ALTOONA and WAWA, Pa. -- Sheetz and Wawa are working together to provide boxed lunches at the USS John P. Murtha Commissioning Ceremony, honoring the late congressman from Pennsylvania, the people of his district, the ship and its crew.
Seven thousand guests are anticipated to gather for the ceremony on Oct. 8 at the Navy League in Philadelphia, including John P. Murtha’s family representatives, 500 members of the ship’s family, local officials and leadership from Wawa and Sheetz.
"As two companies committed to bringing our customers and communities together, we feel privileged to be a part of this ceremony and to have the chance to honor Pennsylvania's longest serving congressman and decorated combat veteran,” said Chris Gheysens, president and CEO of Wawa, Wawa, Pa. “Honoring those who serve in our nation's defense is especially important to us, and we are delighted to serve the ship's crew and guests at this event."
Wawa and Sheetz will offer lunches that include popular items from each company's menu to all guests.
“The entire Sheetz family is humbled by this extraordinary opportunity,” said Joe Sheetz, president and CEO of Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz. “Congressman Murtha's service contributed greatly to the Johnstown community, his larger district and the entire country, and his commitment and dedication will not be forgotten.”
The naval commissioning ceremony has been a tradition since 1775.
Sheetz is a family-owned and -operated convenience restaurant chain, with more than $7 billion in annual revenue and more than 17,500 employees. The company operates 537 locations throughout Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and West Virginia.
Wawa is a privately held company with more than 730 convenience retail stores (more than 490 of which offer gasoline) in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and Florida.
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