Wawa’s 25th annual Hoagie Day on Independence Mall in Philadelphia honored our nation’s men and women in uniform and expanded the company’s partnership with the USO.

“This year’s Hoagie Day [was] our biggest and best yet,” said Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens. “We are excited to join everyone in supporting our troops, our first responders, the USO, and history makers from around the region through Wawa, the Wawa Foundation and our Wawa Veterans’ Alliance.”

Wawa mascot Wally Goose took part in the company’s 25th annual Hoagie Day in Philadelphia. | Photo credit USO photo by Kirk Parker

Starting at 5 a.m., members of the hometown Philadelphia Eagles and hand-selected Wawa employees from six states built a six-ton sandwich – half turkey and half Italian – that was later served to the crowd, free of charge. The official Hoagie Day festivities kicked off at noon with a performance by the USO Show Troupe. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney discussed the role the city plays in supporting first responders, service members, veterans and the USO.

Gheysens announced Wawa’s goal to raise $725,000 for The Wawa Foundation’s annual USO campaign, which kicked off in stores in June. Through July 16, Wawa customers can donate $1, $3 or $5 at their point of purchase to support the USO’s programs and services in support of military personnel and their families. Customers can also donate through Wawa’s in-store coin collection.

“We hope all of the heroes and history makers in attendance realize how much we appreciate everything they do to inspire us all,” Gheysens said.

You can send a message of support and thanks directly to service members via the USO’s Campaign to Connect. Your messages will appear on screens at USO locations around the world.