Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors Veterans on 60th Anniversary

Strategic Insights -

Two Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) servicemen, Carlos Leon and Alan R. Babin, Jr., who incurred disabling injuries, will join Paralyzed Veterans of America's national leadership to honor present and past veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, 2006. Leon, a former Marine, suffered a C-5 spinal cord injury on June 18, 2005, and Babin, a combat medic, suffered tetraplegia and complications due to a gunshot wound on March 31, 2003. Both men have received numerous commendations for their service and bravery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Carlos Leon, a former Marine, suffered a C-5 spinal cord injury on June 18, 2005, and is receiving treatment at the Miami VA Medical Center.
  • Alan R. Babin, Jr., a combat medic, suffered tetraplegia and complications due to a gunshot wound on March 31, 2003, and is a veteran of the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of corporal (E4).
  • Both men have received numerous commendations for their service, including medals such as the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America, founded in 1946, is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of individuals with spinal cord injury or disease.
  • The organization has over 19,000 members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and will commemorate Veterans Day through participation in civic events.

Statistics:

  • 60th anniversary year of Paralyzed Veterans of America's founding
  • 19,000 members of Paralyzed Veterans of America in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico
  • Countries where members reside: USA, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico

Sources:

  • "Two Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) servicemen who incurred disabling injuries..." (U.S. Newswire via COMTEX, November 9, 2006)
  • "Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)...is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization..." (U.S. Newswire via COMTEX, November 9, 2006)