Eckrich honors military family

CHICAGO -- Today we gave a special shout out to Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, which partnered with Jewel-Osco, Operation Homefront, and former Chicago Cubs Outfielder David DeJesus to honor an Oswego military family.

Eckrich presented the Cotto family with a special surprise as a thank you for their service to our country. During the event, DeJesus joined Eckrich to present the family with a gift of groceries for a year at Jewel-Osco, valued at more than $10,000.

Victor Cotto served in the U.S. Army for six years as a food service specialist. During his service, Victor was awarded several medals and ribbons including a Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Victor and his wife, Rose, have been together for 19 years and have two children. Rose is Victor's full-time caregiver, and she's also a member of the Operation Homefront Hearts of Valor program, a network of more than 3,000 caregivers of wounded service members which provides annual retreats, support groups, and online communities.

"This gift from Eckrich is a blessing and it will help us tremendously," said Victor Cotto. "It's incredible there are companies out there that are helping veterans and their families like this."

The surprise is part of the ongoing campaign by Eckrich to honor military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront.

For more information about Eckrich, please visit www.eckrich.com or follow Eckrich on Facebook and Twitter.