LISLE, Ill., June 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Making it a summer they will never forget, Eckrich and chart-topping, platinum-selling country music star Randy Houser surprised retired Army Sergeant Nate Miracle and his family at their house with an outdoor makeover for their home on Tuesday, June 16. The Clarksville, Tenn. family was surprised by Houser at their home as the popular country singer showed Nate, his wife Amy and their children, the home improvements for the family to forever enjoy.
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The makeover included a renovated front porch and a backyard upgrade including a new deck, luxury grill, picnic table and professional landscaping. Houser then gave the family a private acoustic performance of his new single, "We Went," before giving Nate a brand new guitar complete with a private lesson.
To wrap up the afternoon of surprises, Houser presented the family with one year of free groceries. The makeover, groceries and gifts were all provided by Eckrich and are part of the ongoing Eckrich campaign to honor, thank and support military families.
Houser, who is currently touring with Luke Bryan on the Kick The Dust Up Tour, is in his second year partnering with Eckrich to support military families. Houser is the performer of the smash hits "How Country Feels," "Runnin' Outta Moonlight," "Goodnight Kiss" and "Like A Cowboy."
"It's great to see what Eckrich does to support our military families," said Houser. "We just wanted Nate and his family to have the great, stress-free summer they deserve. The backyard renovations will give them a nice space to relax and enjoy their time together, and hopefully the free groceries make their life easier, too."
Sgt. Miracle served in the U.S. Army for seven years. During that time, he completed two overseas tours in Iraq. Injuries sustained during active duty have left him with limited mobility on the right side of his body. Returning to Tennessee after his admirable service, Sgt. Miracle spends most of his time at home with his family.
"I just feel really blessed to be chosen for this honor," said Nate Miracle. "The deck and backyard looks amazing, meeting and spending time with Randy was really special, and just everyone taking time to recognize our family was a blessing. All the gifts from today will make life so much easier for our family."
Eckrich is giving back to military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront, a national non-profit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Eckrich, in its fourth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, has already donated more than $750,000 to the charity since 2012. Eckrich is again donating up to $250,000 this year through the contribution of five cents from each purchase of specially marked products from now through July 4. By the end of this year's fundraising period, the total donations are expected to surpass $1 million.
"Randy shares our passion for honoring military families, and it was great to have him join Eckrich in paying tribute to the Miracle family," said Chuck Gitkin, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Smithfield Foods. "Nate and his family sacrificed so much and it's an honor to give back to them. On behalf of everyone at Eckrich, it is our privilege to provide the Miracle family with one year of free groceries and everything that they need for a summer to remember."
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About Eckrich
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com .
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com .
About Operation Homefront
A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Operation Homefront has provided assistance to thousands of military families since its inception in 2002. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity watchdog groups, nationally, 92 percent of Operation Homefront's expenditures go directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net .
About Randy Houser
With an inimitable voice the New York Times describes as "wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over," Randy Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than three million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album, How Country Feels. He topped the charts with the title track, "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" and "Goodnight Kiss" (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash, "Like A Cowboy." Houser's new single, "We Went," is available at country radio and digital retailers now, with a new album forthcoming. He is currently touring with Luke Bryan on the Kick The Dust Up Tour. For more information, visit www.RandyHouser.com .
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
Jeff Dennison Breaking Limits for Eckrich 2137 South Blvd., Suite 200 Charlotte, N.C. 28203 Direct: 704-766-9061 Cell: 704-252-3356 E-Mail:
