Yuengling's military support on display at summer celebration

Christine Lee, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·3 min read

Jul. 7—D.G. Yuengling & Son Brewery plans to highlight its support for the armed forces and military veterans at Saturday's Stars & Stripes Summer Celebration.

Officials at Fort Indiantown Gap, headquarters of the Pennsylvania National Guard, will host an enlistment ceremony at 6 p.m. on the main stage at Laurel Boulevard and Progress Avenue. At 8 that night, country singer Lee Brice will perform.

Brig. Gen. Edwards Little, assistant adjutant general of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, will administer the oath to Dalianny Green, of Dauberville, Berks County; Autumn Border, also of Dauberville; Brynn Buschta, of Kempton; and William Ulsh, of Pine Grove.

"We are thrilled to have this ceremony take place on stage in front of thousands to pay our thanks and tribute to our local military," Yuengling spokesman Paul Capelli said.

The ceremony will include a color guard consisting of Master Sgt. Derrick Flood, recruiting section chief, of Gilbertsville; Sgt. 1st Class Craig Strohl, an Army National Guard recruiter, of Summit Hill; Staff Sgt. Ty Brautigam, an Army National Guard recruiter, of Wyomissing; and Staff Sgt. Tyler Lundquist, Pottsville Area Army National Guard recruiter, of Palmyra.

Also in attendance will be Lt. Col. Keith McKeon, recruiting and retention battalion commander of Fort Indiantown Gap, and Maj. Robert Boyd, recruiting company commander, of Catawissa.

Capelli said a planned flyover has been canceled due to staffing issues.

The brewery backs those who have served through its Stars and Stripes initiative that supports veterans. Yuengling works with Team Red, White and Blue, an Atlanta, Georgia-based nonprofit that helps veterans with their physical and mental health.

This year, the brewery plans to donate $50,000 to the organization and has the Team Red, White and Blue logo and a QR code for people to listen to Lee Brice's song "More Beer" on limited edition Yuengling cans being sold until the end of the summer.

Capelli said proceeds from the daylong summer celebration will benefit Team Red, White and Blue. Representatives from the organization and Fort Indiantown Gap will have tents near the brewery on Mahantongo Street.

Members of the military and veterans will also be recognized when Brice performs. When they welcome Brice to the stage, Yuengling's sixth generation leadership, Debbie, Jennifer, Sheryl and Wendy Yuengling, will toast the military.

Before the concert, Brice will meet with members of Team Red, White and Blue and staff from Fort Indiantown Gap. There will be a VIP section in front of the stage for members of the military.

Capelli said more than 100 members of the military, veterans and their families will be at Brice's concert. More than 50 people from Team Red, White and Blue will also be in attendance.

"At D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., we are thankful and proud of the brave and dedicated men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our country's freedom, honor and independence," he said.

Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter