DVNF Awards HERL $50,000 Grant

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The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (www.dvnf.org), a nonprofit veterans service organization that provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom, announces that a grant in the amount of $50,000 will be presented to the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) on Tuesday, November 4th.

HERL, directed by Dr. Rory Cooper, is an organization that has been at the forefront in groundbreaking new technologies and adaptive devices that assist people with disabilities. DVNF’s grant will allow HERL to purchase of a new lathe machine, which is a critical engineering component for many of the adaptive devices they create.

HERL will celebrate its 20th anniversary on November 3rd and 4th. DVNF will present a check to HERL on Tuesday at 11am. The presentation will be followed by an open house from 11:30am-3pm.

In addition to presenting a check, DVNF will also honor Dr. Cooper with the organization’s first annual Resilience Award, recognizing him for his superior leadership and innovation through his work to improve the lives of veterans with disabilities.

“I worked with Dr. Cooper during my time as the Wounded Warrior Regiment Sergeant Major, and am pleased to now continue to be a part of his work as DVNF’s CEO,” said Joseph VanFonda (USMC SgtMaj Ret.). “HERL has made such an impact on the lives of wounded and injured veterans, and DVNF is honored to be able contribute to their life changing efforts.”

VanFonda also expressed his appreciation to DVNF’s generous donors who helped make this grant possible. HERL is a joint collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and often depends on outside organizations for support.

About DVNF:

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom. 

We achieve this mission by: 

  • Providing personalized counseling to assist veterans in navigating the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service.
  • Offering direct financial support to veterans and other veteran organizations to address the issues that align with the DVNF mission.
  • Providing supplemental assistance through the Health & Comfort program and Empowerment Webinars.
  • Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community.

For more, go to www.dvnf.org