Johnson Joins Rumsfeld at Troop Support Concert

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 6, 2005) – Lowe’s Chevrolet driver Jimmie Johnson joined Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and country music stars Thursday afternoon for the first “America Supports You” Salute to Our Military Men and Women concert. Johnson was at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway preparing for Saturday night’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, but joined the Pentagon concert via satellite. Johnson, Rumsfeld, and Lowe’s executives unveiled a No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet carrying the “America Supports You” decal on the rear deck lid (trunk). The car, plus the No. 5 Lowe’s Busch Series Chevy, will race with the decal at Darlington, Richmond (Va.) International Raceway and Lowe’s Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C., during the month of May. “This is an honor,” said Johnson, the 2005 NEXTEL Cup points leader. “Whenever we get a chance to do something for the men and women who are putting their lives on the line to serve our country and enable us to do what we love to do, then I jump at the chance. I am honored they asked me to be part of this Salute and have a chance to say thanks to all of our troops and their families.” “America Supports You” is a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense to recognize citizens’ support for military men and women and to communicate that support to America’s armed forces at home and abroad. The program’s official website is www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense, said, “We are thrilled that Lowe's is joining the ‘America Supports You’ team. We look forward to working together to ensure that the message of ‘America Supports You’ reaches all our military members and their families." The hour-long concert included singers Keni Thomas, Craig Morgan and Rockie. It aired live on the Defense Department’s American Forces Radio and Television Service to 177 countries throughout the world. In addition to the Pentagon event, Lowe’s will offer free “America Supports You” bumper stickers in its more than 1,100 stores across the country and take its Team Lowe’s Fan Experience interactive mobile display to six military bases. Military families will have an interactive experience with Team Lowe’s Racing. Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet will provide “Dare to Repair” clinics on the Fan Experience using products from local Lowe’s stores.