National Salvation Army Week To Be Celebrated With Gift Of $100,000 Disaster Response Unit From FedEx At The 911th Airlift Wing

CARNEGIE, Pa., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 15^th, in celebration of the 60^th National Salvation Army Week, FedEx is donating a custom $100,000 Disaster Response Unit (DRU) to The Salvation Army, the first vehicle of its kind to be used in Western Pennsylvania.  The new DRU will help Salvation Army workers and volunteers better serve the community by providing meals to needy and displaced residents during and after natural disasters.  This vehicle is the 17^th unit that FedEx has donated to The Salvation Army global fleet, representing more than $1.7 million dollars in corporate contributions.  To commemorate this special occasion, the DRU will demonstrate its capabilities for the first time at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, which is known for its expertise in disaster response.  Personnel from the 911^th Airlift Wing, 171^st Air Refueling Wing, 316^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) will be on hand to participate in this inaugural event.

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"Both FedEx and the military have been our faithful supporters in disaster relief," said Major William Bode, The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander.  "We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this special day."

The DRU is outfitted with the latest equipment and technology to assist disaster response personnel in helping community members before, during and after emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, floods or other weather-related disasters.  The custom-designed and built unit features a fully functional kitchen where workers and volunteers can prepare meals to feed approximately 2,500 people per day.

"At FedEx, we are passionate about helping people prepare for the unexpected and are known for making critical deliveries when and where it counts," said Rose Flenorl, manager, Social Responsibility, FedEx Services.  "Through the donation of this new Disaster Response Unit, we hope to help The Salvation Army continue to deliver much needed food and aid to Western Pennsylvania residents in their times of need."

The very first National Salvation Army Week was declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower between November 18 and December 4, 1954 as a reminder to Americans that they should give freely of themselves proclaiming, "Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood.  In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern.  In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all."

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.  With annual revenues of $44 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand.  Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.  For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865.  Today, it provides critical services in 126 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services.  To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, twitter.com/SalArmyPGH or facebook.com/SalvationArmyWesternPA.  The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division

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