2012 Washington Auto Show to Present: "Welcome Home Troops!" Tribute

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of the dedicated service of U.S. troops in Iraq, The Washington Auto Show® will present a special military tribute on Tues, Jan. 31.

The Washington Auto Show, produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), will offer free admission for all active-duty military and veterans, with military ID, on Tues., Jan. 31. In partnership with a major U.S. military nonprofit, this program will feature special celebrity guests, musical entertainment and information from automakers about vehicle discounts and career tracks and training for military personnel.

This special tribute will include evening appearances by former U.S. Marine and WWE® Legend Sgt. Slaughter™ and J.R. Martinez, the latest winner of "Dancing with the Stars." Martinez, a former U.S. Army infantryman who was wounded in Iraq, has visited the troops overseas on a consistent basis. Also that evening, The Washington Auto Show will host a performance by the world-class Downrange pop ensemble from the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."

The group gets its name from its evolution, when volunteer performers joined then-Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley on his 2002 "Hope and Freedom Tour" in Southwest Asia. These volunteers were the first members of "Pershing's Own" to go "downrange" into a theater of foreign combat operations since World War II.

"The auto industry has long been a stalwart supporter of our military," said Robert Fogarty, President of Sport Chevrolet/Honda and Chairman of The Washington Auto Show.  "We are truly honored to give back to our courageous servicemen and women with a celebratory day at the show along with special discounts and career opportunities."

Automakers will provide information about the specific opportunities they are making available to military at their show booths.

The 2012 Washington Auto Show opens to the public from Jan. 27-Feb. 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is advanced by two Public Policy Preview Days.

This 70th edition of The Washington Auto Show offers a showcase of more than 700 vehicles from over 42 domestic and import manufacturers and a special 65,000-square foot exhibit, "The Advanced Technology SuperHighway," of the latest innovations in safety and sustainability.

For more information about the show and a detailed schedule of the "Welcome Home Troops!" tribute, please visit: www.washingtonautoshow.com.

For more info:
Barbara Pomerance
Show Dir. of Communications
800-697-7574/ 404-557-7200
[email protected]

SOURCE The Washington Auto Show