Fayetteville

resident Charles McDonald, vice president of Merrill Lynch in Atlanta,

also signed a statement of support for the guard and reserves on behalf

of Merrill Lynch.

"With

the continued focus on United States reservists serving overseas, Merrill

Lynch is committed to providing peace-of-mind for its employees serving

in the military and is proud to offer full pay and benefits during their

tour of duty." said McDonald.

Capt. William

Makepeace, USMCR, vice president of the Greater Atlanta Reserve Officers

Association and a Merrill Lynch financial advisor, nominated Merrill Lynch

for this national award and participated in the program. Earlier this

year he learned his reserve unit would likely be activated for Operation

Iraqi Freedom. Though ultimately his unit was not called to action, Makepeace

was very gratified to learn of the excellent support that Merrill Lynch

offered to him and his family.