Microsoft and the USO's 2009 'A Salute to Our Troops' Comes to D.C.

Microsoft and the USO's 2009 'A Salute to Our Troops' Comes to D.C.

Program to Include Entertaining 8200 Troops with Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Partnering with Washington Capitals to Host 50 Wounded Warriors for Season Game

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp.'s third annual A Salute to Our Troops program will take place in Washington, D.C. this fall, filled with multiple activities to brighten the season for U.S. troops and their families. The A Salute to our Troops program, founded in 2007 by Microsoft in cooperation with the USO of Metropolitan Washington and the USO of Metropolitan New York, is dedicated to showing Microsoft's continued support of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Microsoft will kick-off the program on November 9th with an Operation USO Care Package Day with the NHL Washington Capitals Captain Chris Clark and Brian Pothier and WTOP 103.5 FM and Federal News 1500 AM Radio. Over 100 volunteers from Microsoft and local technology partners, WTOP 103.5 FM and Federal News 1500 AM Radio and the Washington Capitals will come together to prepare Care Packages for the troops who are serving overseas. The care packages will include Microsoft Zune trial Cards, prepaid international phone cards, sunscreen, travel size toiletries, lens wipe cloths, CDs, DVDs, playing cards, magazines, and personal messages of support from the donors and volunteers.

On Veteran's Day, November 11th, Microsoft, and the NHL Washington Capitals, through the USO of Metropolitan Washington, will host more than 50 Wounded Warriors and their families to see the Caps take on the New York Islanders at the Verizon Center. At the game, the Washington Capitals will announce the Courage Caps program which will take place throughout the 2009-2010 season. The Courage Caps presented by Microsoft, will raise funds to help the courageous men and women who protect and defend our country, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the USO of Metropolitan Washington, a private, non-profit organization. Courage Caps and Courage T-Shirts will be available starting at online at WashingtonCaps.com, at the Fan Gear store and stands throughout the Verizon Center.

On December 5th, design expert and on-air personality Kelley Moore will team up with Microsoft to give the Fisher House in Bethesda a holiday make-over. Kelley will make over the common areas of the facility to brighten the day and boost the morale of the troops and their families.

Finally, in keeping with the USO tradition of entertaining the troops, on Sunday, December 20th, Microsoft will treat 8,200 troops and their families to a private showing of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes at D.C.'s Verizon Center. Ticket information can be found at www.salutetoourtroops.org

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

A Salute to Our Troops is a national program honoring the many faces of courage and inspiration belonging to individuals who demonstrate selfless dedication to our country.

About USO of Metropolitan Washington

USO-Metro is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is "Serving those who serve, and their families" in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. With the help of over 5,500 dedicated volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals; through its Mobile USO program; at three family support centers and four USO airport lounges.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: lindsey.brown@pmkhbh.com

Source: Microsoft

CONTACT: Shawn Purdy, Shawn.Purdy@pmkhbh.com, +1-212-373-6105, or Andy
Gelb, Andy.Gelb@pmkhbh.com, +1-310-289-6200, both of PMK/HBH

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Profile: International Entertainment