WALTHAM, Mass., May 2, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented its Above and Beyond Award to Raytheon Company at the National Guard Association of Massachusetts (NGAMA) convention, Saturday April 30th. The award recognizes employers of members of the Guard and Reserve forces that have provided outstanding support and gone above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

The award was accepted by Keith Peden, Raytheon vice president of Human Resources, at a ceremony held at the Ferncroft Radisson Hotel in Danvers, Mass. "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of Raytheon," said Peden. "We are proud to support our employees serving in the Guard and Reserve who, themselves, have gone above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering to serve our country."

Raytheon received the award for its strong support of employees and their families serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Among its noteworthy policies, Raytheon offers a pay differential, the difference between the employee's military compensation and regular salary for employees on military leave. Raytheon employees are guaranteed a continuation of health benefits while on active duty. Also, eligible employees automatically receive either credit for their pension, or automatic benefit accrual for any non- contributory plan they participate in during their leave of absence.

The Above and Beyond Award, given annually to a select number of Massachusetts companies, was presented to Raytheon by retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bob Hollingsworth, executive director of ESGR.

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2004 sales of $20.2 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Nick Garrison
  781.522.6490

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/