Release Date: Apr 28, 2005Contact: 888-249-NEWS


Chamber Member Awarded for Support of Guard and Reserve



WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce applauded the U.S. Department of Defense's recognition of Landstar System, Inc. as one of the nation's top supporters of the National Guard and Reserve.

"Landstar is a leader within the business community, demonstrating how a firm can go beyond the call of duty to assist the nearly 150,000 citizen soldiers that have been called to active duty," said Andrew Howell, Chamber vice president for Homeland Security. "Jeff has worked tirelessly to strengthen the partnership between employers and the reserve community."

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, recognized Landstar as a "5-Star" supporter of the National Guard and Reserve in a signing ceremony today in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Landstar was represented by Chairman of the Board Jeff Crowe, former Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Five Star Statement of Support is the Department of Defense's highest employer support statement. Each star in the program represents an increased level of commitment. Landstar, an advocate of the National Guard and the Reserves nationally, has provided its Guard and Reserve employees and their families with a host of benefits, including lost pay and extended medical coverage.

"As our companies stand behind their citizen soldiers, the U.S. Chamber will continue to work with Congress and the Department of Defense to add predictability to the mobilization system for businesses and their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve," added Howell.

The U.S. Chamber is a proud supporter of our troops and a key advocate of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (http://www.esgr.org/). The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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