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Bobby Rahal Automotive Group today donated $40,000 to SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization that provides state-of-the-art medical devices to aid in rehabilitating mobility to returning veterans around the United States who have experienced spinal injuries.

In honor of Veterans Day, Team Rahal announced a donation would be made to SoldierStrong for every new and used vehicle sold at its central Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh region dealerships during November. In addition, commemorative T-shirts were sold.

“This is a cause that we knew our team members and clients would be able to come together for,” said Ron Ferris, Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group. “We are proud to support the good work done by SoliderStrong because we know it directly improves the lives of our heroes, the men and the women of the U.S. armed forces. We thank the people of western and central Pennsylvania who joined in this very worthy cause.”

Chris Meek, chairman and co-founder of the Stamford, Conn., organization, noted the Rahal family’s commitment to America’s veterans extends beyond its most recent generous gift.

“Bobby’s son, IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, also demonstrates his tremendous support for SoliderStrong through his race team’s program, Turns For Troops. For every lap Graham Rahal completed in the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series, sponsor United Rentals donated $50 to SoliderStrong,” Meek said.“Raising nearly $500,000 since 2016, the Rahals and the Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan race team are literally helping veterans who have suffered spinal injuries take their next steps forward. We’re so proud of our partnership with Team RLL and its continuing support for America’s military veterans who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom.”

SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced the 2018 recipients of its SoldierScholar scholarship program. Awarded annually, the goal of this program is to fill any tuition gaps that may be left by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and is available to veterans who fought in the recent War on Terror.

“The SoldierScholar program is aimed at giving back to our veterans by helping them achieve their goals of higher education. To date, this important program has raised more than $500,000,” said Chris Meek, co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong. “We are proud of our service members and consider it a privilege to support those who have served and sacrificed for us take their next steps forward in life.”

This year’s recipients are:

Bonnie Lee Miley, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University
When Bonnie Lee Miley enrolled in the U.S. Navy 34 years ago, she gave up college and committed herself to service. After numerous tours, she returned home to the Reserves and resumed a normal civilian routine life. While in the Reserves, she got recalled to active duty during Desert Shield Desert Storm because of her skillset in telecommunications. The SoldierScholar scholarship is allowing Bonnie to finish her degree. She is committed to putting forth her best effort, always. Get to know Bonnie.

Stephanie Primeaux, Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University
A second-generation U.S. Navy veteran, Stephanie Primeaux has more than six years of experience in nuclear operations, maintenance, and management. She previously served as a Nuclear Electrician’s Mate on the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman and as Facilities Manager at the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic. A working mom and dedicated wife, Stephanie is also interning at NASA’s Langley Research Center as a Cost Analysis Intern. Stephanie and her husband, a fellow active-duty Naval officer, recently welcomed their second child into the world. Stephanie is the first second-time recipient of a SoldierScholar scholarship.

Robert Rivera, Executive Master’s, International Relations and Master of Science, Public Relations, Syracuse University
Born and raised in New Jersey, Robert Rivera enlisted in the Army Guard and Reserve after high school, where he completed assignments in Military Intelligence, Military Police and the Infantry. He also served in several emergency assistance organizations, including being a first responder at the 9/11 attacks at World Trade Center as a member of the Edison, N.J. Fire Department. Following his discharge from the Army, Robert enrolled at Syracuse University, where he is simultaneously pursuing an Executive Master’s degree in International Relations and his Master of Science degree in Public Relations.

“Though I knew I wanted to join the Navy, I had applied to attend ODU first, but finances were an issue,” said Navy veteran, Stephanie Primeaux. “The Navy not only helped better prepare me for college, both financially and academically, but it helped connect me to a great advisor who recognized my hard work and made me aware of opportunities like the SoldierStrong scholarship. I feel beyond honored to have been selected for this scholarship. It has given me the confidence and means to continue my education.”

Learn more about the SoldierScholar program and how you can donate today.

2018 Notable Corporate and Individual Supporters to Also be Honored

SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced that its 5th Annual SoldierSalute Gala, taking place on Thursday, October 25th, 2018 at The Union League of Philadelphia, will honor The Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation. The gala will be hosted by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstar Mojo Rawley.

“We have long admired and supported SoldierStrong and their efforts to help our veterans succeed in civilian life following their return home. From enabling access to cutting-edge medical devices to supporting their ability to pursue a quality education, SoldierStrong exemplifies the commitment and values we hold dear to our hearts,” said Linda McMahon, co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Ms. McMahon, one of the country’s top female executives, has been widely recognized for her philanthropic contributions. She spearheaded numerous community and charitable programs at WWE, including the company’s Get R.E.A.L. educational and literacy programs, and sat on a variety of boards, including American Corporate Partners, a New York-based organization that pairs returning veterans with mentors in the workforce. She also served as President of the Advisory Board for Operation Helmet, which provides comfortable and protective helmet pads for U.S. combat troops.

The event will also honor this year’s notable Corporate and Individual supporters, S&P Global, Inc. and Bill Koenigsburg, CEO and Founder, Horizon Media, respectively, with The Vince & Linda McMahon Family Foundation Commitment to Service Award.

“S&P Global is proud to be a Corporate supporter for SoldierStrong and is committed to leveraging the unique experiences, knowledge and leadership skills of veterans,” said Alex Matturri, CEO of S&P Dow Jones Indices, a Division of S&P Global. “We recognize the translatable skills and strong work ethic possessed by veterans and strive to build leadership competencies and opportunities to make meaningful change. Diversity and inclusion are core to our values and are embedded in the way we deliver essential intelligence to the markets that we serve.”

As the individual being honored, Mr. Koenigsburg expressed why he is committed to supporting SoldierStrong, “When you think about the freedoms that we have in this country, and the sacrifices that the men and women of the armed services make to provide us those freedoms, there is nothing more valuable than giving back to them, especially those who have been injured when they return home. SoldierStrong has really touched my heart and I’m thrilled to be able to make future commitments to SoldierStrong.”

Donations raised through the generosity of corporate and individual supporters, and various charity events, are used by the organization to purchase cutting-edge medical technology for veterans, cover the cost of physical rehabilitation for veterans with spinal cord injuries, and provide scholarships.

“We thank our supporters for their generous contributions that make it possible to help more of our veterans and look forward to honoring them at this year’s event,” said Chris Meek, co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong.

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced that it is donating an EksoGT™ exoskeleton to Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital to make advanced stroke rehabilitation available to Tampa-area veterans for the first time. The state-of-the-art device will be dedicated to mobilizing stroke patients earlier, for optimal outcomes.

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will host a donation ceremony, and a veteran will demonstrate walking in the device, on Monday, August 13^that 2pm.

This donation marks SoldierStrong’s 17^th exoskeleton donation, and 13^th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“We appreciate this generous donation, as it allows us to dedicate this device to offering advanced stroke rehabilitation. We look forward to seeing our veterans benefit from its use and recover quicker after suffering a stroke,” said Joe D. Battle, Medical Center Director of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Clinics.

The EksoGT, by Ekso Bionics®, is the first exoskeleton cleared by the FDA for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries. The exoskeleton suit enables patients to move earlier, more frequently, and with a greater number of high intensity steps during their rehabilitation.

Each year, 15 million people suffer a stroke worldwide. Stroke rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery and helps people to regain their strength and function.

“Florida has the third largest veteran population in the nation, and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is a leader in rehabilitation with a commitment to the integration of assistive technologies in caring for its patients. We are proud to provide these clinicians with the EksoGT as a tool they can use to help veterans regain their independence and mobility following a stroke,” said Chris Meek, co-founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong.

About the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Activated in 1972, the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is a tertiary care facility classified as a Clinical Referral Level 1 Facility. JAHVH is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care, and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, and extended care. JAHVH consists of five Veterans Health Administration facilities located in Tampa, New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Lakeland and Brooksville, serving four counties in Central Florida. It is a part of the Veterans Integrated System Network (VISN) 8 that also includes facilities in Orlando, Gainesville, Lake City, Bay Pines, West Palm Beach, Miami and Puerto Rico.