Chrysler LLC and Operation Gratitude Deliver Customized Vehicle to Soldier Returning from Iraq Deployment

FT.LEWIS, Wash., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, in front of 4,000 soldiers, Army Spc. Michael Gallagher took possession of his new vehicle, an all-new, custom-painted 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty. The vehicle was provided to him by Chrysler LLC in partnership with Operation Gratitude. The vehicle includes a custom-painted mural that honors five fallen soldiers in Gallagher's unit.

The presentation continues Chrysler LLC's support of the military through its "Honoring Those Who Serve" initiative, and relationships with organizations like Operation Gratitude.

Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy - Chrysler LLC delivered the vehicle along with Carolyn Blashek, Founder and President of Operation Gratitude. Following the vehicle presentation, Spc. Gallagher joined the soldiers from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, for a redeployment ceremony marking the brigade's return from theirIraq deployment.

"Our Armed Forces are making incredible sacrifices every day to protect our freedom and way of life," said Fountain. "Providing Spc. Gallagher with an all-new Jeep Liberty vehicle is the least we could do to thank him for his courage and service to our country."

Upon receiving the vehicle keys in an Operation Gratitude package assembled in December 2007, Spc. Gallagher expressed his desire to create a way to remember fallen soldiers from his unit, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Gallagher's new Jeep will feature a custom-painted mural on its hood that reflects the names of those heroes who have fallen.

"Meeting Spc. Gallagher and his team inIraq last January when we hand-delivered the 300,000th Operation Gratitude package was a very special moment, matched today by watching him take delivery of the Jeep Liberty here at home on American soil," said Blashek. "Spc. Gallagher is a wonderful representative of the U.S. Military. Operation Gratitude is honored to express our appreciation and respect to him and to all the men and women in uniform who so bravely defend our freedoms all over the world."

"Spc. Gallagher's desire to transform the vehicle into a permanent moving tribute as a result of his good fortune is admirable," added Fountain.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Chrysler continues to express support and encouragement to America's military men and women through its "Honoring Those Who Serve" initiative, consisting of three components: Employment, Transportation and Community.

With the Employment component 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 .

Under the Transportation component, Chrysler continues to offer special incentives and warranties on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products, crafted specifically for members of the military.

For the Community component, 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.

About Chrysler LLC

Chrysler LLC, headquartered inAuburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside ofNorth America were the highest ever with an increase of eight percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations inthe United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that sends care packages and letters to individually named U.S. troops deployed in hostile zones such asIraq andAfghanistan, and onto military ships all over the world.

The organization was founded in March 2003 by Carolyn Blashek to support U.S. troops serving in some of the world's harshest locations and is funded entirely by private donations and staffed exclusively by volunteers. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and to express to all troops the appreciation and support of the American people. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 350,000 packages to American troops stationed overseas.

SOURCE Chrysler LLC

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