Airgas Continues Operation Homefront Support with Second $100,000 Donation

* Donation of $100,000 to national military and veteran support organization,
second in series of three equal annual payments
* Goal of hiring 100 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan service extended
* Offer to train veterans interested in exploring welding as a career continues
* Volunteer opportunities available for anyone interested in supporting U.S.
troops

RADNOR, Pa. & SAN ANTONIO--(Business Wire)--
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical,
and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, today marked the
upcoming Independence Day holiday by reaffirming its commitment to Operation
Homefront, a charity that supports America's troops by providing emergency
assistance and moral support to the families our troops leave behind when they
are deployed and to wounded service members when they return home.

A donation of $100,000 was presented to Operation Homefront at the Airgas
Southwest store on W.W. White Road in San Antonio, Texas, the city where
Operation Homefront is headquartered. Airgas announced last year a $300,000
pledge to be paid in increments of $100,000 per year over three years, with 70
percent going toward Operation Homefront's projects to assist wounded soldiers.
At that time, Airgas also set a goal to hire 100 veterans of Iraq and
Afghanistan service in the following 12 months, and began offering the Airgas
"Welding 101" course to any veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan service who is
interested in exploring a career in welding. In light of challenging economic
conditions, Airgas is extending the duration of its goal in hiring veterans to
span the three-year commitment that it has to Operation Homefront, as well as
its offer of Welding 101 training.

"The sacrifices made by our military community during the course of our nation`s
military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan are immense," said Airgas Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "Operation Homefront was founded
to meet the needs of the military community during these difficult times, and
Airgas is proud to join others in supporting this work to give vital aid to
those who have given so much to this country."

Airgas associates nationwide have been involved in local activities and
fundraisers to support Operation Homefront. Each Airgas regional company and
business unit has designated an Operation Homefront point person to manage the
relationship between its operations and Operation Homefront chapters in its
area.

"One of the things I like most about our company is the generosity of Airgas
associates," said McCausland. "Every day, Airgas associates give back to the
communities where they work and live, and last year they participated in dozens
of different Operation Homefront events. We look forward to continuing the
Airgas charitable tradition with our friends at Operation Homefront."

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S.
distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as
welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S.
distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and
dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a
leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants and ammonia products.
More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches,
retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and
distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through
eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local
presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more
information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Airgas, Inc.
Media Contact:
Jay Worley (610) 902-6206
jay.worley@airgas.com
or
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009