5.23.2007 - 12:37pm ET

(CSRwire) LOUISVILLE, KY- May 23, 2007 - In 2005, Louisville Slugger and its parent company, Hillerich and Bradsby Co. teamed with USA Cares, AUSA and others and collected more than 13 tons of new and gently-used sporting equipment. The equipment was shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide a morale boost to the men and women who are serving in harm’s way. Requests for more equipment from troops continue to come in and Operation Slugger is back with a goal of shipping 20 tons of equipment to serve as a 'touch of home' to our men and women in uniform.

This year, the Chicago Fire Fighters, the Knights of Columbus and the Paramedic ST. Floridian Council 12911, have volunteered to become the national collection point. Their function will be to serve as a 'hub' that receives donations from more than135 fire departments that are participating in Operation Slugger II. Shipment of the equipment to its oversea destinations will be coordinated later this year.

"Louisville Slugger and USA Cares continued to receive requests from the troops for equipment, with confidence in the generosity of America, Operation Slugger was revived,” says Kim Moorman, Director of Business Development and lead for USA Cares with Operation Slugger II. “We are very proud to have enlisted the support and assistance of the fine fire fighters of the Chicago Fire Department." "Their willingness to participate continues to demonstrate the resolve and support our nation has for our men and women."

Louisville Slugger has a long history of helping U.S. troops in war, including retooling its plant and making rifle stocks for the Army during WWII. John A. Hillerich IV, fourth generation CEO of Hillerich and Bradsby said, "It was the easiest decision I had to make when asked if we would join USA Cares again on Operation Slugger II. Our troops are still there, and we wanted to show them once again that we support them. The sacrifices our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan are making humbles me. We appreciate what they are doing for our country, and we appreciate what USA Cares does to support our troops and their loved ones back home."

Like the first Operation Slugger, Operation Slugger II was born out of need.

Fire houses, organizations, and businesses are invited to join the collection effort and can get more information at slugger@usacares.us.

For more information on how you can support, visit Operation Slugger II at http://www.usacares.us/slugger.

About USA Cares

USA Cares, Radcliff, KY based 501 c 3 charity, serves to provide military families of all branches and services with financial support, while offering direction and advice along with a caring attitude. Learn more about USA Cares by visiting www.usacares.us or calling 800.773.0387

About Louisville Slugger

Louisville Slugger is the Official Bat of Major League Baseball and is a name that is synonymous with America’s pastime. Originating in 1884, Louisville Slugger bats graced the hands of the greatest players in baseball history including Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron, to name just a few. Stars of today also swing Louisville Slugger bats including Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, and Ken Griffey, Jr. Louisville Slugger also makes TPX baseball equipment for college, high school, and youth players, as well as TPS equipment for slow-pitch and fastpitch softball players. Louisville Slugger is a brand of the Hillerich & Bradsby Co., a fourth generation family-owned business that also sells PowerBilt golf clubs and Bionic Gloves for a variety of sports and hobbies

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