Did you know that the Walt Disney Company has a longstanding 100-year tradition of support for the U.S. Armed Forces?
The Disney SALUTE veterans affinity group proudly contributes to this tradition and provides support to cast members and their families.
One of these amazing cast members and heroes is Disney Animal Kingdom’s Guest Experience Manager, Harry Porrata Doria.
Meet Harry Porrata Doria
Harry is a Guest Experience Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and also a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Before Being deployed to Southwest Asia a few months ago, Harry reached out to Disney SALUTE veteran affinity group to see if they could help maker magic for his team of more than 100 deployed Airmen.
Harry was used to creating magical moments for guests and now wanted to create a memorable experience for his team serving in the Middle East.
Special Disney Care Packages
Photo: Disney
The Disney SALUTE team collected essential items, daily necessities, and tasty treats to create special Disney care packages for Harry and his unit.
In addition to these items, the care packages included letters from Disney cast members and executives wishing Harry well and thanking him for his selfless service.
Photo: Disney
This Disney SALUTE team is a group of cast members with past military experience or who come from military families. They know how important these care packages are in providing a morale boost and support for those deployed.
During a recent VoluntEARS event, cast members packed the care packages and sent them on their way. These cast members also received a special video of Harry thanking his fellow cast members for their support.
The packages arrived several weeks later and Harry’s team of Airmen enjoyed a collection of delicious treats and essential items.
A great piece of home that provided a little bit of magic!
Harry expressed his appreciation on behalf of his team:
My Unit and myself would like to thank everyone that donated items and time to package and send these great care packages for us. 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.
Disney collected so many items and donations, they could not send everything overseas. They provided donations and additional items to local organization, the Orlando Fisher House.
Military and veterans’ families can stay at the Orlando Fisher House (at no cost) while a loved one is receiving medical treatment at the Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona.
Image: MickeyBlog
This story highlights Disney’s amazing support for its cast members. Stay tuned to MickeyBlog for more updates on Cast Members and all things Disney.
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