Verizon Offers Free Holiday Calling for U.S. Troops in Iraq

Verizon recently announced that, in a move similar to AT&T, the company will be helping U.S. troops and their families stay in touch during the holiday season. For the fourth consecutive year, Verizon Business will provide free phone calls for U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed in Iraq. The calls will be provided from Nov. 22 through 28 and from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.

"For our troops stationed far away from home, hearing the sound of a loved-one's voice can go a long way to lift the spirits during the holidays,'' said Jerry Edgerton, group president for Verizon Federal, the sales organization within Verizon Business dedicated to serving federal government customers. "Verizon Business has made it a tradition to help the troops stay connected during the holiday season as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices they make daily."

In addition to a mobile communications facility outfitted with phones to allow military personnel to make calls,  Verizon Business makes technology, resources and employee support available to military personnel and their families around the world.

Verizon Business also is supporting the USO of Metropolitan Washington on Dec. 17 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, by hosting a Verizon Business Phone Home for the Holidays program in conjunction with the USO's holiday event.  Verizon Business will deploy one of its mobile emergency communications vehicles to allow troops and their families to make free local, long-distance and international calls as well as send e-mails.