DaimlerChrysler Donates $100,000 to Michigan National Guard Family Support Fund

* Funds to aid families of troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan * Guard expects requests to increase with new deployments * Continuing the mission of the DaimlerChrysler Fund

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 10 -- Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche presented a $100,000 check from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund to the Michigan National Guard Family Support Fund at the company's annual media holiday gathering Dec. 9 in Royal Oak, Mich. The donation was accepted by Major General Thomas Cutler, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard on behalf of the more than 1,900 Michigan Army and Air National Guard members currently deployed.

"Many of our own employees are currently serving on active duty today, so we know how deployment can impact the lives of everyone in a family," said Dieter Zetsche. "It is important to support the parents, spouses and children of those courageous men and women who serve in the Michigan National Guard, especially at this time of year."

The funds will be available to the families of active Guard members whose wages have been lost or reduced because of their service. The financial assistance will provide basic "quality of life" needs, like housing, transportation, medical needs, utilities, food, and in some cases, airfare.

"We rely 100 percent on public support. Due to generous donations like the one from DaimlerChrysler, the Family Fund can respond to a family's needs within minutes and has never turned down a qualifying request," said General Cutler. "With an increase in recent and pending deployments, the Guard is anticipating an increase in applications for relief."

There are 2,900 family members of Michigan National Guard members who have been affected by deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bosnia and within the United States. Since Sept. 11, 2001, 53 percent of the Michigan National Guard has been called to active duty.

Deployed Guard members who work for DaimlerChrysler receive a supplement from the company to make up the difference between their Guard pay and their regular wages.

The Michigan National Guard Family Support Fund was created in 1990 during the Gulf War. Since that time hundreds of families have benefited from the Fund. To make a donation to the Family Support Fund, interested parties can call (517) 702-5116.

The DaimlerChrysler Fund has announced charitable donations at the annual media holiday celebration for many years. Past recipients of donations include the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, the Oakland County Food Bank, among others. The DaimlerChrysler Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Its mission is to make a positive, lasting difference in the communities in which DaimlerChrysler Corporation conducts business. Its "Good Neighbor, Good Citizen" initiatives strive to enhance the quality of life by supporting organizations engaged in education, arts and humanities, public policy, human services, and civic and community involvement. The Fund is also committed to improving social conditions and providing opportunities that allow people and communities to realize their full potential. The Fund was established in 1953 and in 2003 contributed more than $22 million to qualified charitable organizations.

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