New cars, NASCAR races and even an exclusive concert by country superstar Toby Keith, this weekend Ford launches "Operation Drive one"
- Ford launches "Operation Drive one" to honor the men and women of the military donating $20 per test drive for the National Military Family Association through "Drive one 4 UR Troops"
- The 10-stop tour is designed to provide U.S. military bases with fun, family entertainment including driving challenges, interactive vehicle displays, classic car shows and an autograph signing with former wrestling champion, Bill Goldberg
- All active duty and veteran service members can enter to win prizes including a trip to the Ford Championship NASCAR weekend, a new 2011 Ford Mustang and an exclusive Toby Keith concert for their home base at the event or at www.fordoperationdriveone.com
DEARBORN, Mich., April 21, 2010 – New cars, NASCAR races and even an exclusive concert by country superstar Toby Keith, this weekend Ford launches "Operation Drive one" to honor the men and women of the armed forces while raising money for one of the largest U.S. military charities.
Ford, a long time supporter of the military, will salute military personnel, veterans, family and friends with a 10-base national tour designed to provide a fun-filled day of entertainment including exciting driving challenges, interactive vehicle displays of Ford's newest products and technologies and classic car shows, all while raising money for the National Military Family Association.
"Family has always been at the core of Ford Motor Company, and through Operation Drive one, we're not only honoring our military family but also providing their families with fun, interactive events to enjoy together," said John Felice, General Manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing. "Even better, each event will raise money for one of the largest military charities by making a donation for each attendee who takes a spin in one of our new vehicles."
Each "Ford: Operation Drive one" tour stop includes "Drive one 4 UR Troops," a test drive program that allows individuals to test drive any new Ford vehicle and help raise money to support the troops and their families. For each test drive taken at the event, $20 (up to $10,000) will be donated to the local chapter of the National Military Family Association (NMFA).
"Ford: Operation Drive one" will also include experiential displays that demonstrate Ford's class-leading fuel economy, quality, safety and technology features. A precision driving course will allow consumers to get behind the wheel of a new 2011 Ford Mustang or 2011 Ford Fiesta to race against the clock, while a burnout challenge will be sure to leave faces smiling. Interactive vehicle displays, children's activities and a car show with local enthusiast clubs will round out the experience.
Former wrestling champion and actor Bill Goldberg will also join the tour and make an appearance at each stop. Goldberg, a reality television star most recently on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice, will participate in a meet and greet at each of the bases joined by his rare 1970 Boss 429 Lawman Mustang. Goldberg has been a long-time military supporter, donating both his time and talent to raise money for military charities.
"I am so proud and excited to join Ford in support of Operation Drive one and recognize the men and women of the armed forces who serve our country every day," said celebrity Bill Goldberg. "If we can provide a break for our troops and their families while raising money for a great cause, there's nothing I'd rather be doing over the coming months."
Additionally, Ford will salute eight randomly-selected active duty and veteran service members with a trip to the Ford Championship NASCAR race weekend in November. From those eight, two recipients will also win a new 2011 Ford Mustang and one grand prize winner will be awarded an exclusive Toby Keith concert for his or her home base. All current and former members of the military can enter to win at any of the tour stops or at www.fordoperationdriveone.com.
"Ford: Operation Drive one" 2010 tour stops are scheduled to include:
- Fort Sill (Lawton, OK) , April 24
- Nellis Air Force Base (Las Vegas, NV)
- Camp Pendleton (Oceanside, CA)
- Fort Lewis (Fort Lewis, WA)
- Fort Hood (Killeen, TX)
- Jacksonville Naval Air Station (Jacksonville, FL)
- Norfolk Naval Station (Norfolk, VA)
- Andrews Air Force Base (Washington, D.C.)
- Fort Benning (Columbus, GA)
- Fort Bragg (Fayetteville, NC)
Visit www.fordoperationdriveone.com for a complete schedule, please note events are subject to change.
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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 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
