Microsoft announced a new partnership designed to illustrate its commitment to offering support to the American troops. In this regard, the Redmond company informed that it will collaborate with America Supports You on a variety of programs, for the benefit of members of the U.S. armed forces and their families. America Supports You is a Department of Defense program that has attracted the support of over 300 U.S. organizations and over 35 corporations since its debut in 2004. Microsoft is just the latest addition to the list of America Supports You partners.

"As the demands of service continue to challenge and strain America's armed forces, domestic efforts to support soldiers and their families grow increasingly important," said Curt Kolcun, vice president of the Federal Division at Microsoft. "Joining American Supports You is a key part of Microsoft's commitment to our troops and provides our company with an effective way to plug into sustaining efforts that touch hundreds of thousands of families."

The partnership with America Supports You is not a singular example of patriotism for Microsoft. The Redmond company is already engaged in a collaboration with the United Service Organizations. The partnership between Microsoft and USO will award some 5,000 active members of the U.S. military community with the Above and Beyond Awards. In addition, Microsoft has also offered soldiers Xbox consoles and access to the Xbox Live online gaming service via high-speed connections.

"We know there are countless Americans across the country asking what they can do to show their support for our troops and their families," said Allison Barber, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and architect of the America Supports You initiative. "By spreading the word about America Supports You, corporations like Microsoft help educate Americans and communities on tangible ways to show support for members of the U.S. armed forces."