Dollar General, Assistant Adjutant General of TN Army National Guard Celebrate Memorial Day

May 22, 2009

Dollar General CEO signs Pledge to Support Employees Serving in the National Guard and Reserve

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn., May 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Dollar General Corp. today marked Military Appreciation Month by solidifying its commitment to its employees who serve in the military by signing a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve.

The Statement of Support confirms that Dollar General joins other employers in pledging to:

• Recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Give managers and supervisors tools to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Continually recognize and support service members and their families in peace, in crisis and in war.

"I'm touched by the sacrifices and risks that so many of our employees undertake in service to our country," said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "I want to recognize them for their selfless efforts to enhance our way of life through their service in the National Guard or Reserve. I thank them for their loyalty to the country as well as to Dollar General and commend them for their commitment to serving others and our nation."

The discount retailer employs more than 72,000 people in 35 states. More than 3,400 are serving or have served in the military.

"We are honored that Dollar General is publicly supporting our brave men and women in uniform and grateful to know that our members of the Guard and Reserve are not only welcomed but also sought for employment at the company," stated Brigadier General Terry Haston, Assistant Adjutant General of Tennessee Army National Guard. "Our country remains strong when these brave citizen soldiers have a chance to both work and serve. Companies such as Dollar General make that possible. By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Dreiling sends a clear message to employees and customers that service to our country will be recognized and honored."

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency established to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service, created the Statement of Support.

"Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act," said Ms. Pauline Brunelli, Acting Executive Director of ESGR. "Many employers provide 'Above and Beyond' support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized."

When asked about the Statement of Support criteria, Brunelli said, "By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Dollar General managers will stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation's call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation."

About Dollar General Corporation

Dollar General is the largest discount retailer in the United States by number of stores with more than 8,400 neighborhood stores located in 35 states. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!(R) by offering quality private label and national branded items that are frequently used and replenished such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood stores. Dollar General is among the largest retailers of top-quality products made by America's most trusted manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Kellogg's, General Mills, Nabisco, and Fruit of the Loom. The Company store support center is located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Dollar General's Web site can be reached at www.dollargeneral.com.

About Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America's citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling 800-336-4590.

SOURCE: Dollar General Corp.

Dollar General Corp.
Tawn Earnest, 615-855-5209
or
Emily Weiss, 615-855-5210

Copyright Business Wire 2009