Lockheed Martin employees in 2004 donated more than 680,000 volunteer hours to community- service activities ranging from student mentoring to helping animals, fighting diseases and participating in many other ways. Recognition events honoring employees' exceptional volunteer efforts are being held throughout the corporation during National Volunteer Week (April 17 to April 23).

Within Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, 497 employees are being recognized for providing 161,092 hours of volunteer service in their respective communities in 2004. As a result of their service, the company is contributing $87,250 to the employees' charities of choice.

The Aeronautics employees serve communities around the company's facilities in Fort Worth, Tex.; Marietta, Ga.; Palmdale, Calif.; Meridian, Mississippi; Pinellas, Fla.; Johnstown, Penn.; and Clarksburg, W.Va.

"Lockheed Martin places a high value on giving back to the communities from which we draw our strength," said Mary Jo Polidore, vice president of Communications. "We feel it is important to encourage employee community involvement and are pleased to be in a position to financially underwrite the organizations important to our employees."

Volunteerism is an important part of life for many Lockheed Martin employees. One employee, for example -- Michael Bateman -- volunteered 1,870 hours in support of the Leonard Middle School Band and the Western Hills High School Band in the Fort Worth area. There is little he would not do to help make those programs successful.

Nine company volunteers broke the 1,000-hour service mark last year.

"President George W. Bush has challenged us to create a culture of responsibility where we are a nation that serves goals larger than self," said Polidore. "Lockheed Martin employees have proven their ability to care for others, and the company is pleased to be in a position to recognize their service."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin, is a leader in the design, research and development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2. The company produces major components for the F-2 fighter, and is a co-developer of the C-27J tactical transport and T-50 advanced jet trainer.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.

For additional information, visit our Web site:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company