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The SCOOTER Store Donates Power Wheelchairs and Scooters to Disabled Vets Visiting WWII Memorial
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WASHINGTON, DC, April 19, 2007—The SCOOTER Store is donating dozens of power wheelchairs and scooters to help disabled veterans attend a ceremony at the WWII Memorial on Saturday, the inaugural program this year for "Honor Flight," a project that provides America's WWII veterans an opportunity to visit their memorial.
The Honor Flight was conceived by Earl Morse, a Physician Assistant and Retired Air Force Captain. Several times a year, Mr. Morse transports veterans from their hometowns to Washington for an opportunity to visit the WWII Memorial. At Saturday's ceremony, former Kansas Senator Bob Dole, a WWII veteran, will be keynote speaker.
"Many of these senior heroes break down and cry when they are offered an opportunity to see their memorial," Mr. Morse said. "Many are in their 80s, their health is failing, and they don't have the resources to make the trip. Many think that they will never get the opportunity to see the memorial. Our program makes it possible."
With many of the veterans suffering from mobility impairments, The SCOOTER Store volunteered to provide 30 to 40 power wheelchairs and scooters for the events. When the veterans arrive, the mobility equipment will be available so they can have mobility throughout the ceremony and enjoy the memorial. The SCOOTER Store is the nation's largest supplier of power wheelchairs and scooters.
"These veterans have made great sacrifices and given so much for our country," said Doug Harrison, CEO and Founder of The SCOOTER Store. "We are proud to contribute to a project that allows them to visit their memorial. They fought for our freedom. We are showing our appreciation by helping them now. Honor Flight is a great project that allows us to show our veterans how much we appreciate their gallantry."
Employees from The SCOOTER Store locations in Baltimore and Richmond will volunteer their time on Saturday to attend the event and help the veterans.
Since their first flight in May of 2005, 905 WWII Veterans have realized their dream of visiting their memorial. "All of our heroes had a safe and memorable trip and we were able to raise sufficient funds so that every veteran flew absolutely free," Mr. Morse said. "Thanks to The SCOOTER Store, our WWII Veterans visit their memorial in style. The future is bright for Honor Flight."
"A network of participating sponsors is forming to assist our senior heroes from all across the country," he said. "Resources are being pooled, experience is being shared and alliances are being formed throughout America to get WWII veterans safely to their precious memorial. Our goal for 2007 is to transport 5,000 veterans from across the United States to the WWII memorial."
Mr. Morse said that in the future, the organization will seek to run a similar program for Korean and Vietnam War veterans, as well as veterans from the nation's recent wars.
"Honor Flight has learned a lot over these last two years and one of the points that stand out is that our heroes, the veterans, aren't asking for recognition," Mr. Morse said. "It is our position that they deserve it. And by us making a trip possible for those men and women to see their memorial at no cost, this is just a small token we can give back to those that gave so much."
For more information about Honor Flight, please visit their website at www.honorflight.org 
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About The SCOOTER Store
Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more than 280,000 people with limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store offers a full line of durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lift, ramps and accessories in 47 states. The SCOOTER Store has worked with more than 100,000 physicians, providing expertise and quality service to their patients, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.
Technorati Tags: power wheelchairs, scooters, power scooters, The SCOOTER Store
About The SCOOTER Store
Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more than 300,000 people with limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store offers a full line of durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lifts, ramps and accessories in 47 states. The SCOOTER Store has worked with more than 100,000 physicians, providing expertise and quality service to their patients, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.
