18 Feb 2010 | Ref. 026/2010
ARLINGTON, Virginia - BAE Systems employees will support the troops and their families, having selected Operation Homefront to be the company's Charity Challenge partner in the United States for 2010. One of the largest and most successful national military support charities, Operation Homefront provides emergency and morale assistance for active U.S. troops of all branches, the families they leave behind, and wounded warriors when they return home.
"The selection of Operation Homefront illustrates our employees' affinity for our service members and their families," said Curt Gray, senior vice president of human resources. "Operation Homefront provides aid to military families struggling not only with emergencies, but also the problems of everyday life. We're looking forward to helping make a difference in the lives of those who protect us."
"BAE Systems supports the troops on the battlefield by providing the very best products and services possible," noted Jim Knotts, Operation Homefront CEO. "But the commitment of BAE Systems employees extends to the homefront as well. Having so many employees who are veterans or who have supported the military through a lifetime, they understand that the price of peace is paid by the entire military family. We are honored to partner with such a wonderful company and group of employees to the benefit of our troops and their families."
Charity Challenge is BAE Systems' company-wide fund-raising and volunteering program. It operates at more than 150 sites across Australia, the UK and the US. The company provides supplementary funding for all funds raised and volunteering hours worked by our employees in support of our partner charities.
BAE Systems' 2008 - 2009 campaign in the U.S. raised $6.8 million and employees volunteered more than 37,000 hours for our selected charities. For America Supports You and its affiliated organizations, the U.S. our partner charity for 2008 - 2009, employees contributed $750,000 and volunteered more than 2,600 hours of their time.
The new campaign with Operation Homefront will run through December 2011.
About Operation Homefront
A national non-profit founded after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 27 chapters nationwide, and has met more than 250,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.92 of every dollar donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.
Existing programs include:
- Emergency Aid - Food, baby care items, vehicle donation and repair
- Computer Program - Allows children and spouses to stay in touch with their loved ones
- Financial Assistance Program - Crises such as rent, utilities, and homelessness
- Furniture Program - Donated household and baby furniture, and appliances
- Moving - Providing physical labor and costs when a service member is deployed
- Social Outreach - Adopt-a-Family, Thanksgiving/holiday baskets, back-to-school supplies
More information on Operation Homefront is available on the organization's Web site: www.operationhomefront.net
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defense, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).
For further information contact
Scott Fazekas, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 301 838 6957 Mobile: +1 240 328 3603
scott.fazekas@baesystems.com
