| PRESS RELEASE: CRUTCHFIELD SUPPORTS AMERICAN SOLDIERS ALONE ON THE HOLIDAYS |
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For Immediate Release
CRUTCHFIELD SUPPORTS AMERICAN SOLDIERS ALONE ON THE HOLIDAYS Leading Consumer Electronics Retailer Delivers DVD Players, MP3 Players, and A Little Holiday Spirit to Troops Overseas CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, December 14, 2005 — Crutchfield, the nation's largest direct integrated marketer of consumer electronics products, today announced the donation and delivery of holiday gifts to soldiers stationed and deployed overseas in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan — specifically to many that have not yet received any mail from back home. The donation is part of Crutchfield's continual, ongoing commitment to be actively involved in the community and to have a positive effect on the lives of its customers and their families. The holiday gifts included personal DVD players and MP3 players. The electronics will be delivered and divided among a United States Marine combat unit in Iraq, a U.S. Army combat unit in Iraq, a U.S. Navy nursing unit in Iraq, and a U.S. Army unit in Afghanistan. The gifts are being delivered right to military personnel that are deployed on the front lines, directly in harm's way. In addition, a significant number of soldiers have been identified as never receiving mail since their deployment. Crutchfield is shipping directly to them by name with the hopes they will feel appreciated, especially around the holidays, and know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of the Crutchfield family. Crutchfield worked in partnership with Toshiba and Universal Studios to put together the donation. Crutchfield has a long history of supporting the community in general and our troops overseas. "Now more than ever, it's important that we remember the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who are serving this country overseas," said Bill Crutchfield, founder and CEO. "This is the least we can do to show our appreciation for their sacrifices." "I am also very proud of our employees and of Toshiba for their commitment to this endeavor for the third straight year," Crutchfield added. Crutchfield employees also personally participated in the effort by donating their own DVDs to accompany the DVD players. Recreational equipment is very sparse overseas, with electronics being limited mostly to only what is necessary for combat and survival. The DVD and MP3 players help improve spirits, particularly during the holidays. First Lieutenant John S. Leake, from the 29th Brigade Combat Team, said of a previous shipment organized by Crutchfield this past summer: "The DVD players were a terrific morale boost to my soldiers halfway through this deployment. Many thanks to Crutchfield and the folks at Toshiba and Universal Studios." First Lieutenant Leake added that the soldiers typically put the electronics in a central location so that all can share, and that they remain on premises for the next soldiers to be stationed at the location. #### About Crutchfield Corporation |
