News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of the dedicated service of U.S. troops, The Washington Auto Show® will host Military Tribute Day Presented by Audi of America, on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. Produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), the Auto Show will offer free admission to all active-duty military and veterans who present a valid military ID or DD214 and photo ID. 

“The auto industry has been a longtime supporter of our military, and we are grateful to Audi’s role in this special program,” said Geoff Pohanka, chairman of The Washington Auto Show. “We look forward to celebrating our courageous servicemen and women with this tribute.”

The Washington Auto Show will host a performance by the world-class U. S. Army Downrange Band, a pop ensemble that has become a favorite by show attendees.

In addition to free admission, Military Tribute Day will feature education and outreach of military special services by The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region.  American Red Cross Booth Activities will include:

Building Comfort Kits
A toothbrush, toothpaste and a comb. It may not seem like very much, but these personal hygiene items can bring comfort to veterans. With the help of volunteers, the Red Cross will set up comfort items to stuff into tote bags and deliver them to former US service men and women.

Pet Therapy Dogs
Animals have found a permanent place in assisting human healthcare professionals.  The use of animals to aid in the convalescence of patients, or to serve as “co-therapists”, has become an accepted treatment modality.  Animals facilitate socialization and provide unconditional love and acceptance.  Animals can assist in the stress relief of hospitalized patients and also staff personnel.  At both Walter Reed Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, American Red Cross Pet Therapy dogs assist in the healing of our wounded soldiers.

Emergency Response Vehicle
After a disaster, a Red Cross emergency response vehicle (ERV) is often the first sign of relief for those who have lost everything due to a home fire, hurricane or tornado. Red Cross ERVs play a critical role in our response and recovery efforts, providing care and comfort to those who need it most. These multipurpose vehicles are used throughout a disaster response to serve hot meals, distribute comfort and cleanup items, and can even serve as mobile casework centers providing information to those affected

Legos
Stop by the Red Cross booth to play with Lego pieces while learning about the role that Legos play with our Wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital.  Come see a Lego display of one of the Star Wars battleships.

The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region seeks to fulfill on a regional level the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. 

The Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program dates back to the establishment of the American Red Cross by Clara Barton in May 1881. Not only did the “Angel of the Battlefield” risk her life tending to soldiers wounded in the Civil War, she bolstered their morale by writing letters for them to send to their families. Today’s American Red Cross workers proudly carry on this tradition through the SAF program, which serves as a critical line of communication between the U.S Armed Forces and their families.

See more than 40 domestic and import manufacturers, showcasing Car Art in the Art of Motion Display and the Family Fun Zone with entertainment and mascots.  Experience Camp Jeep, a rugged indoor track, automotive ride 'n drives and a Beer Garden. Also, preview the future of driving with connected cars and automated technologies.

The 2016 Washington Auto Show opens to the public from Jan.22-Jan.31 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  Hours are from noon until 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, from noon until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. The show will close at 6:00 p.m. on its final day, Jan. 31.

For more information, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.

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