25 Dec 2007 | Ref. 403/2007
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Christmas Boxes
UK servicemen and women posted overseas during the festive period in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans and the Falkland Islands will today receive a Christmas box filled with gifts from BAE Systems and other industry sponsors.
Inspired by a tradition that dates back to the First World War, the Christmas box programme was established three years ago by charity UK4U and will this year distribute gifts to more than 25,000 troops. The initiative has proved to be a popular and successful way to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces who are away from their family and home at Christmas.
BAE Systems chief executive Mike Turner commented:”We supply much of the equipment used by the UK Armed Forces and our people are working ever more closely with MoD personnel to support it.
“The Christmas boxes are our way of bringing a little Christmas clear to the troops serving abroad this Christmas.”
To ensure the total surprise of its contents, organisers work especially hard to keep the presents a closely guarded military secret until Christmas day. Affectionately dubbed ‘square stockings’, BAE Systems sponsors several items within the boxes, both fun and practical, which will be enjoyed by troops around the world.
Commenting on the Christmas boxes, Major Mike Shearer, Senior British Military Spokesperson, Basra said: “We all love receiving presents – its always a delight and a surprise when you’re opening a package and you don’t know what it’s holding.”
BAE Systems hopes to play an on-going role in the Christmas box tradition and supports a similar scheme run by the United States armed forces charity, USO.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 96,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15 billion (US $27 billion) in 2006*.
*On a pro forma basis, assuming BAE Systems had owned Armor Holdings Inc for the whole of 2006
For more information please contact:
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: +44 (0)7802 337704
John.neilson@baesystems.com
Kristina Crowe, Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7467 9200
kristina.crowe@bisslancaster.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
