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SENECA ALLEGANY CASINO CELEBRATING BIRTHDAY OF OLDEST EMPLOYEE

Salamanca, NY, March 2005 - Friday, March 11 would be like most other days at Seneca Allegany Casino except that they will host a celebration at 12:45 p.m. in Thunder Mountain Buffet for their oldest employee, Philip Thompson, who turns 80 that day. What started out as an idea for a quick birthday cake has swelled to a large birthday party thrown by his co-workers and Casino management.

Thompson loves his position as mailroom clerk at the Casino. He held a similar position years ago in the Army during World War II, where he was initially on the front lines in the Pacific Theater. Of the 300 men in his unit, only 17 survived. After heavy combat he was "volunteered" for mail duty. Returning stateside to Salamanca, he became a jack-of-all-trades working as a carpenter, mechanic, in construction, as well as holding numerous other jobs before retiring several years ago. He applied for a position at the Casino as a way to keep busy. During his interview, he was asked if he spoke any second languages. He replied, "Yes, English." His native tongue is the Seneca language, which he proudly teaches to anyone interested in learning.

Thompson, of the Turtle Clan, is recognized as a great "Longhouse Preacher." He is passionate about keeping Seneca history and traditions alive. Thompson is a highly regarded Seneca Elder who lives in Salamanca.

Located in the foothills of scenic Salamanca, Seneca Allegany Casino features Vegas-style gaming and a Poker Room. The 122,000 square-foot Casino consists of table games including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride� and 3 Card Poker, more than 1,800 reel-spinning and video slot machines, two snack bars, Thunder Mountain Buffet, Eight Clans Gift Shop, live weekend entertainment and a bus lobby. The Casino also offers free valet and self-parking and complimentary beverages while gaming. The Casino is owned and operated by the Seneca Nation of Indians.