Chesapeake Energy presented $10,000 to the Arkansas Educational Television Network today to support "In Their Words: AETN’s World War II Oral Histories Project."

"Chesapeake is honored to provide financial support for this historically significant project," Danny Games, director of corporate development for Chesapeake in Arkansas, said. "Our World War II veterans sacrificed a great deal in defense of our freedom, and we believe it is important that future generations remember their courage and bravery."

Since 2005, AETN has completed more than 300 veteran interviews; created an interactive archival Web site, www.intheirwords.org; taken 47 World War II veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and documented the trip in a 90-minute film, "Their Journey: A Veterans’ Tribute Tour."

"Not only is Chesapeake Energy an extremely positive influence on the state’s economy, it is also a civically and socially aware corporation dedicated to supporting programs that foster values important to the citizens of Arkansas," AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said. "This sizeable donation will allow AETN to continue recording and sharing the stories of Arkansas veterans for generations to come, and we are especially grateful."

Chesapeake Energy is the nation's largest independent producer of natural gas and has the most active drilling program in the United States with more than 140 rigs, all on U.S. soil. Chesapeake currently operates 13 rigs in Arkansas, has 300 employees in the state and is the largest leasehold owner in Fayetteville Shale., with 1.3 million acres. Of that acreage, 585,000 net acres are located in the most commercially productive core area. A 2008 study released March 13 by the University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research projects that the natural gas industry will have a $17.9 billion impact on Arkansas’s economy over the next five years.

This donation is one of many generated from an upcoming "In Their Words" fundraising dinner to be hosted by the Arkansas Scottish Rite Freemasons on May 21.

On hand for the presentation were: Games, Weatherly, AETN Foundation Director Mona Dixon, In Their Words Producer Gabe Gentry and SGIG of Arkansas Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Arkansas Dwane Treat.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s digital and analog transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.