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The SCOOTER Store Cited For Helping Disabled Veterans Visit WWII Memorial in Washington
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Washington, DC - The SCOOTER Store was recently honored for being a key contributor to the "Honor Flight Network," a unique project that provides America's war veterans, many of whom are physically disabled from their war injuries, an opportunity to visit the WWII Memorial and other memorials in Washington.
The Honor Flight was conceived by Earl Morse, a Physician Assistant and Retired Air Force Captain. Several times each month, the Honor Flight Network transports veterans from their hometowns to Washington for an opportunity to visit the memorials. The program began with World War II veterans, but has now expanded to veterans of other wars.
Throughout the year, The SCOOTER Store provides power wheelchairs and scooters to the veterans that need them for added mobility while they visit Washington. Last Saturday, The SCOOTER Store donated power mobility to dozens of veterans so they could finally witness and tour their World War II Memorial.
"We are proud to help these veterans who gave so much for their country," said Doug Harrison, the CEO and Founder of The SCOOTER Store, which is the largest provider of power wheelchairs and scooters in the country. "What we give is just a token of the thanks that our nation owes these veterans. They built the foundation for our great nation and we are humbled to be able to do something for them."
At Saturday's ceremony, former Kansas Senator Bob Dole, a WWII veteran, presented an honorary plaque to The SCOOTER Store's Mark Leita, director of public affairs, and Freddie Cervera, vice president of marketing for their work with the Honor Flight Network.
"The Honor Flight is a non profit organization created solely to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices," Mr. Morse said. "We fly our heroes to Washington, DC to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to the senior veterans – WW II survivors along with those other veterans that may be terminally ill."
The program, Mr. Morse said, is so popular that there are more than 3,500 people on the waiting lists for flights.
Since the first Honor Flight in May 2005, with six small planes and 12 World War II veterans, the program has expanded significantly.
By 2006, the program moved to commercial airline carriers to accommodate the maximum number of veterans possible. Moreover, it has partnered with similar programs, such as HonorAir in Hendersonville, North Carolina and Hero Flight in Provo, Utah. Together, with Honor Flight, they have formed the "Honor Flight Network," and are aggressively expanding their programs across the nation. To date, over 5,000 veterans have been flown in to see their memorial. For more information about Honor Flight, please visit their website at www.honorflight.org.
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.
