Newman's New Army Program Promotes Soldiers Searching For Civilian Jobs

FORT KNOX, March 21, 2011: Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet at this weekend's Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Fontana, Calif. will pay tribute to the Army's Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS), a program which gives Soldiers from the Army and Army Reserve a leg up on civilian employment.

Under the PaYS program, when a Soldier leaves active-duty or Initial Entry Training (IET) for the Army Reserve, they will receive a guaranteed job interview with the civilian employer they chose as part of their enrollment in the program. Currently, there are approximately 400 companies participating in PaYS, more than 50 of which are Fortune 500 companies.

"The PaYS program demonstrates not only the commitment of the Army to powerful, life-long training, but also the commitment of American businesses in employing leaders," said Col. Derik Crotts, Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Army Strong Soldiers are leaders who possess a strength like no other. They are disciplined, dependable employees who understand and embrace teamwork, integrity and selfless service. We are honored Haas Automation has joined the ranks of American companies participating in PaYS."

The logos for PaYS and Haas Automation, a new partner to the PaYS program, will be featured on the hood of Newman's Chevrolet. Haas Automation, which is based in Oxnard, Calif., is America's leading builder of CNC machine tools and co-owner of the Stewart-Haas Racing team. The company was founded by Gene Haas in 1983. Haas Automation will receive its PaYS certification during an Army ceremony at Auto Club Speedway.

“Haas Automation is proud to be a new member of the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program,” said Kurt Zierhut, director of research and development, Haas Automation. “We look forward to interviewing members of the Army who are interested in joining Haas Automation’s team of skilled workers. This program will allow Haas to support members of the military who risk their lives every day to protect our country.”

More than 18,000 Soldiers are enrolled in the PaYS program for fiscal year 2011 and more than 120,000 Soldiers have taken part in PaYS since the program's inception in 2000.

"This is my third year representing the U.S. Army in NASCAR and it's been quite an educational experience to learn about the unique programs the Army has to offer to America's youth," said Newman. "Our Army Chevrolets in the past have showcased the Army ROTC, Army Reserve and Army Medicine. This weekend we will feature the Army PaYs program, a partnership with companies - like Haas Automation -- to assist our Army Strong Soldiers once they enter civilian life in search of employment. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to help convey these Army programs vocally and through our U.S. Army race car."