Eaton Corporation Honored by the Department of Defense

Cleveland, OH, August 17, 2005 --(PR.com)-- Mr. David Janes, National Chairman for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, congratulated Eaton Corporation as a 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipient.

Eaton was one of only 15 organizations selected last month from nearly 1,500 nominations for the award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The 2005 winners included Sears, Roebuck and Co., Toyota Motor Sales, USA and Wachovia Corp. Previous winners include American Express, Bank One, General Electric, The Home Depot, and Northrop Grumman. Award ceremonies will take place in Washington, D.C. on October 15, marking the 10th anniversary of the awards program.

“Eaton is proud to receive this honor, and to be among such a prestigious group of companies that recognize and support the valuable role our employees play in their organizations, their communities and the security of our country,” said Alexander M. Cutler, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer.

While Eaton employees are on active duty in the Guard or Reserve, the company continues to provide full pay and benefits throughout the duration of their service. This is in addition to compensation they receive from the Guard or Reserve. Eaton currently has about 110 employees on active duty in the Guard or Reserve and has had more than 425 in the past four years.

Mark Kniffen, who works in the Eaton automotive facility in Kearney, Neb., nominated Eaton for the award. Kniffen was one of 10 Kearney-area Eaton employees who served in Kuwait and Iraq. Kniffen also noted in his nomination that the Kearney plant also kept the soldiers’ families involved in social activities at the plant and sent care packages to the soldiers.

“The 15 recipients of the 2005 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award set a high standard for all of America’s private and public employers,” said David Janes, National Chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “I thank them and congratulate them for receiving this recognition for their contributions to their employees and the nation.”

U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) added, "I congratulate Eaton for its reputation as an active member of the community through the involvement of its employees. This award is well-deserved and reflects the commitment and peace of mind that Eaton provides to its employees as they meet their commitments to the Guard and Reserve."

Then-Secretary of Defense William Perry instituted the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award publicly recognizes employers, who were nominated by their employees who voluntarily serve in the National Guard and Reserve, for exceptional support above the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a DoD agency established in 1972. The organization strives to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and, if needed, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. Employers are encouraged to call 800-336-4590 or to visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil for more information about ESGR Employer Outreach programs and volunteer opportunities.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2004 sales of $9.8 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 56,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries.

For more information, please visit the Eaton website at www.eaton.com. For media inquiries, contact Molly Johnson at 216-523-5304, or mollyjohnson@eaton.com.

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