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WASHINGTON D.C. (March 5, 2008) - The company that made
inspiration standard has done the same with its support of the
nation's troops since before World War II.
Chrysler recently announced it has become a corporate supporter
of the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, which
connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their
families serving at home and abroad.
"The mission of America Supports You merges perfectly with the
legacy Chrysler has of supporting the military and their families
for decades, said Bob Nardelli, the auto maker's chairman and chief
executive officer. "Beginning with our Jeep products carrying
troops in World War II and continuing with our initiatives today,
Chrysler has remained committed to the well-being of the men and
women who wear the uniform and their families."
Chrysler not only has built many vehicles specifically for the
military, but also has provided financial support to many military
programs, including the construction of the World War II Memorial
on the National Mall. More recently, it has worked with
troop-support groups to help them further their missions.
"What's terrific about the Chrysler involvement in America
Supports You is that it's the perfect model," said Allison Barber,
deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications
and public liaison. "It's a company with a long history of
supporting military members, (and it's) now partnering with two of
our America Supports You home-front groups, Freedom Foundation and
Operation Gratitude."
The company recently announced a new partnership with Freedom
Calls Foundation. The foundation's mission is to connect troops
deployed in Iraq and their families at home through video
teleconferencing.
Chrysler has opened its video teleconferencing facilities at the
company's Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters so families can
schedule time to talk "face to face" with their loved ones serving
overseas.
The company also provided Operation Gratitude with two vehicles
for recipients of milestone care packages. The keys to the vehicles
were included in the organization's milestone 250,000th and
300,000th care packages, and the recipients claimed their new
vehicles upon their return from service in Iraq.
Additionally, more than 1,800 Jeep dealerships across the
country serve as collection points for donated care-package items
for Operation Gratitude.
Operation Gratitude and Freedom Calls Foundation are both
home-front supporters of America Supports You.
It's more than the fact that the company supports the military
that impressed Barber, however. It's how Chrysler has found ways to
keep that support relevant, as with one of its new programs.
"The third terrific piece about this is that they're looking to
train and hire returning veterans," Barber said.
As troops transition out of military service, many are looking
for career opportunities that provide growth, acceptable wages and
stability, company officials said. The car-maker is working with
its 3,600 dealers to make that possible.
It will begin offering servicemembers leaving the military the
opportunity to connect with one of those dealerships and be
considered for employment.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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