DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Donates Funds to Help the Transition Back Home of Injured U.S. Troops

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 26, 2004 -- DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund has donated $25,000 to the USO Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF) to help purchase items that will make the temporary stay for injured soldiers returning home to the U.S. a little easier.

CASF, based on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is where wounded U.S. troops reside until they are transferred back to the United States for further treatment and recuperation. Because the soldiers leave all personal belongings at their Military Unit, CASF arranges to provide amenities that remind the soldiers of home: Phone cards, Internet access, CD's, magazines and books, and even familiar brands of soap and toothpaste.

"The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is pleased to take this opportunity to show our support for our troops whenever they are in need," said Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President - Government Affairs and President, DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. "Chrysler Group wants to do its part to help make the transition comfortable for U.S. soldiers."

Since April 2003, the CASF has supported several hundred injured U.S. Operation Iraqi Freedom troops, and is teaming up with U.S. businesses to garner additional funding. By partnering with these companies, the CASF will ensure no shortfalls in support to American troops. Partnering also will allow the CASF to expand services and programs for U.S. troops.

"The generous assistance received from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund greatly helps our CASF continue all assistance provided to injured troops with a 'Touch of Home' while awaiting further medical evacuation to the United States," said Walter Murren, Director of USO Kaiserslautern. "The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund's generosity is deeply appreciated."

The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Now in its 51st year, the Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States and, increasingly around the world. Prior to this donation, the Fund has taken a leadership role and provided support to the Armed Forces Relief Fund during Desert Storm and to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation over the past several years.