Paralyzed veterans from across the country gather in Denver area to further their mission
Annual Convention brings together leaders and members of “Big 6” veterans group, Paralyzed Veterans of America
Media Contact: Liz Deakin LizD@pva.org, 202-416-7627
Leaders and members from one of the “Big 6” veterans’ service organization, Paralyzed Veterans of America, will gather in Aurora, CO this week for the organization’s 73rd Annual Convention on May 14-18. Throughout the week, the delegation will discuss the organization’s priorities and set the coming year’s agenda as they continue their mission of helping veterans with spinal cord injury, disorders and related diseases like MS and ALS.
“It’s a critical time for our organization right now. We’ve had some big legislative wins over this past year, including helping to get the VA MISSION Act passed, and now we’re working to ensure it is implemented fully and effectively,” said David Zurfluh, a disabled Air Force veteran and national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “PVA has been able to continue its support for all people with disabilities and because of our advocacy efforts, we have seen major steps to improve air travel for individuals with disabilities. We are proud to be celebrating nearly 75 years of working to help increase the quality of life for veterans with spinal cord injury, disorders, and related diseases like MS and ALS, as well as all people with disabilities, through the services and programs we provide.”
Some of PVA’s accomplishments from the past year include:
- Securing more than $289 million in annual and retroactive benefits for clients.
- Awarding more than $1 million in grants to help find a cure for spinal cord injury.
- Championing the passage of the VA MISSION Act.
- Placing 319 individuals in meaningful employment opportunities through PVA’s employment program, PAVE.
- Supporting 69 adaptive sports events throughout the country.
Capping off PVA’s annual convention will be its election of leadership officers for the PVA Executive Committee’s 2019 – 2020 term. Members of the organization will also attend a celebration on Saturday of the new Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.
PVA’s 73rd Annual Convention will take place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, located at 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact Lani Poblete at 202-416-7736.
