Friday, September 19, 2008

ChryslerAcceptsAward

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob
Nardelli accepted the 2008 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award today at the
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The
Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to
employers for outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National
Guard and Reserve. A total of 15 companies in multiple categories were
recognized.

"I am truly honored to accept this Freedom Award on behalf of the men and
women of Chrysler," said Nardelli. "Because the Freedom Award is based upon
employee nominations, this award demonstrates the pride our employees have in
working for Chrysler, knowing that our company provides military-friendly
benefits and policies while on active duty."

Members of the National Guard and Reserve or their families can nominate
employers for their support of military service. More than 2,000 nominations
were received by the Department of Defense from across the country for 2008. A
national selection board comprised of senior Defense officials and business
leaders selected the recipients for this year's award.

Chrysler employee Theresa Jones, a Powertrain Instrumentation Technician
in the company's Engine Development Laboratory and Petty Officer Second Class
in the Naval Reserve, was one of four employees who submitted Chrysler as a
candidate for the Freedom Award. Jones delivered remarks introducing the
company to those in attendance at the black-tie event.

"I'm honored to be employed by a company like Chrysler because they truly
support their military employees not just in words, but in actions," said
Jones. "Their generosity allowed me to remain financially secure and maintain
my current lifestyle, which had a huge impact on my morale in sometimes
difficult circumstances."

Honoring Those Who Serve

Chrysler has a long tradition of support for the U.S. military that
stretches back to the creation of the Jeep(R) vehicle prior to WWII and
continues today. As a part of its participation in Military Appreciation Month
in May 2008, Chrysler announced its military support initiative, "Honoring
Those Who Serve," to recognize those men and women who serve in our armed
forces. The initiative consists of three components: Employment,
Transportation and Community.

Employment: Chrysler is partnering with the Departments of Defense and
Labor and Veterans Affairs to bring current and former members of the military
together with the Company, its dealers and suppliers to find suitable career
opportunities as they transition to civilian life. The company created a Web
site for those looking for career opportunities at
www.ChryslerHonoringThoseWhoServe.com.

Transportation: The Company continues to offer military-only discounts,
benefits and warranties on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products. Currently, the
company offers a free three-year maintenance agreement and employee pricing
specifically for members of the military who purchase a Chrysler, Jeep or
Dodge vehicle.

Community: Chrysler joined America Supports You (ASY), a Department of
Defense program that connects nonprofit support groups with military people
and their families. The Company is currently working with two ASY home-front
groups -- The Freedom Calls Foundation and Operation Gratitude. Along with
Operation Gratitude, Chrysler recently presented an all-new Jeep Liberty with
a custom-painted mural to Cpl. Michael Gallagher, at Fort Lewis, Wash., on
July 1, 2008. Gallagher originally received the vehicle keys in one of the
300,000 Operation Gratitude care packages that were delivered in December 2007
while on duty in Iraq.

No comments: