Operation Troop Aid Reels in $10,000 Check Thanks to 'Deadliest Catch' Star

by Christy Watkins and Mark Woods

Nashville, TN – Sept. 30, 2009)  Nonprofit military organization Operation Troop Aid was surprised with a check for $10,000 after Deadliest Catch cast member Russell Newberry won the Budweiser Celebrity Billiards Shootout on Sept. 25, 2009. 
 
Newberry, a deckhand on the "Time Bandit" and "Wizard" crabbing vessels on Discovery Channel’s hit television show, Deadliest Catch, won the $10,000 for Operation Troop Aid.  The veteran pool player entered the tournament through his affiliation with Jamerson Motorsports’ marketing efforts.  

The nine-ball pool tournament, sponsored by NKS Beverage Group and Brunswick Billiards, was held at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover , Del. , during NASCAR race weekend at Dover International Speedway.

"I can’t thank Russ and everyone at Jamerson Motor Sports enough for their support of Operation Troop Aid. They sure have made this Christmas a lot brighter for some very deserving troops," said OTA Executive Director Mark Woods.

Operation Troop Aid provides support to troops at home and overseas through the collection, repackaging and distribution of care packages. The company is a nonprofit organization, securing funding primarily through concert promotion and public financial generosity. For more information, visit Operation Troop Aid.

About Operation Troop Aid
Operation Troop Aid is a 501 C (3) nonprofit organization founded by Mark Woods and based out of Hendersonville , Tenn.

Mark Woods is Executive Director of Operation Troop Aid and is a 21-year veteran of the United States Navy. Operation Troop Aid is seeking one-time and ongoing grant support from private foundations, corporations and government agencies to provide much needed support services for U.S. troops stationed at home and abroad.

George Fiorile, (r) Vice-President and General Manager of Hotel Operations at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, presents Deadliest Catch cast member and OTA spokesperson Russell Newberry with a check for $10,000 for Newberry’s charity of choice, Operation Troop Aid.