STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 23, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SoldierStrong (previously known as SoldierSocks), a nonprofit organization focused on providing veterans state-of-the-art medical devices, announced that it will once again receive a donation from the Airpower Foundation, America's oldest military-support organization, and United Rentals, Inc., the largest equipment rental company in the world, at the American Airlines Sky Ball XIII, scheduled to take place on October 24th. The funds, totaling $100,000, will be used to provide an Ekso GT™ robotic exoskeleton to the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center to directly benefit veterans in the Houston area.
SoldierStrong will donate the Ekso GT, manufactured by Ekso Bionics, to the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Center at the Houston VA during a ceremony that will take place in early November. This technology will help the SCI Center in their mission to restore and maintain optimal health, independence, productivity, and quality of life for Veterans in their care.
"We recognize the sacrifices our returned service members have made for us and are honored to give back to these brave men and women in a significant way through our support of SoldierStrong," said Craig Pintoff, Senior VP, United Rentals.
Thanks to United Rentals and the Airpower Foundation, this will mark the ninth Ekso GT suit that SoldierStrong has donated to VA hospitals nationwide as part its commitment to donate a total of 80 suits by 2017.
"The Airpower Foundation prides itself on supporting organizations, such as SoldierStrong, whose work directly benefits veterans," said Roman Palomares, Chairman, Airpower Foundation. "This donation is one of the many projects we have been able to support with funds raised by the American Airlines Sky Ball, a fundraiser event that has grown to receive national recognition. Along with our sponsor, American Airlines, we couldn't be prouder of our continued support of veterans and their families and together look forward to another successful Sky Ball."
This year's Sky Ball will honor all who served in Vietnam and host a special branch of service salute to the United States Air Force.
For more information on Sky Ball XII, visit: http://www.skyballinfo.com.
About United Rentals
United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world. The company has an integrated network of 896 rental locations in 49 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The company's approximately 12,600 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers approximately 3,300 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $8.86 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, the Barron's 400 Index and the Russell 3000 Index® and is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Additional information about United Rentals is available at unitedrentals.com.
About the Airpower Foundation
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with its roots dating back to 1958, when Air Force General Curtis LeMay and businessman/philanthropist Frank Kent created the Fort Worth Airpower Council dedicated to supporting the military community at Carswell Air Force Base.
The mission of the Airpower Foundation has grown since the first Gulf War and is now a nationwide program dedicated to supporting active duty, reserve and National Guard families. Airpower also supports projects to assist wounded warriors, veterans of previous wars and education projects like WWII Freedom Flights to make sure the next generation understands the honor and sacrifice of wearing the cloth of this country.
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.