vmi strengthens operation independence program

VMI STRENGHTHENS OPERATION INDEPENDENCEPROGRAMWITH SUPPORT OF RETIRED LT. GENERAL JOHN F. REGNI AND PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA 

PHOENIX – Jan. 22, 2013 – Vantage Mobility International (VMI) recently strengthened its Operation Independence initiative with two strategic moves that were announced during the VMI Dealer Council Meeting on Jan. 10, in Phoenix, Ariz. retired Air Force Lt. General John F. Regni has accepted a position on the VMI Board of Advisors, and VMI has extended its relationship with Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (Paralyzed Veterans) Mission: ABLE for another year. VMI helps those in wheelchairs regain their independence by manufacturing and distributing the most innovative, reliable, highest quality and easily accessible transportation in the world. 

“VMI proudly supports the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Doug Eaton, president of VMI. “Over the last year we’ve worked diligently to help our veterans through our Operation Independence initiative, which supports Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Mission: ABLE campaign and educates disabled veterans about federal grant 21-4502. We’re excited about the opportunity to renew our efforts with Paralyzed Veterans for another year. And we’re especially honored that Lt. General John Regni joined our Board. We look forward to the insight and leadership he will bring to the Operation Independence team.”

VMI Team, General Regni and Paralyzed Veterans of America

As part of VMI’s continued support of the disabled veteran community, Lt. General John F. Regni will support VMI and Paralyzed Veterans in the development of a jobs creation program for disabled U.S. veterans, as well as education programs to teach disabled vets about their VA benefits for mobility vehicles. 

Lt. General Regni’s career has encompassed a wide range of personnel, training and command assignments, culminating with his assignment as Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy from 2005-09.  His other command tours include Base Commander and 8th Combat Support Group Commander, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Commander, Second Air Force; and Commander, Air University. He has also served as Director of Manpower, Personnel and Support for U.S. Pacific Command; Director of Personnel at Air Mobility Command; and Director of Military Personnel Policy at U.S. Air Force Headquarters. 

General John F. Regni and Doug Eaton

“After serving with so many dedicated, selfless men and women in the U.S. Armed Services, my primary focus is to assist them in building a prosperous civilian life,” said Regni. “VMI is committed to helping our veterans during this challenging time in their lives. I plan to work with VMI and Paralyzed Veterans of America to further develop a jobs program that will put vets back to work when they return home. And one of the most important tools to achieve that goal is providing a mobility vehicle that gives them the independence to work.” 

For more than 66 years, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures for seriously injured heroes. The organization works to empower these brave men and women with what they need to achieve the things they fought for: freedom and independence. 

“I’m thrilled that we’ve extended our agreement with VMI,” said Paralyzed Veterans’ member and former Navy SEAL, Al Kovach. “The Operation Independence program has been an important tool for many of our veterans the last 12 months. And with Lt. Gen. Regni’s support and ideas for a job initiative, I’m confident Operation Independence will play an even bigger role in helping our wounded veterans regain their independence and return to the workforce.” 

VMI Toyota Sienna Northstar

For more information about Operation Independence and how U.S. veterans will be supported through the VMI Select Dealer Network, visit the Operation Independence website. To learn more about Vantage Mobility International, vans visit http://www.bridgewatermobility.com/ or call 508-697-6006.  

ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATIONS BRIDGEWATER, MAAutomotive Innovations is a manufacturer and distributor of the most innovative, reliable, highest quality and easily accessible transportation in New England. Their full line of products include domestic and import minivan conversions, full-size van conversions, platform lifts, scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats.  For more information, call Jim Sanders at 508-697-6006 or visit http://www.BridgewaterMobility.com.

 ABOUT PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICAParalyzed Veterans of America was founded by a group of seriously injured American heroes from the “Greatest Generation” of World War II. They created a non-profit organization to meet the challenges that they faced back in the 1940s — from a medical community not ready to treat them to an environment with many barriers for people who use wheelchairs. For more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans’ national office and its 34 chapters across the nation have been making America a better place for all veterans and people with disabilities. (www.pva.org)