ATLANTA, GA - Furniture manufacturer and home goods leasing giant Aaron's, Inc. plans to recognize nearly 3 million U.S. military personnel at the 2012 Memorial Day Weekend NASCAR race through partnerships with the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The furniture firm also helps find employment for veterans.

Aaron's sponsors the Dream Machine Toyota, the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. it will sport the AFF logo and a patriotic red, white and blue paint scheme. Aaron's driver Mark Martin will debut the car at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte on Sunday, May 27.

Aaron's has also joined forces with the AFF to raise additional funds through a texting campaign that encourages partners, customers and friends to text 'AFF' to 50555 and contribute $5 that will support our country's military and their families.

Aaron's provides support to veterans by helping them transition to civilian life. Veterans seeking jobs throughout the U.S. in retail can search for careers by city by visiting http://jobs.aaronsinc.com. Aaron's operates 1,960 franchise retailers plus furniture manufacturing plants.

"Veterans transitioning to civilian life are often excellent employees," said Butler. "The military not only builds leaders but helps them learn how to gather a team, evaluate resources, work toward objectives and then determine successes. These are the type of focused and energetic associates that Aaron's wants to have on our team."

Aaron's honored the Wounded Warrior Project by inviting four young WWP members to serve as Grand Marshalls for the Aaron's 312 Nationwide Series race at Talladega, AL last weekend. 

"Military personnel are recognized at special times throughout the year but we want to thank them every day for the tremendous sacrifices they give to our country," said Aaron's COO, Ken Butler.