HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears Holdings, along with First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis plan to formally announce an initiative to identify and provide more career opportunities for military associates and their families during an intimate event scheduled for later this evening at the Sears Distribution Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The event offers Mrs. Obama, Dr. Biden and Ms. Solis the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the military personnel and their families employed at this Sears location. The visit will serve to illustrate the women's commitment to motivating Americans everywhere, from all walks of life, to support the brave men and women who sacrifice so much for our country and their families.

"It is an honor to be working with Mrs. Obama, Dr. Biden and Hilda Solis in a joint effort to provide opportunities for the heroes who have served for our country," said Lou D'Ambrosio, chief executive officer of Sears Holdings. "Sears has a longstanding commitment to those in the military. We feel privileged to assist the troops and their families through programs and initiatives we have created over the years, including our Permanent Change of Duty Station Promise and Heroes at Home program."

In addition to recruiting and employment programs, Sears offers a military pay differential that allows guardsmen and reservists who are full-time employees to continue participating in the company's life insurance, medical and dental programs. Sears also holds a comparable position for these individuals for up to five years.

As a testament to Sears Holdings' commitment to the military, the retailer employs more than 30,000 military veterans, more than 1,500 active service members and thousands of military spouses across all levels of the organization. In Columbus, Ohio alone, the company employs 150 total military associates, including their families:

• Three National Guard
• Four Reserve
• 96 Veterans
• 16 Military spouses past and present
• 31 Military family members

This event comes on the heels of the company's earlier announcement this week that it will offer its Permanent Change of Duty Station Promise to military associates employed by the retailer, which helps associates transfer to a Sears Holdings store close to their new community.

"Time and time again, the military associates and their families that we employ have proven how talented they are," D'Ambrosio added. "Military associates are driven, motivated and possess true 'battle-tested' leadership skills that can easily translate to success in the business world. We will work hard to keep this type of talent in our stores and see that it flourishes."

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with over 4,000 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2011 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 11 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation