5.08.2007 - 11:59pm ET

(CSRwire) May 8, 2007 - USA Cares, a worldwide charitable organization serving all branches of the Military has teamed up with the U.S. Military All-Stars and the 18th Annual "Red, White and Blue Tour of America" to promote Operation Slugger II. This will follow up the highly successful "Operation Slugger" from 2005 that delivered over 13.5 tons of sporting equipment to our troops overseas in January of 2006. Operation Slugger was spurred by an email from a soldier to national baseball bat manufacturer, Louisville Slugger.

"We have one ball and one wood bat," he wrote from the war-torn country. "The ball is torn up because we don't have gloves to catch the ball, so we play home-run derby with rocks. It's not very much fun, so if there is any way that you could help us, we would greatly appreciate it."

Director of Business Development for USA Cares, Kim Moorman said, "We are proud to be working with the U.S. Military All-Stars, and appreciate their support for what we hope will be an even bigger shipment to the troops."

Lieutenant Commander Terry Allvord, founder of the U.S. Military All-Stars, echoed those comments saying, "After nearly two decades of partnering with a large number of non-profit charities that support our military, USA CARES offers an exciting opportunity to synchronize our worldwide efforts to help improve the quality of life for Americans by providing assistance to military families.

Together with our partners like TraumaDEX, an innovative emergency wound dressing agent used by our soldiers on the battlefield, we can generate strong support during our annual tour that will make a tremendous difference to a great many people."

Operation Slugger II aims to reach a goal of 20 tons of sports equipment including gloves, bats, balls, footballs, basketballs, and hand pumps among other things to go into the kits. A complete list of what is needed can be found on the website http://www.usacares.us/slugger.

About USA Cares

USA Cares -CFC# 12359- is a world wide charitable organization serving military service members and their families of all ranks and branches with direction and advice along with grant assistance for quality of life issues caused by military service. To date, USA Cares has assisted over 5,400 service members and families with more than $3M dollars in organizational and found resources. USA Cares, in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation, has also saved over 175 military homes from foreclosure across the nation. Learn more about USA Cares by visiting www.usacares.us.

About the U.S. Military All-Stars

Founded in 1990, the U.S. Military All-Stars have established over 30 military programs in all services around the globe and become the fastest growing, largest, most successful, and only joint armed forces baseball program in the world. Highlighted each year by the historic "Red, White and Blue Tour of America" we have earned the reputation as the most popular summer baseball exhibition in the world attracting over 15 million people annually making over 350 appearances in 23 states providing the absolute finest patriotic atmosphere possible while delivering highly competitive, exciting entertainment, and a once in a lifetime experience to our Armed Forces with the talent to perform on a national stage.

The U.S. Military All-Stars cover their own expenses and decline government funding to ensure all available resources support our brave men and women overseas. Over 95 percent of our players have deployed in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism. Players represent some of the most talented athletes in the armed forces selected from thousands of personnel worldwide who understand our scope of responsibility far exceeds the games won or lost on the field. We honor a philosophy of “HUSTLE, THINK, WIN” and shoulder a unique responsibility to increase the awareness of Americans in support of the honorable sacrifices our brave men and women make at the tip of the spear. Our joint dedication to the success of the tour will continue to promote a positive image in support of our armed forces while attracting future generations to serve our nation and our military. We'll see you at the Ball Park! For more information, please visit: www.usmilitaryallstars.us.

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