Starting in May, Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand will kick off the "Letters for Lyrics" national campaign with a target of sending one million letters to U.S. soldiers stationed across the world. Participants who write a letter to a U.S. soldier will receive a special compilation CD entitled, "Breaking Southern Ground," while supplies last.
"Just as your vehicle is an extension of who you are - music also defines your inner character," says Olivier Francois, lead marketing executive of Chrysler Group LLC. "The Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band both strive to connect with people and have a unifying 'can do' attitude and a character filled with authenticity, care, passion, and pride."
"We are excited about the new alignment with Zac Brown Band," adds Fred Diaz, president and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "It's the Grammy-award winning 'Best New Artist' meets the 2010 Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year.' It's a true win-win partnership for our customers, dealers and the Ram Truck Brand."
"Performing with the USO for the men and women in uniform has been a great experience for us. We wanted to find a bigger way to thank them, a way to mobilize people nationwide to show their support for these incredible individuals," explains Zac Brown on how the "Letters for Lyrics" campaign came about. "Ram Truck Brand was the perfect partner to realize this dream; not only do they share our commitment to recognize the troops' service and sacrifice but they are determined to ensure this program helps to send a little piece of home to our service members abroad."
The nonprofit organization, Soldier's Angels, will deliver the letters on behalf of the Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand. Soldier's Angels is a volunteer-based organization known for providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, along with veterans and their families.
"We believe that 'Letters for Lyrics' will spark the public's interest in contributing to our troops abroad and to their families here at home. This goodwill gesture embodies one of the main pillars in the Ram Truck Brand's DNA and demonstrates our continued support for the nation's men and women in the military," says Diaz.
A 30-second "Letters for Lyrics" teaser spot, featuring the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band, will debut during the Academy of Country Music Awards, which airs live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 18, at 8 p.m. on the CBS Television Network.
Viewers will be able to see behind-the-scene footage taped by the band as they document their April visit to U.S. soldiers stationed in the Persian Gulf. Documentary-style segments and concert footage will premiere on RamTrucks.com and new episodes will be posted throughout the duration of the program.
An exclusive live version of the band's latest single, "Free," will also be available for download for the first 100,000 fans, only at the RamTrucks.com Web site. For each download, the Ram Truck Brand will make a donation to a designated charity on behalf of the brand and Zac Brown Band.
"The marketing and advertising launch for the Ram Heavy Duty is one of the most comprehensive programs developed for the Ram Truck Brand," says Marissa Hunter, head of Ram Truck Communication, Chrysler Group LLC. "The partnership with Zac Brown Band is just one element of the marketing and advertising launch of the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty truck, now available at Ram Truck dealerships nationwide."
Source: Chrysler Group LLC.