The money will support programs that help keep our military servicemembers connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. In the past six years Sailor Jerry has donated $750,000 to the USO and other military organizations.
In tandem with this year’s partnership, Sailor Jerry is releasing a limited-edition commemorative bottle. Hitting shelves May 15 – in honor of military appreciation month – with a suggested retail value of $15.99 – the bottle will be available at national and local liquor stores across the U.S. all summer long.
The USO partnership reflects a special passion point for Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, which was created to honor the late Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins. Collins was born January 14, 1911, and quickly found his aptitude for tattooing while traveling the country.
After a stint in the Navy, Collins made World War II-era Honolulu his home and continued honing his skills as a tattoo artist. Sailors on shore leave in Honolulu would wait in line for hours outside Collins’ Hotel Street tattoo shop to be inked by the master himself. Collins greatly influenced the tattoo world through groundbreaking innovations. Blended and bottled in America, Sailor Jerry exemplifies his spirit and dedication in crafting the rum.
“It’s an honor to expand our USO partnership, given the fact that Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins was greatly influenced by his time serving our country,” said Ashley Thomas, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Brand Ambassador, Pernod Ricard. “With the launch of the new, limited-edition bottle wrap, we are proud to celebrate our patriotism, as well as honor the dedicated service of the troops and Norman himself.”