Windstream to Host Soldiers and Military Families for Windstream Pole Night Activities at Lowe’s Motor Speedway

On Thursday, May 21, when the best drivers in the world battle for the pole at the 50th running of the Coca Cola 600, Windstream (NYSE: WIN), a high-speed Internet, phone and digital TV provider, will proudly be hosting 2,500 soldiers and military families from Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Corps. This marks the second consecutive year the company has donated tickets to military members for the Windstream Pole Night qualifier for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (LMS).

"We are honored to host the dedicated soldiers and families from the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg again this year, as they continue to make enormous personal sacrifices for our country,” said Ron Proleika, vice president of marketing communications for Windstream. "It is our privilege to thank them for their service and we hope they take this time to enjoy a night with their families and experience the excitement of Windstream Pole Night.”

Additionally, Windstream is partnering with legendary NASCAR driver/owner Junior Johnson on its Green Truck Tour for two Charlotte-area appearances leading up to Windstream Pole Night. On Tuesday, May 19, Johnson, a 10-time race and two-time pole winner at LMS (twice as a driver, eight as an owner) will greet morning commuters at the Pure Mart gas station / McDonald’s in Indian Trail (305/303 Unionville Indian Trail Rd., 6-8 a.m.). Later that day, Johnson will visit race fans outside Concord Mills Mall (4-6 p.m.), where the legend will also participate in a special autograph session.

Consumers and race fans are encouraged to stop by either of these free events to meet Johnson, one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, and to pick up a free family four-pack of tickets for Windstream Pole Night. Limit one four-pack of tickets per person while supplies last.

The year’s 50th anniversary of the famous Memorial Day weekend race will kick off with Johnson getting behind the wheel of Windstream’s signature Green Truck and driving the lead Pole Night parade lap, energizing the fans and race qualifying field.

The Green Truck Tour is designed to give back to the local communities that Windstream serves and educate the public about landline safety. The tour, which promotes Windstream’s reliable phone, high-speed Internet and digital TV products and services, runs through November with stops in 14 states. Windstream also is donating $200,000 to eight schools in the company’s service area through its Classroom Connections program. For additional information about the Green Truck Tour and its scheduled stops, visit www.greentrucktour.com.

About Windstream

Windstream Corporation is an S&P 500 company that provides high-speed Internet, digital phone and high-definition video and entertainment services to residential and business customers in 16 states. The company has approximately 3 million access lines and about $3.2 billion in annual revenues. Windstream is ranked 4th in the 2009 BusinessWeek 50 ranking of the best performing U.S. companies. For more information, visit www.windstream.com.