Disney Magic Sent Over to Deployed Us Air Force

Disney is always in the season of giving back. At Disney, supporting those in the Air Force and Military and their families is extremely important. In supporting them, Disney gives back in many ways. For one, The Walt Disney Company’s Heroes Work Here is a career service for those interested in working with Disney.

Disney SALUTE and Disney VoluntEARS are both groups of Cast Members who are always ready to give back to the U.S. Armed Forces. So when one of Disney’s very own Harry Porrata Doria, a Guest Experience Manager at Animal Kingdom and U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Master Sergeant, was going overseas, Disney gladly stepped in to contribute. Upon his deployment in Southwest Asia, he asked Disney to help organize something special for the team of over 100 he would be joined by. So Disney got to work.

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Disney Care Packages Sent Overseas

Creating special care packages is just one of the many ways Disney gives back. At the request of Cast Member and Master Sergeant Harry, Disney SALUTE and Disney VoluntEARS got to work quickly. Disney SALUTE set up boxes throughout Walt Disney World offices which were soon overflowing with donations of essential items. “The Disney SALUTE veteran affinity group is a collection of cast members who have either served in the military or come from military families, so we know how care packages like these are a big boost to morale for those who can be deployed far from family and friends,” Disney explains.

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The care packages consisted of food, essential items like hygiene products, and even some special surprises. “The care packages also included letters from Disney Cast Members and executives wishing Harry well and thanking him for his selfless service,” Disney Parks Blog included. Of course, an extra special surprise was added to the shipment, including crisped rice cereal treats from Minnie’s Bake Shop, to make being from home just a little bit sweeter.

Harry and his unit were grateful for the shipment, which was just an easy way for Disney Cast Members to give back. Some of Harry’s co-workers from Animal Kingdom were a part of the Disney VoluntEARS, making it that much more special to assist. Harry sent a heartfelt message to those helping;

“My Unit and myself would like to thank everyone that donated items and time to package and send these great care packages for us,” said Harry. “We really loved everything sent, but especially the healthy snacks! Thanks for bringing a little magic to our team while we’re deployed far from home.”

What’s a way you’ve given back?