Lifetime's 'Army Wives' and Real Military Families Get Presidential Salutes From Senators John McCain and Barack Obama

-- Presidential Candidates Join Lifetime in Taping On-Air and Online Spots Honoring America's Military Families --

-- Vignettes to Run in Conjunction with June 8th Second Season Premiere of Lifetime's Hit Drama Series "Army Wives" --

NEW YORK, June 4 -- In advance of the much-anticipated season two premiere of Lifetime Television's smash hit series "Army Wives," Senators McCain and Obama took time out from the campaign trail to tape special on-air spots honoring the service and sacrifice of America's military families. "Army Wives" focuses on the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women -- and one man -- living with their spouses and families on an active army post today.

The unique 30-second messages from both Senators will air beginning Wednesday, June 4th, leading up to the Sunday, June 8th (10PM ET/PT) premiere of "Army Wives," Lifetime's highest rated series in the network's 24-year history. Full-length versions of the candidates' salutes will run on http://www.myLifetime.com.

Excerpts from the "Army Wives" Salutes:

Senator McCain: "'Army Wives' has a lot of great twists and turns. I know, because Cindy makes me watch with her and we're looking forward to season two. But the show also sheds light on the strength and sacrifice of our nation's military families. As we honor and cherish the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation, we should also honor those who are currently in harm's way, defending our freedom, and the brave families that await their safe return ... To all men and women serving in our armed forces, to their families, and to our veterans: you are the best Americans, and our best efforts to honor our debts to you will fall far short of what you have given and what you deserve ... "

Senator Obama: "I know you all are waiting to see what happens this season on 'Army Wives.' But I just wanted to take a moment to honor the people this show is about. 'Army Wives' tells a story that's being lived by families across this country -- by loved ones who are counting the days until the next R&R; by young children whose parents have been deployed so many times they barely know them; by parents who sit by the phone, waiting anxiously for their son or daughter to call; and by all who mourn the loss of one of America's fallen heroes ... our entire nation owes our troops and those who love them our abiding gratitude -- for their service, their courage, and for the sacrifice they make each day on our behalf ... ."

Both Senators direct viewers to myLifetime.com to find out how they can get involved in efforts to support military families. Lifetime is partnering with several nonprofit organizations that provide aid and morale to U.S. military troops and the families they leave behind during deployment, including Operation Homefront, Association of the United States Army Families Program, Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists and the USO.

About "Army Wives":

Filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina, the series stars Kim Delaney, Sally Pressman, Brigid Brannagh, Brian McNamara, Sterling K. Brown, Wendy Davis, Drew Fuller and Catherine Bell. Mark Gordon and The Mark Gordon Company's President of Production, Deborah Spera serve as executive producers. Jeff Melvoin and series creator Katherine Fugate also serve as executive producer. The series is based on the book Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank, who serves as a consultant. "Army Wives" is produced by ABC Studios. The second season premieres Sunday, June 8, at 10PM ET/PT on Lifetime Television.

About Lifetime:

Lifetime is the leader in women's television and a top-rated basic cable network. A diverse, multi-media company, Lifetime is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Note: Senator Clinton was invited to participate but was unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts.