Jamie is an Operations Specialist and Rescue Swimmer in the United States Navy. His unit, US Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Mobile Unit Three, stationed out of San Diego, was deployed to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jamie became a fan on our Facebook page and wrote on our wall that he grew up in Smithfield, NC and that “eating at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is always a MANDATORY event when I’m at home on leave!”. That small, personal connection grew into something much bigger for us over the next few months. With the support of our stores and the local community, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q’s Freedom Week was a great success! Freedom Week encouraged Smithfield’s diners to contribute items to be shipped to our troops serving overseas, where we had “adopted” a unit. Just in time for the holidays, we are happy to announce that Operations Specialist, Jamie Franks, has returned safely home and even joined us for a special lunch at one of our Garner, NC locations on Thursday, Dec. 17th. Upon meeting, Jamie presented us with a wonderful surprise. The gift was a paddle that he made himself while deployed. Hours of work went into creating such a unique and thoughtful gift and we truly are humbled. We appreciate all that Jamie Franks, US Navy EOD Mobile Unit Three, and all the men and women serving our country do for us. We are honored to support such great people.
