairs or financial assistance to babysitting and child care.

I just want to post CJ’s final lines here to pass the message on… tell these restaurants you say thanks!

please take the time to let Outback Steakhouse know you also appreciate what they do for our troops by contacting them here.

I’d just like to add, since other restaurants in that “evil corporation” also are honored to participate in OFF annually, perhaps you might like to also dash off a note to OSI as well. And I’m quite sure that any of their restaurants appreciate your business, as much as you will enjoy their fare.