High Five Tour Stopping at Stoneham Ford in Support of U.S. Soldiers

STONEHAM, MASS. (06/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Retired Marine Corps Col. John Folsom will be making his third trip across the country this summer to thank Americans for supporting the families of soldiers that have been wounded, injured or killed during combat. Traveling in a red, white and blue 2012 Shelby Mustang GT 500 "SuperSnake," Folsom's High Five Tour will make its only Massachusetts stop at Greater Boston Ford dealership Stoneham Ford on Saturday, July 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Aimed at raising awareness and funds for Wounded Warriors Family Support, a charity organization founded by Folsom, the High Five Tour encourages participants to donate to military families while giving them a chance to sign the special Ford Mustang with personal well-wishes. A $5 donation is recommended from those that can make it to Stoneham Ford, while others can text "highfive" to 20222 to make donations with their phone.

"It is very important that we recognize not only the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, but that of their families as well, and the High Five Tour offers a great opportunity to do both," said Alan Melkonian, owner and general manager of Stoneham Ford. "It doesn't get much more American than traveling cross-country in a Shelby Mustang, and we hope that local residents will come out and support Colonel Folsom as he carries out yet another trip supporting a wonderful cause."

What: High Five Tour 2012 for Wounded Warriors Family Support

When: Saturday, July 14, 1 p.m. EDT – 4 p.m. EDT

Where: Stoneham Ford, 211 Main St., Stoneham, MA

How: The event is open to the public. A $5 donation to Wounded Warriors Family Support is suggested. More details on the High Five Tour can be found at www.highfivetour.com.

While at Stoneham Ford for the High Five Tour, attendees are welcome to check out the dealership's newly installed charging stations for the all-new Ford Focus Electric. Stoneham Ford is one of three Ford dealerships in the Boston area to currently feature charging stations for the all-electric car, which has earned a 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating from the EPA. One Focus Electric charging station is available for use by customers, while a second station is used for service by Stoneham Ford's certified Focus Electric technician.

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric, which will be available nationwide by the end of 2012, is one of the most efficient vehicles on the market, but Stoneham Ford is also taking steps to improve energy efficiency in its daily operations. An energy audit was recently performed to ensure that its HVAC, windows and oil disposal are optimized for eco-friendliness, and the dealership is currently making additional tweaks to further improve efficiency.

"The new Focus Electric is a huge step forward in Ford's broader effort to greatly improve the efficiency of its entire lineup," added Melkonian. "We're supporting that initiative by not only making sure that the right infrastructure is in place for the Focus Electric to be successful, but by backing that up with efficient operations at our dealership."

About Stoneham Ford:

Located on Route 28, just 15 minutes north of Boston, Stoneham Ford is a premier new and used Ford dealer in Massachusetts. They offer a wide selection of Ford cars, trucks and SUVS, including the latest Ford hybrid models, and their helpful sales and service staff serve their customers with integrity and respect. For more information and to view the current Ford inventory, visit Stoneham Ford online at www.stonehamford.com, or in person at 211 Main St. in Stoneham, Massachusetts. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyStonehamFord, and you can reach them by phone at 781-438-0490.