Spirit Airlines Honored by the Department of Defense at McDonald's Salute to America's Heroes

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 05, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Mr. David Bludworth, State Chair of the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Field Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Ms. Patricia Willis, Vice President of Employee Relations for Spirit Airlines, signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. The signing ceremony was conducted in conjunction with the McDonald’s National Salute to America’s Heroes.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that Spirit Airlines:

• Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
• Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
• Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Florida employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Bludworth.

When asked about the “5-Star” criteria, Bludworth said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, The Management of the Spirit Airlines will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minutemen before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.

In addition to the Statement of Support signing, Spirit Airlines received the prestigious ESGR “Above and Beyond Award” from the Florida ESGR Field Committee.

“We are very proud to pledge our support to the National Guard and Reserve”, said Patricia Willis, Vice President of Labor Relations for Spirit Airlines. “We share the vision of the National Guard and appreciate the efforts and commitment of these proud patriots. We are honored to receive the Above and Beyond Award and will share it with the entire Spirit Airlines Family.”

Ft. Lauderdale-based Spirit Airlines is the best-capitalized, low fare carrier to the Caribbean with hubs in Detroit and Fort Lauderdale and service to 29 cities in the United States, Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities, please call Tom Bullock at 800-336-4590, or visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil.

###