Chrysler kicked off Military Appreciation Month on Monday, May 5 with a salute to Chrysler employees serving in the U.S. military by unveiling ceremonial Blue Stars Service Flat for each of the 45 in active duty. One Gold Star Service Flag was revealed for Master Sergeant William R. Balinski, Jr. from Richmond, Mich., who was killed while serving in active duty in March 2005. Chrysler also received the Pro Patria award from the U.S. Department of Defense organization Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Eighty volunteers assembled 500 care packages for U.S. troops as part of Chrysler's "Honoring Those Who Serve" initiatives.