“CHEVY SALUTES AMERICA’S HEROES” WINNER ANNOUNCED

Master Sergeant Bubba Beason Wins Trip to “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” and a 2010 Chevy Equinox

NASHVILLE – Master Sergeant Bubba Beason of the United States Air Force has been chosen as “America’s Hero” in the “Chevy Salutes America’s Heroes” contest. Beason, a member of the 305th Maintenance Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., will be awarded a 2010 Chevy Equinox on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Tuesday, Nov. 10. Fittingly, Beason and his family will attend “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” in Nashville, Tenn. on Veterans’ Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Originally from Little Rock, Ark., Beason enlisted in the Air Force in 1991 and has received more than 20 major awards and decorations. Married to Angela, a mathematics teacher, Beason has two children, eight-year-old Christopher and three-year-old Alyson.

Preparing for his seventh deployment to the Middle East, Beason was nominated by his son Christopher, who wrote, “My dad goes because he cares about us. He wants to protect us and make sure that we have a safe place to live. My dad cares a lot about other people, especially the moms who have lost a child in this war; they are called gold star mothers. For the past two years he has organized runs here at the base to honor these moms. This summer my Dad planned a run across the state of New Jersey. He and a group of 23 other service members ran 140 miles, one mile for each New Jersey service member killed in the war on terror. I love my Dad and I hope that you will agree with us that he is our hero.”

“To all of the people who nominated someone, voted for any of the finalists, or just read the stories, thank you,” said Beason. “Personally, I do not feel like I warrant the term ‘hero.’ My heroes are the ones that have fallen for our country, the military service members, the firemen, the policemen, the emergency crews and all of the people that serve the public to ensure freedom is forever ours. So for all the heroes over there sleeping in sandstorms, taking a shower with bottled water or eating MREs, this award is for you all. You are ‘just doing your job,’ providing the blanket of freedom we enjoy, which many take for granted. I salute you all and I can’t wait to get back over there and join the fight.”

Chevrolet hosted the contest asking families and friends to nominate someone who demonstrates the military spirit, both in and out of uniform. Five stories were chosen by Chevrolet and then voted on by the public.

"We're privileged to join in recognizing America's heroes", said Kim Kosak, Chevrolet General Director, Advertising and Sales Promotion. "Congratulations to Master Sergeant Beason and each of the worthy nominees representing America's best." 

Beason will be awarded a 2010 Chevy Equinox on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Tuesday, Nov. 10. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Beason and his family will attend “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” and receive VIP seats as well as a tour of the Red Carpet.

In keeping with the military focus, Chevrolet has donated a 2010 Chevy Camaro and a separate vehicle hood to the USO. The Camaro and hood, which has already been autographed by all 43 NASCAR drivers, will be located on the CMA Awards Red Carpet where artists and celebrities attending “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” will be adding their signatures. The USO will use the Camaro to raise necessary funds for the organization.

Chevy vehicles will also be used by the artists as they arrive on the Red Carpet. Chevy Tahoes and a Camaro will transport the artists to the Red Carpet where active duty United States Marines from the Inspector-Instructor Staff, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Nashville, Tenn. will escort the artists and celebrities from the vehicles to the start of the Red Carpet.

“We have a wonderful relationship with the annual CMA Awards,” said First Sergeant Richard Dixon. “It is something the marines look forward to every year. Not only do we get to escort some of the best artists in Country Music, but we really enjoy attending the show.”

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

About General Motors: General Motors Company, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors Company acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors Company can be found at www.gm.com.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2009 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music.
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