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Dunkin' Brands honors America's 'Super-Soldiers'

October 12, 2011

Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins have named Alfonso S. of Walker Valley, N.Y. as the grand prize winning Super-Soldier in a contest inspired by Marvel Studios' Captain America: The First Avenger.

The two brands, with support from the United Service Organizations (USO), searched for real "Super-Soldiers" who make a significant impact in their local communities.

Selected from more than 1,000 official entries, Alfonso S. won a cash prize of $5,000, a new high-definition television, a new Blu-Ray DVD player and a selection of DVD movies in which Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins products are featured.

He was nominated by his daughter-in-law, Lisa R., of Rosendale, N.Y., who will also win a $1,000 cash prize and a $100 Dunkin' Donuts Card.

According to Lisa's entry, "Alfonso the Great," served during WWII, Korea and the Vietnam conflict, in both the Army and Air Force, and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He returned several times to Vietnam after the conflict to help villagers and he fulfilled his promise to a Vietnamese priest to supply the church with a new bell after theirs was destroyed. After returning from Vietnam, Alfonso wrote the Vietnam Veteran's Day Act, which was enacted in 1976.

Eight other first prize winners were chosen for their heroism. Both the first prize winners and their nominators will each receive a $100 Dunkin' Donuts Card.

"America's Super-Soldiers" was part of a summer partnership between Dunkin' Brands and Marvel Studios ahead of the launch of Captain America: The First Avenger.

The contest ran from June 27 through July 15.

"We are proud to recognize America's unsung heroes who give selflessly to make such a difference to so many people, and honored we can show our appreciation for Super-Soldiers like Alfonso and all of service men and women who were nominated for their commitment to our country and to serving others," said John Costello, chief global marketing and innovation officer at Dunkin' Brands.

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