AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — An ongoing campaign to promote the Ram Truck Brand is doing more than generating extra traffic in showrooms.

Automaker officials on Wednesday shared some early returns connected with the "Letters for Lyrics" campaign that has the goal of sending 1 million letters to U.S. soldiers deployed around the world.

Since the promotion rolled out earlier this month, the company indicated more than 70,000 people have shown their appreciation to troops by submitting letters at their local Ram Truck dealership or at Zac Brown Band concerts.

In exchange for writing a letter to a U.S. soldier, organizers said participants will receive a special compilation CD titled Breaking Southern Ground. This exclusive CD features three all-new songs from Zac Brown Band, as well as music from artists signed to Zac Brown's label, Southern Ground Records: Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey.

"The Ram Truck Brand has been moved by the kindness and gratitude that has been expressed so far to our men and women in the military," stated Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer of Ram Truck Brand.

"As we head into Memorial Day — a holiday that remembers those who dedicated their lives for our freedom — I encourage everyone to take a few moments this week to visit their local Ram Truck dealership to write a letter of support to our military men and women who show commitment and valor to this great country," Diaz went on to say.

Individuals interested in writing a letter also can visit any Ram Truck dealership where special "Letters for Lyrics" stationery is available.

Zac Brown echoed a similar position as the Ram Truck Brand CEO.

"We're so proud of the immediate response we've received for ‘Letters for Lyrics' over the past two weeks," Brown noted. "The support our fans have shown and the stories they've shared with us about how the campaign has moved them to show their appreciation is truly inspirational.

"This Monday, as we observe Memorial Day, we'll show our respect for the U.S. men and women who have given their lives in the military service and send our thoughts to those out there protecting our country and way of life," Brown continued. "We ask that everyone help us show your appreciation for their heroic efforts."

Soldiers' Angels, a nonprofit organization, plans to deliver the letters on behalf of the Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand. Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led organization with more than 225,000 members providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard, along with veterans and their families.

"By standing wingtip to wingtip, the Ram Truck Brand, Zac Brown Band and Soldiers' Angels will be able to help build morale to heroes in combat zones 1 million fold," stressed Soldiers' Angels founder and president, Patti Patton-Bader.

"We are truly grateful to the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band for their help in ensuring that our heroes know they are loved and appreciated," Patton-Bader concluded.