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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Department of Defense recently bestowed some high praise upon American Auto Auction group chief executive officer Steve Simons to thank him for volunteering with troops and civilian employees stationed in Iraq.

Simon has spent several years producing and bringing a blues music concert overseas to entertain soldiers and State Department employees. Bluzapalooza has made stops in Iraq, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Kuwait and Egypt.

The commendation was signed by Lt. General Lloyd Austin III. 

Simon's "exemplary support to the members of our Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors in Iraq" is spotlighted in the commendation, which states that his "willingness to serve our troops has had a significant impact on the morale and welfare of our dedicated men and women deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Simon and Keith Lelux, AAAG chief operating officer, rolled out the auction company in January.