The All-New 2009 Ford F-150 is the Single Sponsor of the Issue

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 3 – As the holidays approach and families think of their loved ones overseas, the editors of Country Weekly magazine have published a special December issue in tribute to the men and women serving America abroad. The star-packed collector’s edition, titled “Salute to America and Our Troops”, is a newsstand-only issue with the all-new 2009 Ford F-150 as the exclusive sponsor.

"’Salute to America and Our Troops’ is Country Weekly's way of thanking the members of our armed forces serving America, as well as recognizing the many country stars who regularly show their support of the troops through music and USO tours," said Larry Holden, Editor In Chief, Country Weekly.  Publisher Marie Wolpert adds, "We are thrilled to work with Ford to bring attention to this important topic."

The 72-page special issue, with country superstar Toby Keith on the cover, is a moving tribute to the US Troops from the biggest names in country music.  Heartfelt stories by Trace Adkins and Kellie Pickler tell readers what it's like to be overseas with the troops and Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood share their thoughts in "What I Love About America." For readers who want to express their thanks, the issue features a guide to organizations that help the troops, veterans and military families, as well as ways to send letters or packages to soldiers overseas.

"The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of ‘Salute to America and Our Troops,’" said Eric Peterson, Ford Truck/SUV Communications Manager.  "We saw this special issue as a great way to make an impact and honor our country's everyday heroes.  As the leader in the truck business, Ford looks for meaningful ways to communicate our expertise and the exciting features of the all-new Ford F-150.  Our thought is that leaders naturally partner with other leaders, which led us to this partnership with Country Weekly - the leader in country music entertainment - and an important magazine for many the Ford Truck customers."

With the financial support of Ford and the on-the-ground assistance of the USO, a large shipment of complimentary copies of “Salute to America and Our Troops” has been sent to the U.S. Troops overseas.

“Salute to America and Our Troops” is the first in a series of stand-alone issues to be published by Country Weekly. Six additional "newsstand only" issues are planned for 2009, when Country Weekly will celebrate its 15th anniversary. “Salute to America and Our Troops” will be sold on newsstands through December 31st and has an anticipated circulation of 100,000.

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About Country Weekly
As America's only country entertainment magazine, over 3.4 million readers turn to Country Weekly for the scoop on the lives, lifestyles, families, homes, favorite foods, latest fashions, and the latest music of country music's biggest stars. Country Weekly is published 26 times a year by parent company American Media, Inc. www.countryweekly.com

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.