SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, donated an Indego Therapy exoskeleton to the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System today.

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the tragic events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has donated more than $3 million of medical devices to help injured veterans. Today’s donation marks the organization’s 19^thexoskeleton donation. It is the 15^th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“SoldierStrong and its supporters like United Rentals are proud to reach such a significant milestone in the donation of high-tech medical devices that directly benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Chris Meek, SoldierStrong co-founder. “We are committed to helping as many veterans as we can so that they will experience the physical and emotional benefits of standing and walking again.”

Dr. Stephen Holt, who leads the nation’s second-largest VA system, thanked SoldierStrong, noting, “Exoskeletons are proving to transform the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries. This device will make a very positive and lasting difference in the lives of the patients we serve.”

Dr. Bridget Bennett, chief of Spinal Cord Injury Services Center at the VA North Texas, said the device will become part of a stable of devices used for spinal cord injury therapy. “We are very appreciative that SoldierStrong has donated this device today and it will play an important role in improving the lives of veterans with spinal injuries,” Bennett said.

The Therapy+ software suite, included with each Indego Therapy device, incorporates control algorithms based on proven motor learning principles and allows for an individualized, patient-centric training approach where the device responds to a patient’s active contribution and assists in gait only when necessary. Additionally, therapists have a range of customizable settings within the Therapy+ software suite which allow them to further tailor the behavior of the system to specific impairment and gait needs.

“Our veterans deserve the very best medical care available, and we are incredibly proud to see SoldierStrong and the VA system including Indego in the range of treatment options accessible to their patients,” Achilleas Dorotheou, head of the human motion and control business unit for Parker Hannifin, in a release from the company. “Combined with our Therapy+ software suite, Indego is becoming an integral tool for clinicians to provide individualized gait therapy sessions to stroke and spinal cord injury patients, and providing a new level of independence.”

“Today’s announcement is continuing evidence of the strength of the SoliderStrong program and its commitment to delivering innovative technology and advanced rehabilitation to veterans,” said Chris Hummel, chief marketing officer of United Rentals, the largest equipment rental company in the world.  “United Rentals’ partnership with SoliderStrong is a key part of our commitment to supporting veterans, and we congratulate SoliderStrong and the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health System on today’s news.”

SoldierStrong donated an Indego Therapy exoskeleton to the St. Louis Veterans Health Care System on Friday.

Keith Repko, Director, VA St. Louis Health Care System, said the device will have “a transformational impact” on patients rehabilitating from spinal injuries. “This device, which we are so honored and humbled to receive, will impact veterans in a very meaningful and emotional way. The devices transform lives.”

Jeff Combs, who suffered 10 shattered vertebrae in a 2012 motorcycle accident as a Marine stationed in California, agreed.  Having already worn the exoskeleton eight times in recent days, he touted the “absolutely incredible” emotional and psychological benefits that accompany physical benefits that the exoskeleton affords.

“Six years ago, I didn’t even dream of something like this. I couldn’t fathom it. … I’m living again. I’m not spending day to day just wishing,” said Combs, who demonstrated the Indego Therapy exoskeleton to the loud applause from hospital staff, family, friends and others at the event. “It gives me something to look forward to. That’s something I didn’t have before.“

Combs said two of his greatest joys have been to stand in his family’s Christmas card photo for the first time in six years and to “be able to look people in the eyes when we talk instead of having to look up at the ceiling.“

His mother, Norma, said the first four-plus years after Combs’ injury were dark days, filled with depression and talk of suicide. “I never gave up praying for his complete return of everything. When I see him walk, I know God has answered that prayer,” she said. “I can’t thank everyone involved enough. This is changing people’s lives.“

Dr. Katherine C. Stenson, Spinal Cord Injury Services Center, said the system has had “a very rewarding experience” with exoskeletons in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries since 2016. She praised the VA system’s leadership for supporting greater use of cutting-edge robotic technology, adding, “I’m so extremely grateful to SoldierStrong for donating this device to the St. Louis spinal cord unit and to Indego for working collaboratively with us.“

She said the SoldierStrong-donated device will help a number of veterans in their rehabilitation and to determine who would be candidates to receive their own device for full-time use.

The Therapy+ software suite, included with each Indego Therapy device, incorporates control algorithms based on proven motor learning principles and allows for an individualized, patient-centric training approach where the device responds to a patient’s active contribution and assists in gait only when necessary. Additionally, therapists have a range of customizable settings within the Therapy+ software suite which allow them to further tailor the behavior of the system to specific impairment and gait needs.

“Our veterans deserve the very best medical care available, and we are incredibly proud to see SoldierStrong and the St. Louis Health Care System adding Indego to the range of treatment options accessible to their patients,” Achilleas Dorotheou, head of the human motion and control business unit for Parker Hannifin, in a release from the company. “Combined with our Therapy+ software suite, Indego is becoming an integral tool for clinicians to provide individualized gait therapy sessions to stroke and spinal cord injury patients, and providing a new level of independence.”

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has now surpassed over $2.9 million worth of medical devices in donations that directly help injured veterans. This donation marks the organization’s 18^th exoskeleton donation, and 14^th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“SoldierStrong is ecstatic to reach the milestone of providing over $2.9 million worth of cutting edge medical devices that directly benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Stephanie Turzanski, executive director of SoldierStrong. “We want to touch as many vets as possible so everyone can have a chance to stand and walk again.”

About VA St. Louis Health Care System
The VA St. Louis Health Care System is part of the VA Heartland Network (VISN 15) which includes, Missouri, southwestern Illinois, and Kansas.  St. Louis VAHCS, the largest tertiary facility in VISN 15, provides highly specialized care for Veterans and is classified as a Complexity Level 1A facility. The Heath Care System provides inpatient and ambulatory care in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, and rehabilitation, and many other subspecialty areas. It is a two-division facility that serves veterans and their families in east central Missouri and southwestern Illinois. The John Cochran Division, located in midtown St. Louis and has all of the medical center’s operative surgical capabilities, the ambulatory care unit, intensive care units, outpatient psychiatry clinics, and expanded laboratory. The Jefferson Barracks Division is a multi-building complex overlooking the Mississippi River in south St. Louis County. It provides psychiatric treatment, spinal cord injury treatment, a nursing home care unit, rehabilitation services, and a rehabilitation domiciliary program for homeless veterans. The St. Louis VAHCS maintains a dual academic affiliation with Washington University Medical School and Saint Louis University School of Medicine along with affiliations with nursing, social work, and several other allied health college and university programs. The John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks Division are undergoing major construction projects that will enable us to better serve veterans’ health care needs.
For more information, visit https://www.stlouis.va.gov/locations/Jefferson_Barracks_Division.asp

About Indego
With dedicated therapy and personal use exoskeletons, Indego provides solutions that address the complete continuum of care – from acute rehabilitation to home and community ambulation. Indego Therapy is cleared by the FDA for use with spinal cord injury patients with injury levels C7 to L5, and for individuals with hemiplegia (with motor function of 4/5 in at least one upper extremity) due to cerebrovascular accident (CVA) to perform ambulatory functions in rehabilitation institutions. Indego Personal is cleared by the FDA to enable individuals with spinal cord injury at levels T3 to L5 to perform ambulatory functions in their home and community. The recently released VA memorandum “Revised Clinical Protocol for Issuance of Powered Exoskeleton Devices to Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury” (found at www.sci.va.gov) expands the protocol for veteran evaluation, training and issuance for personal use exoskeletons to all FDA approved devices, including Indego. For more information about Indego, visit www.indego.com

About Parker Hannifin
Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than 100 years the company has engineered the success of its customers in a wide range of diversified industrial and aerospace markets. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin.

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.