SoldierStrong to Donate State-of-the-Art Exoskeleton to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced that it will be donating an EksoGT™ exoskeleton to the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The donation ceremony, which will include a patient demonstration, will take place at the center on Wednesday, January 10th at 10 a.m.

Since the nonprofit’s inception following the events of 9/11, SoldierStrong has now surpassed over $2.5 million worth of medical devices in donations that directly help injured veterans. This donation marks the organization’s 15th exoskeleton donation, and 12th exoskeleton donation to the VA system.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to SoldierStrong for donating a robotic exoskeleton to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System’s Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center and Spinal Cord Injury Center,” said Dr. Blessen Eapen, Section Chief of the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. “This technology gives our interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams the ability to deliver state-of-the art rehabilitative care for our nation’s Veterans and Service Members.”

The EksoGT, by Ekso Bionics®, is the first and only exoskeleton cleared by the FDA for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries from L5 to C7. The suit’s patented technology provides the ability to mobilize patients earlier, more frequently and with a greater number of high intensity steps.

“SoldierStrong is ecstatic to reach the milestone of providing over $2.5 million worth of cutting edge medical devices that directly benefit our country’s injured veterans,” said Chris Meek, co-founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong. “Being able to make this donation to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System at the start of the new year is particularly special, as we wish all of our country’s veterans and active service men and women a healthy 2018.”

About South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS)
South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is comprised of two inpatient campuses: the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio and the Kerrville VA Hospital in Kerrville, Texas.  STVHCS serves one of the largest primary service areas in the nation and provides health care services for 96,000 unique Veterans.

The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital (ALMMVH), named after the nation’s most decorated World War II hero, is a quaternary care facility, which is affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).  Comprehensive health care is provided through acute medical, surgical, mental health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatric, and primary care services.  Comprised of a Spinal Cord Injury Center, a Community Living Center, a Domiciliary, and a Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP).  ALMMVH provides quaternary services including bone marrow transplantation, open-heart surgery, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography.  As a Level II Research facility ALMMVH has projects that include aging, cardiac surgery, cancer, diabetes and HIV.  The facility has one of three National Institutes of Health sponsored clinical research centers in the VA. In addition, the Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center (GRECC) is a “Center of Excellence.” For more information, visit http://www.southtexas.va.gov/about/index.asp.

About SoldierStrong
SoldierStrong, previously known as SoldierSocks, helps American patriots literally take their next steps forward. Through educational scholarships and by harnessing the most innovative technology in advanced rehabilitation, we help our returning service men and women to continue moving in the only direction they should know – forward. Nearly every dollar SoldierStrong receives goes towards direct support of American patriots so that they can re-acclimate to civilian life. Our organization works to remind those men and women who sacrificed so much that we are forever thankful.

SoldierStrong Announces 2017 SoldierScholar Recipients

New scholarship launched at Old Dominion University for a female veteran studying STEM

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced its 2017 recipients of its SoldierScholar scholarship program. The scholarship program aims to help supplement the Post-9/11 GI Bill, by filling tuition gaps it may leave for select students. This year, a new SoldierScholar scholarship was launched at Old Dominion University for a female veteran studying STEM.

“Supporting our nation’s heroes take their next steps forward in life is an honor and we are proud to support our service members who have served and sacrificed for us,” said Chris Meek, co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong. “To date, the SoldierScholar program has raised nearly $450,000, which has helped 13 men and women advance their education following their return from the battlefield.”

Endowed scholarships include Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, the Batten College of Engineering and Technology at Old Dominion University, and the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

A video accompanying this announcement:

“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.”

This year’s recipients are:

  • Stephanie Primeaux, Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Old Dominion University

Navy Veteran Stephanie Primeaux, is a qualified nuclear electrician with 6 years of experience in the nuclear industry. Skilled in nuclear operations, maintenance, and management, she served as a Nuclear Electrician’s Mate on the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman, and more recently as a Facilities Manager at the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic. While pursuing her degree, Stephanie is interning at NASA’s Langley Research Center as a Cost Analysis Intern in the Proposal Development Office.

Watch a video about Stephanie’s story here.

  • Mitchell “Mitch” Forbes, Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Candidate, Maxwell School, Syracuse University

Mitch Forbes joined the Army in 2012 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. The following year, his platoon was ambushed and Mitch was wounded by enemy small arms fire. He underwent dozens of surgical procedures while recovering at Walter Reed Military Medical Center at Bethesda, MD. After being medically retired, Mitch earned a BA in Policy Studies from Syracuse University, and is currently an EMPA candidate at Syracuse’s Maxwell School.

  • Christopher Tonsmeire, MA in International Relations (MAIR) Candidate, Maxwell School, Syracuse University

Chris Tonsmeire enlisted in the US Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer following his freshman year in college. Shortly after, the events of September 11th, 2001 changed his education plans. Chris received a conditional release to enter active duty as a Special Forces Recruit and served two combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his second tour, he was wounded in action and was unable to remain an active member of Special Forces. In 2009, he separated from the military to continue his education. Chris has been awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his service.

  • Mikel Rodriguez, Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) Program, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University

Navy Lieutenant Mikel Rodriguez has over 3 years of international experience including multiple deployments to Afghanistan. During his second duty in Afghanistan, a recoilless rifle round landed a few feet from him, causing significant damage to his back. Mikel underwent extensive spinal surgery, then continued his service following recovery. Mikel spent four years living in Spain, working closely with foreign partners in Europe and Africa as well as with the Department of State. Today, he is interested in learning about statecraft, international diplomacy and negotiation, with a goal to enter a career in foreign policy.

Read more about Mikel here.

To learn more about the SoldierScholar program and how to donate, visit https://www.soldierstrong.org/scholarship.

Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala to Join SoldierStrong Advisory Board

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced the appointment of Donna Shalala, former Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS), to its Advisory Board, effective immediately.

“We welcome Ms. Shalala to our Advisory Board. Her dedication to advocating for human interests and access to healthcare for all citizens will benefit our organization and the veteran we serve,” said Chris Meek, co-founder, and chairman of SoldierStrong.

Shalala served as Secretary of the HHS, whose mission is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans. This cabinet body fosters advances in medicine, public health, and social services. Following her eight years as the HHS Secretary, Ms. Shalala became president of the University of Miami and professor of Political Science. She also was chancellor at the University of Wisconsin and president of Hunter College in New York. In 2007, she co-chaired with Senator Bob Dole the Presidential Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors.

“I am excited to join SoldierStrong’s advisory board, to help guide the organization’s strategy to engage and support our veteran community,” commented Shalala. “I share SoldierStrong’s passion for helping people gain knowledge and access to the care they need and look forward to sharing my insights.”

About SoldierStrong
SoldierStrong, previously known as SoldierSocks, helps American patriots literally take their new steps forward. Through educational scholarships and by harnessing the most innovative technology in advanced rehabilitation, we help our returning service men and women to continue moving in the only direction they should know – forward. Nearly every dollar SoldierStrong receives goes towards direct support of American patriots so that they can re-acclimate to civilian life. Our organization works to remind those men and women who sacrificed so much that we are forever thankful.

David Letterman Makes Cameo At SoldierStrong’s Annual Gala

SoldierStrong Announces Former Navy SEAL Rorke Denver to Host 4th Annual SoldierSalute Gala

Chuck Hagel, Former U.S. Secretary of Defense to Deliver Keynote Address at Event Honoring the Nonprofit’s Notable Supporters

STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced that Former Navy SEAL commander, Rorke Denver, will host its 4th Annual SoldierSalute Gala to honor notable supporters. The gala is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 19th, 2017, at 6 p.m. at The Union League of Philadelphia, PA.

Denver will lead the evening’s celebrations that will include a keynote address by former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, and deliver awards to the honorees. Army Veteran Dan Rose, who was injured while on active duty and left paralyzed, will stand and walk using the EksoGTTM wearable exoskeleton to demonstrate the type of devices that SoldierStrong donates.

“The work SoldierStrong does to provide advanced medical technology to our veterans is admirable,” said Secretary Chuck Hagel. “It’s my pleasure to be a part of the gala and celebrate the organization and its supporters.”

This year’s corporate honoree is Multistack, Inc., a leading distributor of modular water chillers. Over the last four years, Multistack has raised over $350,000 for SoldierStrong through the company’s fundraiser events. Individual honorees include Jon Runyan, former U.S. Representative and NFL player, Dr. Jerry Francesco and Lucille Francesco.

“We are tremendously grateful for our supporters, which we look forward to celebrating, and are honored to have such important figures hosting and speaking at our gala,” said Chris Meek, co-founder, and chairman of SoldierStrong. “It is thanks to them that we are able to give back to our veterans.”

Established in 2009, SoldierStrong is committed to providing veterans access to cutting-edge medical technologies to help them overcome life-changing injuries sustained while on active duty. The organization uses the funds raised through various charity events, and the generosity of corporate and individual donors to purchase cutting-edge medical technology for veterans.

To RSVP or for more information, contact: Events@SoldierStrong.org or (888) 898-3235, ext. 703. You can also register at soldierstrong.org/soldiersalute/

About SoldierStrong
SoldierStrong, previously known as SoldierSocks, helps American patriots literally take their next steps forward. Through educational scholarships and by harnessing the most innovative technology in advanced rehabilitation, we help our returning service men and women to continue moving in the only direction they should know – forward. Nearly every dollar SoldierStrong receives goes towards direct support of American patriots so that they can re-acclimate to civilian life. Our organization works to remind those men and women who sacrificed so much that we are forever thankful.

American Dunkirk

Harvey, the Cajun Navy, Monster Trucks, Texas Grit and the American Way

Eventually, the flood of toxic identity politics and snowflake sensibilities gets washed away by the real thing – like Hurricane Harvey and the biblical-scale flooding that devastated Houston and large portions of the Texas coast. Forty died (sadly, more will be found), more than 100,000 homes were severely damaged or destroyed, half-a-million cars were lost, and the preliminary damage estimates exceed $125 billion (worse than Katrina and Sandy combined). Coming on the heels of the deeply divisive debate over offending statuary and violent clashes between Klansmen, Nazis and Antifa Anarchists, Harvey reminded us all of what is important – and of how profoundly good America’s people and its free enterprise system are. All levels of government and our military performed admirably. And in true American fashion, ordinary citizens also reported for duty to do the extraordinary. The “Cajun Navy” and the “Monster Truck” brigade – thousands of ordinary American citizens rode to the rescue of fellow Americans trapped by life-threatening

Coming on the heels of the deeply divisive debate over offending statuary and violent clashes between Klansmen, Nazis and Antifa Anarchists, Harvey reminded us all of what is important – and of how profoundly good America’s people and its free enterprise system are. All levels of government and our military performed admirably. And in true American fashion, ordinary citizens also reported for duty to do the extraordinary. The “Cajun Navy” and the “Monster Truck” brigade – thousands of ordinary American citizens rode to the rescue of fellow Americans trapped by life-threatening

The “Cajun Navy” and the “Monster Truck” brigade – thousands of ordinary American citizens rode to the rescue of fellow Americans trapped by life-threatening flood waters with every type of boat and large vehicle. Every hero came with his own boat or truck, entirely assuming the risk and cost of helping fellow countrymen in need. No room for identity politics here; no one asked about race, color or creed in giving or receiving assistance.

Just like Dunkirk, where the British people rose to duty in their own vessels – of all sizes and types – to save their trapped troops and thus prevent the loss of their nation, so too the “Cajun Navy,” the “Monster Truck” brigade, and every American who rushed to the aid of their fellow countrymen, have shown us what is important in life and what is best about America.

All of us at SoldierStrong salute the fight and determination of Texas and the America spirit. To Harvey and all of our adversaries: “E Pluribus Unum” – we are “One” – and now and ever, AmericaStrong!

SoldierStrong and Fraternal Order of Eagles Partner Donate Exoskeleton to CHI Health Rehabilitation Institute

SoldierStrong and Fraternal Order of Eagles Partner to Donate State-of-the-Art Exoskeleton to CHI Health Rehabilitation Institute

Only exoskeleton device cleared for both stroke and SCI rehabilitation is now available to help Nebraska-area veterans and patients to stand up and walk

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoldierStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to veterans, today announced that in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, it will be donating an EksoGT™ exoskeleton, to the CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute. The donation ceremony, which will include a patient demonstration, will take place at the center on Monday, August 28th at 1:30 p.m.

“We are grateful for the generosity of these national organizations and for their commitment to helping veterans,” said Larry Niemann, Director of Rehabilitation Service, CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute. “This heartfelt donation will help our rehabilitation program deliver even more leading treatments to our patients, many of whom are veterans, to help them to stand up and relearn to walk.”

Manufactured by Ekso Bionics®, the EksoGT is the first and only exoskeleton cleared by the FDA for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries from L5 to C7. The suit’s patented technology provides the ability to mobilize patients earlier, more frequently and with a greater number of high intensity steps. With SmartAssist™ software, the EksoGT is the only exoskeleton available for rehabilitation institutions that can provide adaptive amounts of power to either side of the patient’s body, challenging the patient as they progress through their continuum of care.

This is the third time Fraternal Order of Eagles and SoldierStrong have collaborated to raise funds, purchase and donate an EksoGT device to rehabilitation programs serving injured U.S. veterans. Together, the organizations raise $150,000 for the purchase of each device they donate.

“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with SoldierStrong. Our combined efforts are impacting lives in a truly meaningful way,” said Tom McGrath, Grand Worthy President, Fraternal Order of Eagles.

“SoldierStrong is pleased to help CHI Health better serve their community,” said Chris Meek, co-founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong. “We are honored to partner again with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an organization that shares our unwavering commitment to helping as many of our service members as possible.”

About CHI Health
CHI Health is a regional health network with a unified mission: nurturing the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 14 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities, more than 150 employed physician practice locations and more than 14,000 employees in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa.

CHI Health is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colorado.

The faith-based system operates in 18 states and includes 103 hospitals, as well as long-term care, assisted- and residential living communities; community health services organizations; home health agencies and outpatient facilities and services.

In fiscal year 2016, CHI provided more than $1.1 billion in financial assistance and community benefit. CHI generated operating revenues of $15.9 billion and has total assets of approximately $22.7 billion.

About SoldierStrong
SoldierStrong, previously known as SoldierSocks, helps American patriots literally take their next steps forward. Through educational scholarships and by harnessing the most innovative technology in advanced rehabilitation, we help our returning service men and women to continue moving in the only direction they should know – forward. Nearly every dollar SoldierStrong receives goes towards direct support of American patriots so that they can re-acclimate to civilian life. Our organization works to remind those men and women who sacrificed so much that we are forever thankful.