ST. LOUIS (August , 2007) – Vi-Jon has partnered with the USO to donate more than 100,000 bottles of Germ-X® hand sanitizer, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to U.S. troops over the next two years. The hand sanitizer will be included in Operation USO Care Packages and distributed to troops deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations, as well as troops arriving and departing on rest and recuperation (R&R) flights.

As a two-star Operation USO Care Package program sponsor, Germ-X hand sanitizer dons the military camouflage background with the additional Operation USO Care Package logo. Because hand sanitizers like Germ-X are one of the most requested items on active duty soldiers’ “wish lists,” it was an ideal opportunity for Vi-Jon, the makers of Germ-X, to partner with the USO to deliver needed products directly into the hands of deploying troops.

Since Germ-X hand sanitizer can be used anywhere, it is an excellent option when soap and water are not available and is ideal for helping troops defend against germs in the field. Germ-X kills 99.99 percent of many common germs that can make you sick within 15 seconds, reducing a large number of germs that potentially could cause disease.

Vi-Jon chairman and CEO and U.S. veteran, John W. Brunner said, “Our company is proud to partner with the USO by donating our Germ-X hand sanitizer for use in Operation USO Care Package as a token of our gratitude to the brave men and women of our armed forces in the defense of our country’s freedom.” Brunner served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 to 1990 and was honorably discharged as a captain.

Vi-Jon is a committed supporter of U.S. troops. After receiving a heartfelt letter in 2004 from a soldier serving in Iraq, the St. Louis-based company began producing specially designed bottles of Germ-X with a military camouflage-themed label and cap. Since then, Vi-Jon has made donations to the USO and its center and fulfilled countless individual requests from military support groups.

“We thank Vi-Jon for their generous donation, and continued support of the USO and our men and women in uniform,” said USO president and CEO, Edward A. Powell. “Together we provide much needed services and boost the morale of those who defend the liberties we hold so dear.”

Dr. Cyd Charisse Williams, a local physician and hand-hygiene advocate, states that it’s imperative for troops to keep hand hygiene top of mind. "Times of increased stress can make us more susceptible to germs. Since our hands can spread many common germs that can cause illness, you should regularly wash your hands or, if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer like Germ-X.”

About the USO
For more than 66 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, DRS Technologies, Inc., Military Channel, S & K Sales Co., TriWest Healthcare Alliance and The Walt Disney Company. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit www.uso.org.

Editor's Notes:

Germ-X® is produced by Vi-Jon, a St. Louis-based personal care products manufacturer, distributing a full range of products to the nation’s largest mass-market retailers, food stores and distributors and drug store chains.