Chrysler Accepts 2008 Freedom Award

WASHINGTON - September 19, 2008: 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.