Chrysler receives Indiana Patriot Award

Chrysler LLC has been awarded the prestigious Indiana Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for its continued support of the Guard and Reserve. Major Jose Soto Perez, maintenance area supervisor at Chrysler's Kokomo, Indiana facility, submitted Chrysler as a candidate for this honor. Employed by Chrysler since June 2000, Major Perez is currently on active duty at Camp Basra in Iraq.

The ESGR award was presented to Chrysler during the organization's Annual Planning and Awards banquet in Indianapolis on Friday, March 20, 2009. Brian Garrison, Kokomo plant manager, accepted the award on behalf of Major Perez.

"Chrysler has really gone above and beyond to support Guard and Reserve members like myself," said Major Perez. "I'm honored to be employed by a company like Chrysler because it truly supports its military employees through its actions."

Established in 1972, the ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. It was established to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support. The nation's Reserve components (referring to the total of all National Guard members and Reserve forces from all branches of the military) comprise approximately 48 percent of our total available military manpower. The Reserve forces spend more time away from the workplace defending the nation, supporting a demanding operations tempo and training to maintain their mission readiness. In this environment, civilian employers play a critical role in the defense of the nation by complying with existing employment laws protecting the rights of workers who serve in the Reserve component.

"We are extremely honored to be nominated by Major Jose Perez who is currently serving our country in Iraq," said Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli. "This distinguished award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve demonstrates the pride our employees have in working for Chrysler, knowing that our Company is committed to 'Honoring Those Who Serve' for the sacrifices they are making. Chrysler is proud to provide military-friendly benefits and policies such as maintaining full wages and benefits while these courageous men and women are on active duty and providing the same status, pay and benefits upon their return to Chrysler. We thank Major Perez for his dedication to Chrysler and to his country."

Nardelli accepted the 2008 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award on behalf of Chrysler LLC in September 2008. 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.