14 Dec 2005
UK servicemen and women on operational duty overseas this Christmas are to get a token of thanks from BAE Systems and other industry sponsors.
The aerospace and defence company is sponsoring a Christmas goodie box which the UK MoDs Defence Logistics Organisation will deliver to troops on 25 December wherever they are in the world. Around 19,000 boxes are being distributed to countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Cyprus, Belize, Falklands, Brunei, Canada, Bosnia, Croatia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macedonia and on the high seas.
BAE Systems chief executive Mike Turner commented: "We supply much of the equipment used by the UK Armed Forces and our people are working increasingly closely with MoD personnel to support it.
We appreciate the sacrifices the men and women of the Armed Forces make for us. That's why sponsoring this box is a fitting way of saying thank you to each and every one of the troops away from home and family at Christmas."
The Christmas box tradition goes back to the First World War but was revived last year after a 90-year gap. The charity UK4U is putting together this years boxes.
The contents are of course a closely-guarded military secret, but BAE Systems is sponsoring several items, both fun and practical, which the company believes will be well received around the world. Even the box is useful. The lid can be re-used as a photo frame and it can be flat-packed for easy storage and transportation.
The company has also agreed to sponsor the boxes for a further two years. In addition BAE Systems supports a similar scheme run by the United States armed forces charity, USO.
The Defence Logistics Organisations Brigadier David Martin said: I have had the experience of being on operations, away from my family at Christmas, and though you feel a bond with those youre working with, its not the same as being at home, enjoying Christmas with your loved ones.
John Reid, Secretary of State, said:
Christmas can be a difficult and lonely time for our personnel away from home at Christmas. They are doing an important and often dangerous job on our behalf. We want to make this season as festive as possible.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The Company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The Company employs over 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0)1772 856 034 Mobile: + 44 (0)780 171 6452
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com
