(ST. JOHNSBURY, VT) Vermont maple syrup, donated by producers all around the state, will begin its journey tomorrow to Vermonters serving in Iraqi Freedom, as a reminder of the sights, smells and tastes of home.

Over the past three months, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association has been soliciting syrup donations from members throughout the state. Despite a below-average season, producers and packers responded, pledging some 500 gallons of Vermont Grade A Medium Amber maple syrup for troops taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom throughout Iraq and Kuwait.

That syrup has been packaged in half-pint containers and stamped with a special label before being distributed to thousands of troops. Lt. Governor Brian Dubie and Vermont Sugarmakers will load the syrup onto Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) trucks on June 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Farms of Vermont in St. Johnsbury.

Lt. Governor Dubie and his brother, Mark, are commercial maple sugarmakers based in Fairfield, Vermont. Dubie is also a Colonel in the US Air Force Reserve. KBR is responsible for shipping food products to military commissaries in Iraq and other areas. When contacted by Dubie, the firm offered to transport the syrup at its own expense -- from St. Johnsbury, direct to troops in Baghdad’s Green Zone. The syrup is being sent to Vermonters and their fellow military personnel serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Partners in this effort include: Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, Maple Grove Farms of Vermont, Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors, Cabot Plains Farm, UPS Vermont, Macaran Printed Products, Vermont Maple Foundation, Central Vermont Public Service, and Advanced Graphic Communication. Donations have been received from county maple associations, maple packers and individuals.

This is not the first time that Vermonters have been away from home in the military nor the first time have that Vermont maple producers sent maple to troops. In the Civil War, Vermont maple syrup producers sent maple sugar to their soldiers. In World War II, maple sugar cakes were sent to soldiers overseas.