Ramsey, N.J. and Ossining, N.Y. – December 29, 2008 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. (Konica Minolta) and the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH) have partnered to bring 10 severely wounded American veterans and their families/caregivers to the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on Jan. 1, 2009, where the University of Nebraska and Clemson University will go head to head in one of the more compelling matchups this college bowl season.  This is the second year Konica Minolta has donated game tickets to the CSAH, the leading nongovernmental organization providing emergency financial aid to severely wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families, as part of its continued efforts to support local communities in which the company maintains a presence.
 
"This is our second year as the title sponsor of the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, and again we wanted to leverage this position in a way that allows us to honor the brave men and women who have served our country," said Kevin Kern, vice president, marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.  "We are very proud to continue working with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, and we're looking forward to seeing the veterans again on New Year's Day."
 
Veterans attending the game include Sgt. Gary Boggs (Ret.), who lost his left eye and suffered a traumatic brain injury after his Humvee ran over a landmine in Iraq, and retired Navy SeaBee, Peter Reid, who was critically injured in May 2004 in a mortar attack that claimed the lives of five men and left 34 severely injured.  Reid's list of injuries sustained on that day include the loss of an eye, severe brain injury, paralysis to the left side of his body and a mass of shrapnel wedged in his brain that caused severe blood clots.  Even though Reid was given only a 1 percent chance of survival, the doctors didn't take into account the SeaBee "Can Do" attitude, and the constant love and devotion from his wife, Michele.
 
Both Boggs and Reid now serve as national spokespeople for CSAH.
 
"All of us at the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes appreciate Konica Minolta's generosity and dedication to supporting America's severely wounded service men and women," said Thomas Palma, General Manager of CSAH.  "I am glad that corporations like Konica Minolta are willing to partner with us in our mission to provide severely wounded troops with the help they need and the respect they deserve."
 
The 2009 Konica Minolta Gator Bowl will take place at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on Jan. 1, 2009.  The game – which will feature a tribute to these inspirational heroes – is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 p.m. EST and will be televised nationally by CBS. For tickets and additional information on the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl, call 904-353-3309 or visit www.gatorbowl.com.