Chrysler LLC was selected to receive the Secretary of Defense 2008 Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The Department of Defense announced fifteen recipients of the top honor.
"Chrysler is honored to receive this prestigious award as a result of doing what we believe is right by our service men and women," said Bob Nardelli, chairman and chief executive officer, Chrysler LLC. "Our military personnel deserve extraordinary support for the sacrifices they make for our country and Chrysler is proud to be recognized for its leadership in this area."
Members of the National Guard and Reserve members or their family members can nominate their employer for support of their service. More than 2,000 nominations were received by the Department of Defense from across the country this year. A national selection board comprised of senior Defense officials and business leaders selected the recipients for this year's award. The Freedom Award will be presented to the 15 recipients during a formal ceremony Thursday, September 18, 2008, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
"In the military the best leaders are those who always take care of their people – and it is no different in the civilian workplace," said Dr. Gordon Sumner, executive director, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. "Chrysler has shown that it too takes care of its people. Its employees, who are also Reserve and Guard Members, know the company is helping take care of their family while they are away serving this country."
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 vehicle prior to WWII and continues today. As a part of its participation in Military Appreciation Month, Chrysler recently 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, Chrysler dealers and suppliers to find suitable career opportunities as they transition to civilian life. The company has set up a web site for those looking for career opportunities at www.ChryslerHonoringThoseWhoServe.com.
Transportation: The company continues to offer special incentives and warranties on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products, crafted specifically for members of the military.
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 provided an all-new Jeep Liberty with a custom-painted mural to the soldier who received the vehicle keys in one of the 300,000 Operation Gratitude care packages. The special care package was delivered in December 2007 to a solider while on duty in Iraq.
