Exchange, Traeger Bring Barbecue to 1,000 Service Members in the Middle East

Courtesy Photo | Troops deployed to Iraq enjoy a Veterans Day barbecue at Union III in Baghdad, courtesy of the Exchange and Traeger Wood Fired Grills.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.15.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Meyer 

Army & Air Force Exchange Service HQ

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service partnered with Traeger Wood Fired Grills to bring a little bit of home to service members in Iraq by hosting two barbecues to celebrate Veterans Day weekend.

After putting on a similar event with the Navy Exchange Service Command for service members at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Traeger executives wanted to bring the party to service members serving in the Middle East. For this event, they grilled, smoked and served brisket and pulled pork, side dishes and drinks to 1,000 service members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors in two locations, the Union III base and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, on Nov. 9 and 10.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you to the men and women who volunteer to protect our way of life than bringing the barbecue to them, especially on Veterans Day weekend,” Traeger Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Andrus said.

The Exchange helped provide logistics to transport all the people, equipment and food, including Traeger grills, cherry and pecan wood pellets, meat, barbecue rubs and sauces, and drink mixes.

“Thank you to the folks at Traeger, who helped us ‘go where you go’ to serve the troops who serve all of us,” said Brian Smith, the Exchange’s general manager in Iraq.

Traeger pitmaster Curtis Nations held court to cook the barbecue for service members, showing them how to prepare and smoke pulled pork and brisket on Traeger wood fired grills.

“We love to share the art of barbecue with anyone, especially these brave men and women,” Nations said.

After the cookouts, Traeger donated the grills and leftover supplies to the troops there for future use.

Facebook-Friendly Version: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service partnered with Traeger Wood Fired Grills and the Department of Defense to bring a little bit of home to service members by hosting two barbecues in Iraq to celebrate Veterans Day weekend. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-NC.

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About the Exchange: Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.


About Traeger Grills: Traeger Grills, headquartered in Salt Lake City, has been revolutionizing BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for 30 years with one simple, all-encompassing cooking solution. Traeger pellet grills use 100% all natural hardwood fuel to infuse food with flavorful smoke, making food taste delicious and most of all, memorable. As the inventor of the original and world's top selling wood-fired grill, Traeger utilizes wood-fired convection power to provide 6-in-1 versatility; grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ meals to perfection every time. Visit www.traegergrills.com for more information and to purchase Traeger grills and accessories.

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Media Notes:

For more information about Traeger grills, contact Zachary Allen, 801-461-9751 or [e-mail]

For more information about the Exchange or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Sgt. 1st Class Tim Meyer, 214-312-2132 or [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 11.15.2018
• Date Posted: 11.15.2018 12:09
• Story ID: 300095
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ