Aric Almirola and Eckrich Change Military Family’s Life

Aric Almirola and Eckrich have teamed up in an effort to change the lives of those who have served our county and defended our freedom. Almirola recently joined forces with Eckrich and trough their partnership with Operation Home the two were able to forever change the lives of Army Reserve Soldier Cory Strouth and his wife Laura. Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.

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On Friday Almirola along with the folks from Eckrich (the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats) surprised Cory and Laura at a local Albertsons in Phoenix, Arizona. Almirola drove his No. 43 RPM machine to the front door of the market and waited to greet the couple. After thanking Cory for his service and Laura for her sacrifice, Almirola and Eckrich presented the couple with the dream honeymoon that they were never able to take. Cory and Laura were married just over two years ago and because of their now three children and Cory’s military commitment they were never able to take their honeymoon after their wedding.

The couple was given an all-expenses-paid Alaskan Cruise. On their way to Alaska, the family will spend a VIP race weekend in Napa Valley and attend the race in Sonoma, California. While the honeymoon itself is a tremendous gesture, the surprises did not stop there for Cory and Laura. Moments later, Danny Semerjibashian of Albertsons presented the Strouth family with one-year of free groceries on behalf of Eckrich. Lastly, Almirola invited them to Sunday’s race at the Phoenix International Raceway as guests of Eckrich, this week’s primary sponsor of the legendary No. 43 machine.

For Almirola, it’s another opportunity for him to give back to his military roots.

"My father served in the U.S. Air Force so I grew up in a military family. When I’m invited to be a part of Eckrich in honoring our military families, I take a lot of pride in it because I understand the sacrifices they make. And, now that I’m a father of two young children myself, it’s even more meaningful. This is something great that Eckrich does and I’m happy for the Strouth family today."

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Cory and his wife are parents of a five-year-old girl, four-year-old boy and a one-year-old boy. Cory is a member of the Texas National Guard and has long served our country.

"We’re really thankful for everything that Eckrich, Aric Almirola and Operation Homefront have done for us today. means a lot when people take time to say ‘thanks’ for serving. Today is really wonderful for us and it’s a day we won’t forget."

It’s stories like this that truly make you appreciate companies like Eckrich, athletes like Almirola and foundations like Operation Homefront. Eckrich is in its fourth year of partnership with Operation Homefront and has already donated more than $750,000 to the charity since 2012.

For more information about Eckrich, please visit www.eckrich.com.

Christopher Olmstead is the Editor of BeyondTheFlag.com on the FanSided Network. Follow us on Twitter @Beyond_The_Flag and “Like” us on Facebook.