Military families experienced disbelief and then excitement Saturday afternoon thanks to Richard Petty Motorsports driver Aric Almirola, Eckrich and Operation Homefront . A group of military families and wounded warriors, invited by Operation Homefront and Eckrich, were gathered at a private home to enjoy the summer afternoon with games, music, friends and family. When time came to start grilling, however, the party goers realized there was a problem. Their hosts had forgotten a key element to the cookout: the Eckrich smoked sausage. However, the roar of a race car quickly diverted their attention as Richard Petty Motorsports driver Aric Almirola wheeled the #43 Eckrich Ford through the neighborhood and into the backyard to surprise the guests and save the day with plenty of Eckrich smoked sausage on hand. After climbing out of the famed #43 machine, the driver unloaded bags of Eckrich smoked sausage for the cookout. In addition, Almirola handed out gift bags filled with Eckrich products, coupons, t-shirts and #43 Eckrich team hats for the military guests to give thanks for all they have sacrificed. But thats not all. Almirola then encouraged each guest to look closely through their bag. Inside they found a ticket to Sundays NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where they could watch Almirola race the #43 Eckrich Ford. The tickets were provided by Eckrich and the cookout surprise was a re-enactment of the new Eckrich commercial featuring both Richard Petty and Aric Almirola that will air Sunday during the pre-race show on ESPN. Click here to watch the commercial. This surprise is part of the ongoing efforts of Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, and Operation Homefront to support and thank military men and women and their families. Earlier this year the Operation Inspiration campaign was launched to thank, honor and support military families, the heroes behind our heroes. The campaign includes the Operation Inspiration TV special hosted by Al Roker which debuted in June and will air in syndication in markets across the country throughout the summer.(Eckrich)(7-28-2013) News from July 27, 2013 ESPN.coms Racecast – Live Coverage and Chat Racing Live! on ESPN.com Watch the race LIVE online at WatchESPN Fantasy NASCAR Chat with Mark Garrow / the Guru at 10:30am/et on Sunday Ask in-race reporter Tony Stewart
