Overseas Troops Thanked with 28,000 Pizzas

How do you show gratitude to U.S. military service members stationed overseas for all of their hard work and sacrifice?

Air Force Master Sergeant Mark Evans hopes that delivering 28,000 pizzas and 8,000 cases of beer this 4th of July will do the trick.

Evans had the inspiration for his non-profit organization, Pizzas4Patriots, more than a year ago, after his son Kent suggested sending an edible treat to overseas troops. After soliciting corporate and individual donations, the family was able to ship 2,000 pizzas to Iraq just in time for July 4, 2008.

The organization followed up with similar events for the Super Bowl and Veterans Day. And this year, corporate partners including Uno, MillerCoors and DHL delivery services have ensured there is enough pizza for every soldier to enjoy a couple of slices, Evans said.

This week, Evans will fly to the Middle East to deliver the food and drinks personally in what has been dubbed "Operation Pizza Surge."

"Our goals is to give the troops some time to get their minds off the war, even if just for an hour, and enjoy a good old-fashioned American feast," he explained.