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AT&T Helps Military Families Connect for Independence Day With Free Phone Calls and Support from the USO

AT&T Helps Military Families Connect for Independence Day With Free Phone Calls and Support from the USO

Published 06-25-08

Submitted by AT&T Inc.

SAN ANTONIO, June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Phone home. For most U.S. troops stationed overseas, it's at the top of their to-do list. To help keep them connected with loved ones and celebrate Independence Day, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is donating 10,000 prepaid phone cards. This is the second installment of more than 30,000 prepaid phone cards that AT&T will give to U.S. service men and women in 2008. With a retail value of more than $200,000, the 2008 donation builds on more than 85 years of AT&T support for U.S. military families and a 20-year partnership with the USO, which will distribute the cards.

The latest donation marks 20,000 phone cards donated thus far this year via direct handouts with the USO. This set of 10,000 phone cards will be distributed on overseas military bases during USO entertainment tours that are slated for the weeks surrounding Independence Day. According to AT&T, this donation is in honor of U.S. military families, whether they are on active duty or have a loved one who is actively serving.

In the coming weeks, the USO will distribute the phone cards to troops who are serving throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, South Korea, Japan and Europe. Each donated phone card will provide 20 free minutes of talk time from Iraq to the U.S.

"As we celebrate one of the most patriotic holidays of the year," said Glenn Lurie, president, national distribution, AT&T, "we also remember those who are separated because family members are serving active military duty away from home. We hope to connect the families who are making such tremendous sacrifices every day."

The donation builds on AT&T's commitment to help keep military families connected: In the past two years, AT&T has donated prepaid phone cards with a retail value of over $4 million to help support U.S. military members and their families. In the past 20 years, AT&T has contributed tens of millions of dollars to the USO in support of the Operation USO Care Package and USO Operation Phone Home(R) programs as well as USO entertainment tours; and has helped the USO boost troop morale through funding regional operations in Europe, Southwest Asia and the Pacific.

AT&T DONATES PREPAID CARDS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY/ADD ONE
Since 1941, the USO has provided morale, welfare and recreation-type programs and services to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families around the world. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers, including 10 mobile canteens, offering free Internet and e-mail access, prepaid international phone cards, entertainment and lounge areas, libraries, travel assistance and refreshments. USO entertainment tours bring celebrity volunteers to entertain and lift the morale of troops and to express the gratitude and support of the American people.

For more than 85 years, AT&T has remained dedicated to supporting active military personnel, their families and veterans through charitable contributions, sponsorships, the hiring of military veterans and maintaining policies that support reservists who are called to duty. Since 2000, AT&T has donated free prepaid phone cards with a retail value of nearly $8 million to military members and has provided nearly $6 million in grants that support military members and related nonprofit organizations. The company has also built 70 calling centers for military members stationed in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, so that they may stay in touch with their families.

About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families.The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, Blackwater Worldwide, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, S & K Sales Co., and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

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