Honor Soldiers With National Guard 'Heroes Of The Year' Award

Feb 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (R) (NYSE: JTX), the nation's second largest tax preparation service and "The Tax Service of NASCAR," announces a one-of-a-kind contest encouraging people across the U.S. to nominate a loved one, friend or neighbor for the Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" award.

Through the campaign, one National Guard soldier will be selected for the chance of a lifetime - the opportunity to have his or her image featured on the car that NASCAR driver Greg Biffle will drive at a 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Race, and attend the race with their family to watch the momentous occasion in person. In addition to spotlighting soldiers, the campaign also recognizes families and employers who have shown exceptional support for, and service to, the core mission and values of the Guard.

The Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" campaign kicks off on Saturday, February 25th, the day before the much-anticipated 2006 Auto Club 500 race, at the California Speedway in Fontana, California (Fox 3:30pm EST). There, returning Auto Club 500 champion, Greg Biffle, Jackson Hewitt President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Lister and National Guard representatives will take part in a press conference to share information and details on this year-long award promotion. During the race on Sunday, February 26th, Greg Biffle will drive his No. 16 Ford featuring the contest's paint-scheme which will include a silhouette placeholder for the soldier that will be pictured on the hood during the 2007 race.

"Jackson Hewitt is thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase some of America's outstanding National Guard heroes and to give people around the country the chance to play a role in nominating and honoring a soldier," said Michael Lister, President and Chief Executive Officer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "This campaign is part of our ongoing relationship with the National Guard and our commitment to supporting all of the many men and women in all branches of service who provide service to our country."

"Being able to come to Fontana to participate in this unique program, as well as defend my title this year, is a wonderful opportunity," commented driver Greg Biffle. "Like the rest of the country, I look forward to finding out which citizen-soldier will be pictured on the car that I hope to race to victory at a 2007 NEXTEL Cup race."

Candidates can be nominated online by going to SupporttheGuard.com. Individuals, families and employers will be selected for monthly spotlights on the site with a photo and commentary on what makes them true heroes. A grand prize in each category (Hero, Family and Employer) will be awarded. In each case, those nominated will be judged on service to their community, their support of the values of the National Guard and the unique ways they have enhanced their lives and the lives of those around them through their connection to the Guard.

Individual hero nominations can include a description of why and how the person exemplifies the ideal of a citizen-soldier - a person who sets the example in and out of uniform. Family heroes may be nominated for their support of the Guard's overall mission, support of a unit and its members and/or actions that enhance the efforts of the Guard within their community. Finally, because there are many workplaces that go above and beyond in their support, there is an opportunity to highlight an employer that actively works to provide support to National Guard employees or Guard families within the community, through donations or contributions, community support, outreach programs or encouraging employee involvement. Grand prize winners will be provided a VIP trip to the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL race where the Jackson Hewitt National Guard "Heroes of the Year" car will race, featuring the image of the selected National Guard Hero.