When SALUTE, INC. speaks with an injured veteran, they are oftentimes reluctant to ask for assistance. Antoine P. was. In his words – “Reaching out for assistance has not been easy, especially when all my life I was the one seeking to give, in an effort to lift up someone else.” Antoine (SFC, US Army Retired) is 100% service connected and on a long road to recovery from PTSD and multiple injuries to his shoulders, back, knee, foot and hands. This summer he attended the Military Sports Camp hosted by the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). SALUTE, INC. has been a sponsor of the event for several years, and attends with volunteers and an offer of assistance to campers. So when Mary Beth (SALUTE’s Executive Director) met Antoine, she asked the questions “What do you need? How can SALUTE help?”
It was determined that Antoine would benefit greatly from regularly riding a recumbent bike adapted for his abilities. Since receiving the bike just a few short weeks after camp Antoine has been building up his strength and fitness. Perhaps even more importantly, he has a new found hope and direction. In a heartfelt thank you letter to SALUTE, INC., Antoine said, “Now I have the tool and motivation needed to reach for something that will make my recovery meaningful and an opportunity to encourage other Vets to join me in redefining who we are and what we can achieve.”