Team Lowe's Racing supports Lowe's USO family programs

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 17, 2010) – Lowe's and the United Service Organizations announced the creation of the Lowe's USO Family Fund, proceeds of which will support USO family programs, such as the "With You All the Way!" deployment kit, "United Through Reading," and USO Operation Phone Home. These programs help deployed service members and their families stay connected. Team Lowe's Racing driver Jimmie Johnson and country-music artist Darius Rucker will host a special concert highlighting the Lowe's USO Family Fund on the SPEED Channel airing at 7 p.m. ET on May 29, the night before the 600-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Donations can be made to the fund by visiting www.uso.org/lowes, by texting USO to 50555 for a $5 donation, or by calling 1-800-876-7469 and using giving codes "Lowe's," "Jimmie Johnson," or "Racing." "We are proud to be able to support members of the military and their families with the Lowe's USO Family Fund," said Larry Stone, Lowe's President and COO. "Our company was founded on the heels of WWII by a veteran, and for more than 60 years we have had a long tradition of hiring veterans and reservists to work on our team." "What a great opportunity for Lowe's and the USO to demonstrate our commitment to American troops," said Sloan Gibson, USO president and CEO. "The Lowe's USO Family Fund will fuel our efforts to support troops and their families." During the May 30 Sprint Cup race, the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet will sport a special patriotic paint scheme in recognition of Memorial Day and will feature donation information on the team's pit wall banner. "Every year we do something different to show our support of the military during this race weekend," said Johnson, who will be trying for his fourth win in the Memorial Day weekend race. "Both of my grandfathers served in the military, so I am especially proud to be partnering with my Lowe's family for the Lowe's USO Family Fund. The money raised will help those deployed and their families back home." Lowe's and its No. 48 team have a long history of supporting the military and honoring the nation over the years. In 2001, Johnson's first Sprint Cup race came at Lowe's Motor Speedway in the Lowe's Chevrolet, which was specially painted to honor the country. Last year, crew chief Chad Knaus helped create a patriotic-themed car that carried the names of more than 12,000 Lowe's employees who are military veterans or reservists. In addition, Lowe's supports the military by having extended benefits for its employees serving in the military and offers employment opportunities to military personnel after their military service has ended. The USO was also selected as one of ten beneficiaries of the Lowe's Employee Giving Campaign, which allows Lowe's employees to donate directly from their paychecks to support those who are serving our country. In support of the Memorial Day holiday, Lowe's will offer a 10 percent discount to all active, reserve, honorably discharged, and retired military personnel and their immediate families. In addition, Lowe's has a year-round 10 percent discount for those with a military-issued photo ID.