Secretary of Defense
Medal for Exceptional Public Service Presented to Simonton Windows

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – On Thursday, June 28, 2007, four-star General Robert Magnus, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, presented Simonton Windows^® with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. The award was given in recognition of Simonton’s support of the non-profit organization, Homes for Our Troops, during the past three years.

In making the presentation to Simonton Windows President Mark Savan, General Magnus cited Simonton’s exemplary efforts to provide windows and doors to homes being constructed by Homes for Our Troops for injured service men and women returning from Iraq. The presentation, which was held in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room, recognized Simonton Windows “For exceptional public service in support of the Armed Forces of the United States and its support of the America Supports You program.”

Launched by the Department of Defense in 2004, the America Supports You program spotlights the work of thousands of individual citizens, community groups, businesses and organizations to support U.S. service members and their families. Homes for Our Troops, which creates specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans, is one of more than 275 organizations involved in America Supports You.

“Fewer than 10 of these prestigious honors have been given since we started the America Supports You program,” stated Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs and found of America Supports You.

“It is heartwarming to see an organization like Simonton Windows work so closely with Homes for Our Troops to provide much-needed housing assistance to our injured service people. We are very appreciative for their support of our military men and women.”

Since its inception in 2004, Homes for Our Troops has constructed or adapted 18 homes for needy veterans. For his efforts in starting the organization, Homes for Our Troops founder John Gonsalves was also honored with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

“Simonton Windows has been a champion of our cause before we ever built our first house,” said Gonsalves. “They came to us when they initially learned of our organization. They wholeheartedly committed their products and support to help us grow. Simonton set the bar for our other corporate partners. Their team continues to be actively involved in our homes projects and in helping us strategically grow our organization.”

During his remarks at the presentation, Simonton’s Savan expressed the company’s honor at being recognized for their contributions to Homes for Our Troops. “We applaud the selfless work of our servicemen and servicewomen being done worldwide and appreciate the opportunity to give back to them through such a valuable organization,” said Savan. “Homes for Our Troops and America Support You are two outstanding programs. In our minds, the true heroes are the many dedicated people who coordinate these organizations to support the unending needs of our veterans.”

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. The company was ranked #1 in quality in the 2007 Brand Use Study sponsored by Builder magazine and has won two consecutive Best In Class Awards for being ranked “Overall Top Rated Vinyl Window Brand” in unaided industry studies.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in seven days or less. Part of consumer products company Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton has manufacturing facilities in Pennsboro, Harrisville and Ellenboro, W.Va.; Paris, Ill.; McAlester, Okla.; Lyons, Ga.; and Vacaville, Calif.  Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a corporate partner of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com.

For additional information:
• Simonton Windows – www.simonton.com
• Homes for Our Troops – www.homesforourtroops.org
• America Supports You – www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil 

###