Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation Donates $225,000 to SoldierStrong Through Vino for Vets Event

Graham and CourtneyThe Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation (GCRF) hosted its fourth-annual Vino For Vets powered by DropLight fundraiser in October, donating $225,000 to benefit charitable partner, Turns For Troops/SoldierStrong.

“The success of Vino For Vets is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the power of coming together for a purpose,” said Graham Rahal. “SoldierStrong’s commitment to helping veterans rebuild their lives through access to life-changing medical technology aligns perfectly with our mission at GCRF. Courtney and I are humbled to contribute to their efforts and to stand alongside an organization making such a profound impact on our veteran community.”

As primary sponsor for Graham Rahal’s IndyCar, United Rentals donates $50 to Turns For Troops for each lap that Rahal completes during the racing season. Those funds power the efforts of SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit based in Stamford, Conn., to help veterans take their next steps forward in life after service through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country.

The technologies SoldierStrong donates include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to assist paralyzed and injured veterans in standing and walking again, as well as the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems have been donated by the organization, equating to more than $7.3 million in donated technologies since 2013.

Vino For Vets powered by DropLight combines the Rahals’ love for fine wine with their passion for military veterans. Hosted during the harvest season, the event is a couples-exclusive, weekend-long wine experience in Napa Valley. The GCRF team strategically researches and selects some of the most sought-after, rare, and delicious wines to bring forward to attendees.

“We are incredibly grateful to Graham and Courtney Rahal, the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation, DropLight, and to every patriot who attended Vino For Vets,” said Dr. Chris Meek, Co-Founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong. “The generosity on display at this event directly strengthens our mission to provide life-changing technology and resources to America’s injured veterans. Thanks to supporters like GCRF and the broader Vino For Vets community, we’re able to help more service members regain mobility, independence, and the quality of life they deserve.”

About SoldierStrong
Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

About Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation
The Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation (GCRF) is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization led by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and former NHRA star Courtney (Force) Rahal. The foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of our Veteran Community and advancing cancer research, supporting programs that deliver vital resources, create transformative opportunities, and drive meaningful, long-term impact. Through signature fundraising initiatives, including high-impact charity events, auctions, and community partnerships, GCRF has contributed millions of dollars toward organizations that are creating lasting change. For more information about the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation, please visit gcrfoundation.org or follow @GCRFoundation on social media.

“The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11” Documentary Selected for 2026 Central Florida Film Festival

Gier Productions

Gier Productions is proud to announce that the documentary “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” narrated by actor Gary Sinise and produced in partnership with SoldierStrong, is not only an Official Selection for the 2026 Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO), but it is also a finalist for Best Feature Documentary. CENFLO was recently recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”

Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Michael Gier, the documentary presents a sweeping and deeply personal look at the many facets of 9/11 through the voices of those who lived it. Among the film’s featured interviews is Andy Card, Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, who recounts his firsthand experience standing beside the President during one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

The film honors the collective courage of that day, featuring all three national memorials, the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as powerful stories about the heroic actions of the Flight 93 passengers who fought back against the hijackers, the massive 9/11 Boatlift that evacuated over 500,000 people from lower Manhattan in a matter of hours, and the courageous rescues that took place inside the Pentagon as military and civilian personnel risked their lives to save others from the burning structure.

“Being selected by CENFLO is an incredible honor,” Gier says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to highlight the heroism, sacrifice, and strength that emerged on one of America’s darkest days, and I’m thankful this festival is helping share these powerful stories with audiences.”

Founded with the goal of elevating independent filmmaking in Florida and beyond, CENFLO has grown into a well-regarded annual event that screens a diverse range of narrative features, documentaries, and shorts, including international entries, over a three-day celebration in Mount Dora, Florida.

The 2026 CENFLO will showcase “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11” to audiences of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, continuing its mission of celebrating impactful and socially relevant storytelling.

Additional information about “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” including a trailer, real stories, and details about its production and cast, is available at heroismandresiliency.com.

Gier has produced and directed hundreds of film and video projects across a wide spectrum of media. He began his career as an entertainer starring in Broadway musicals across the country and has appeared as an actor in numerous films and television shows, working alongside some of the industry’s biggest names.

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About Gier Productions
Gier Productions, LLC is an award-winning film and media production company founded by filmmaker Michael Gier. The company produces feature films, documentaries, commercials, and corporate media that inspire, educate, and drive social impact. Known for powerful storytelling and high production value, Gier Productions’ work often highlights themes of resilience, service, and the human spirit. Its mission is to create content that not only entertains but also makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

About SoldierStrong

Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

Patriot Mobile Named SoldierStrong’s 2025 Corporate Recipient of the Annual Commitment to Service Award

Commitment to Service Award 2025 - Patriot MobileSoldierStrong, the national nonprofit committed to delivering revolutionary medical technologies to America’s veterans, is proud to announce Patriot Mobile as the 2025 Corporate Recipient of its Annual Commitment to Service Award.

The Commitment to Service Award recognizes companies and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and inspirational leadership, and provided material support to SoldierStrong’s mission. Recipients leverage their talents and resources to help elevate the standard of excellence in health care available to our nation’s veterans.

Since 2013, Patriot Mobile has offered Americans a reliable alternative for cell phone service, delivering nationwide 4G and 5G coverage along with exceptional U.S.-based customer support. Patriot Mobile has long been a strong advocate for military, veterans, first responders, and their families by giving a portion of every dollar to support organizations that fight for our freedom.

“At Patriot Mobile, we believe that business should be a force for good, and Soldier Strong is an example how much good can be done when we unite purpose with passion,” said Glenn Story, Patriot Mobile’s Founder and CEO. “We are so passionate about taking care of our military, veterans and first responders, we made it one of our main pillars of giving. I accept this award as a call to continue serving our heroes with the same dedication they’ve shown serving America.”

SoldierStrong has been honored to join forces with Patriot Mobile over the past year in a shared dedication to supporting veterans and their families. Contributions from Patriot Mobile have helped support SoldierStrong’s efforts to donate wearable robotic exoskeletons, known as SoldierSuits, which are used to aid paralyzed veterans in walking again, as well as BraveMind virtual reality software and hardware systems used to treat post-traumatic stress in post-9/11 veterans. SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in revolutionary medical technologies since 2013, including 30 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems to date.

“SoldierStrong is proud to recognize Patriot Mobile for their steadfast commitment to our veterans and our mission, which has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but has also set a shining example for all Americans to follow,” said Dr. Chris Meek, co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong. “Through Patriot Mobile’s leadership, the company has uplifted veterans and ignited a flame of hope and resilience that inspires us all to strive for greater heights in our mission to support those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”

Past corporate and individual recipients include WWE Inc., United Rentals Inc., S&P Global, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group, Flags of Valor, Martha MacCallum of FOX News, IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, former Congressman Jon Runyan, and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Patricia D. Horoho, the 43rd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army.

Patriot Mobile CEO Glenn Story accepted the award last night at an event hosted by the company to benefit SoldierStrong at the American Journey Experience in Irving, Texas.

About SoldierStrong

Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 30 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

About Patriot Mobile

Since 2013, Patriot Mobile has given Americans an alternative for their cell service by providing dependable nationwide coverage on 4G and 5G networks and exceptional U.S.-based customer support. Patriot Mobile gives a portion of every dollar to support organizations that fight for our freedom. Patriot Mobile’s mission is to passionately defend our God-given rights and freedoms, and to glorify God always. For more information, visit www.patriotmobile.com.

SoldierStrong, Gier Productions Announce Release of “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11” Documentary in 2026

Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11

SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit founded to help military veterans take their next steps forward in life, and award-winning director and producer Michael Gier today announced plans for the 2026 release of “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” a deeply moving documentary narrated by actor Gary Sinise that tells the story of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks through the eyes of first responders, survivors and others.

“‘The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11’ goes beyond the tragedy of September 11 to showcase the incredible acts of bravery, humanity, and resilience that followed. It is not just a tribute to those we lost, but a celebration of the indomitable spirit that rose from the ashes. It is a story of hope, proving that even in tragedy, light can be found in the courage and compassion of everyday people,” said Gier, who owns a global film and video production company, Gier Productions, in Pasadena, Calif.

SoldierStrong co-founder Chris Meek, a financial industry executive who was at Ground Zero on 9/11, approached Gier in early 2022 with the idea for a film to “honor the selflessness and bravery that defined a generation” that would be released for the 25th observance of the attacks that claimed the lives of 2,977 innocent lives at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

“I saw Michael’s award-winning documentary films, ‘Wounded Heroes’ and ‘Healing the Heroes of 9-11,’ and I knew he would share the story of 9/11 as it should be told,” Meek said of Gier’s 2021 productions that featured successful alternative treatments that help those battling post-traumatic stress get their lives back. “That’s especially important because more than 100 million Americans – almost one-third of our population – have been born since the 9/11 or are too young to remember that day.”

Gier explains that he “didn’t want to produce a 9/11 film similar to what’s been done before.” Instead, he proposed a film that would feature “the positive things that came from 9/11 despite the tragedy.” He added, “My team and I traveled across the country conducting interviews and filming dramatized reenactments, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this powerful documentary, and everyone at SoldierStrong and Gier Productions is looking forward to sharing this film with the world in September 2026.”

The documentary presents a sweeping and deeply personal look at the many facets of 9/11 through the voices of those who lived it. Among the film’s featured interviews is Andy Card, Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, who recounts his firsthand experience standing beside the President during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Card is also a member of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation Organizing Committee.

“Port Authority Police Officer Will Jimeno shares his harrowing survival story after being buried 30 feet beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center – and the extraordinary bravery of the men who rescued him. Country music legend Lee Greenwood reflects on his emotional visit to Ground Zero, where he sang ‘God Bless the USA’ a cappella to uplift the spirits of first responders working in the aftermath of the attacks,” Gier said. “Former CIA Director Leon Panetta offers a behind-the-scenes account of his high-stakes mission, ordered by President Obama, to locate and eliminate Osama bin Laden. And we hear from Roger Ferguson of the Federal Reserve, who played a pivotal role on 9/11 in averting financial catastrophe by helping ensure the stability and continued operation of the U.S. financial system amid the chaos.”

The film also honors the collective courage of the day, featuring all three national memorials – the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 – as well as powerful stories about the heroic actions of the Flight 93 passengers who fought back against the hijackers, the massive 9/11 Boatlift that evacuated over 500,000 people from lower Manhattan in a matter of hours, and the courageous rescues that took place inside the Pentagon as military and civilian personnel risked their lives to save others from the burning structure.

Additional information about “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” including a trailer, reel stories and details about its production and cast, is available at The911Film.com.

Gier has produced and directed hundreds of film and video projects across a wide spectrum of media. He got his start as an entertainer starring in Broadway musicals all over the country, and he’s appeared as an actor in numerous films and television shows, working alongside some of the industry’s biggest names.

Standing Tall: How SoldierStrong’s Partnership with Ekso Bionics is Transforming Veterans’ Lives

Fernando Ruiz #1When Senior Chief Jesus Fernando Ruiz, a Navy Veteran, was injured in the line of duty on January 1, 2014, he thought the world he knew was over. Like many veterans facing life-changing injuries, Fernando believed he would have to adapt to a completely different way of life. 

But thanks to exoskeletons developed by Ekso Bionics – wearable robotic suits which aid paralyzed and injured individuals in walking again – Fernando’s story is one of hope and resilience. SoldierStrong’s pioneering partnership to bring Ekso Bionics’ exoskeletons to veterans nationwide has allowed even more veterans to experience that same hope and resilience as Fernando.

“I felt normal again,” Fernando recalls about the first time he used Ekso Bionics’ exoskeleton.  “Like I used to before my injury.” 

Since 2005, Ekso Bionics has been pioneering the field of robotic exoskeletons, developing wearable technology that augments human strength, endurance, and mobility. Their Indego Personal and Indego Therapy devices have helped thousands of people with paralysis take millions of steps that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Since 2013, SoldierStrong has been proud to donate Ekso Bionics’ cutting-edge exoskeleton suits, we’ve dubbed “SoldierSuits,” to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans.

Fernando Ruiz in Exoskeleton

In April 2023, SoldierStrong and Ekso Bionics celebrated a significant milestone when SoldierStrong donated its 30th robotic exoskeleton to a Veterans Affairs medical center. The Ekso Indego Therapy device was donated to the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, marking ten years of collaborative efforts to transform veterans’ lives.

“We are honored to join forces with Ekso Bionics to provide revolutionary technologies and innovative advancements to improve the lives of veterans and their families at no cost,” said Dr. Chris Meek, Co-Founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong. “Exoskeletons bring much needed rehabilitation support to our valued veterans enabling them to achieve mobility freedom that they deserve.”

The Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton is more than just a medical device – it’s a gateway to independence. As the lightest commercial exoskeleton available, it features a modular quick-connect design that allows users to put it on and take off without assistance. This innovative engineering makes it particularly valuable for veterans like Fernando, who uses it not just for rehabilitation but for daily activities that restore dignity and independence.

“The biggest purpose for it is rehab, like walking around,” Fernando explains. “I have used it to stand up in front of the microwave and wash my dishes or stop right in front of my refrigerator and actually reach stuff from above. I can now reach my cabinets and the plates, so I pretty much do things that I couldn’t do before while standing up in the machine.”

Perhaps the most powerful testament to the technology’s impact comes from Fernando’s personal life. The 51-year-old Navy veteran, who served from 1993 to 2016, found that the exoskeleton didn’t just restore his mobility – it restored precious moments with his family.

“I have a five-year-old son and the first time he saw me walking with the exoskeleton he was like, ‘Hey, Papi, you can walk, Papi,’ and I was like, ‘Yes!’ And you know, seeing him all excited, just drives me. You know, being able to walk again pushes me towards doing more and more.”

Fernando Ruiz and SonFernando’s experience with the Ekso Bionics team in San Antonio demonstrates the comprehensive support that makes this partnership so effective. As one of the first veterans to use the exoskeleton at his VA facility, Fernando worked alongside the Ekso Bionics team as they trained their robotics clinic physical therapists.

“It took a few minutes to get used to it because I was afraid I was gonna fall,” Fernando remembers the first time he used the exoskeleton. “I mean it had been so long that I hadn’t been able to walk and then all of a sudden just walking assisted by the exoskeleton was just kind of like a scary thought, but once I took a few steps, it was just like riding a bicycle.”

The partnership between SoldierStrong and Ekso Bionics represents more than just the provision of medical devices – it embodies hope for the future. 

This progress would not be possible without the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and its dedicated team of therapists. The VA’s memorandum of understanding with SoldierStrong has been instrumental in ensuring that cutting-edge technologies like Ekso Bionics’ exoskeletons are accessible to veterans nationwide. Beyond the technology itself, it is the expertise, encouragement, and tireless efforts of VA physical therapists that truly bring these devices to life for the men and women who use them. Their hands-on guidance and personalized care play a critical role in helping veterans like Fernando safely adapt to the exoskeleton, regain confidence, and achieve milestones that once seemed impossible.

As Fernando puts it, “When there’s technology that allows you to do what you used to do before, which is walk, it’s awesome. It opens possibilities.”

Fernando Ruiz #3Robert Reeder, Associate Director at the VA Augusta Health Care System, emphasizes the transformative nature of this technology: “These clinically proven robotic exoskeleton devices enable our nation’s heroes to stand and walk again. Specifically, Ekso Indego Therapy’s lightweight, modular design and slim profile compatible with most wheelchairs make it a game changer for many paralyzed or disabled veterans.”

As SoldierStrong continues to work with Ekso Bionics, the organization remains committed to its founding principle: ensuring that revolutionary rehabilitation devices are available to every veteran who needs it. 

Through stories like Fernando’s, we see that the impact of this partnership extends far beyond the technology itself. It’s about restoring dignity, independence, and hope to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. It’s about a father being able to stand tall in front of his son. It’s about veterans reclaiming not just their mobility, but their future.

As Fernando’s experience demonstrates, sometimes the most profound transformations begin with a single step – and thanks to SoldierStrong’s partnership with Ekso Bionics, that step is possible for veterans across the country.