Vet News: Veterans, Service Men and Women Recognized and Remembered With Veterans Day Activities

With U.S. troops continuing to serve our country and defend our freedom, Americans are reminded of the gratitude we owe our military and Veterans of all wars. Veterans Day is an especially important time to honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the VFW Foundation and the Ladies Auxiliary VFW have aligned with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), on a variety of programs to honor our Veterans and bring our service men and women a little closer to home.

Now through November 11, customers visiting Wal-Mart, SAM’S CLUB and Neighborhood Markets in the U.S. can sign one of the more than 3,400 Wal-Mart Good Works Message Books for Our Troops placed near the front of every store. In addition, online users can submit a message at http://www.walmart.com or http://www.samsclub.com and the electronic messages will be compiled into a message book. The VFW and VFW Foundation will collect the message books and send them to U.S. troops stationed throughout the world.

Also during this time, customers are invited to bring a photo of a loved one who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. armed forces to their local Wal-Mart or Neighborhood Market photo center. The Wal-Mart associate will make instant copies of the photo on the Kodak Picture Maker with one print being displayed on Wal-Mart’s "Wall of Honor" and the other print given to the customer as a "Badge of Honor," free of charge. In addition, SAM’S CLUBS that have a Kodak Picture Maker will also have a "Wall of Honor" and provide club members this way to recognize our Veterans and service men and women.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is in the ‘essential business’ of supporting America’s Veterans, service members and their families. Through The VFW Foundation programs of Operation Uplink and Operation Uplift, 2 million free phone cards and more than $5 million dollars of merchandise and food has been distributed to hospitalized Veterans and service men and women serving around the globe. These efforts contributed to the VFW Foundation recognizing Wal- Mart Stores, Inc., as the Corporate Partner of Excellence during the VFW National Convention in San Antonio, Texas, this past August.

"We are truly honored to partner with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Foundation and Ladies Auxiliary VFW on these programs to recognize our Veterans and armed forces," said Tom Coughlin, executive vice president and vice chairman, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "Our associates and customers are eager to support our Veterans and service men and women overseas and these programs give them an opportunity to make a difference."

"Once again, we are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Wal- Mart Stores and SAM’S CLUB U.S.A. in an ongoing effort to support our nation’s Veterans and the men and women serving in the military," said Ed Banas, commander-in-chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars. "Our combined efforts will send a strong message and make a huge impact on the morale of those who deserve it most."

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., operates more than 2,942 discount stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, and more than 532 SAM’S CLUBS in the United States. Last year, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., contributed more than $150 million to support communities and local non-profit organizations. Customers raised an additional $75 million with the help of our stores and clubs. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has received the 2003 Fortune magazine No. 1 Most Admired Company in the U.S., along with receiving the 2002 Ron Brown Award, the highest Presidential Award recognizing outstanding achievement in employee relations and community initiatives. More information about Wal-Mart can be located online at http://www.walmartstores.com and http://www.walmart.com. The SAM’S CLUB Web site can be accessed at http://www.samsclub.com. And more information about Wal-Mart’s Good Works community involvement is available online at http://www.walmartfoundation.org

The VFW assists all Veterans and their families obtain Veterans’ entitlements and other services. In addition, the organization works for the well being of those serving on active duty, in the National Guard and the Reserves. The VFW was founded in 1899. There are 2.7 million members of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary located in approximately 9,500 Posts worldwide.