DaimlerChrysler donates $100,000 to Michigan National Guard Family Fund

PRESS RELEASE

February 24, 2005

Lansing—Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche has presented a $100,000 check from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund to the Michigan National Guard Family Fund, a non-profit group that assists Guard families who encounter financial hardship during a military deployment. Maj. Gen. Thomas Cutler, Michigan National Guard adjutant general, accepted the donation on behalf of more than 11,000 Guard members and their families.

"Words can not express my gratitude for this very generous donation," said Cutler. "DaimlerChrysler provides great support to their employees when they are called to military duty and now they are supporting all Guard families. They are truly a model corporate partner."

Cutler explained that Zetsche originally told him to expect a donation of $50,000. "When he handed me a check for twice that amount, I am convinced my heart skipped a beat. This is the largest donation we have received."

Since Sept. 11, more than 60 percent of the Michigan National Guard has been deployed, leaving as many as 6,000 Michigan families behind, often for 12 months or more.

"Whenever I ask a Soldier or Airman what their number one deployment concern is, they unanimously answer ‘my family,’" said Cutler. "While they are gone, they are entrusting us to watch out for their loved ones--sometimes the families need emotional support, sometimes financial. Through our state-wide family network and contributions to our family fund, we can take care of both; but we rely heavily on contributions, which is why I so appreciate the DaimlerChrysler family for opening their hearts to the Michigan National Guard family."

Today, approximately 2,200 Michigan National Guard men and women are deployed and Michigan Guard officials don’t expect the deployments or the financial hardships to end anytime soon.

"Michigan citizens and businesses have been so generous but I’m concerned that the donations may taper off now that the holidays are past us," said Cutler.

To contribute to the Michigan National Guard Family Fund, mail a donation to 2500 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI 48913. For more information, call (517) 702-5102 or 5116.

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Questions may be directed to Capt. Dawn Dancer at 517-483-5600.