WWE sent out a press release to announce that SoldierSocks ambassador Sgt. Dan Rose, a military veteran living with paralysis, will be the special guest for the SmackDown tapings tonight in Albany, New York. The episode will air on Friday at 8 PM ET on Syfy.
Rose served in the Army Reserves for ten years as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Zahri District and Horn of Panjiwae in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan. He was eventually injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on April 27, 2011. The blast, which came from around a thousand pounds of explosives, left him paralyzed from the chest down (his T4 region).
Now Rose works with SoldierSocks, who gave him the Ekso Bionics GT robotic exoskeleton. The device allows those with either paralysis or weakness in the lower half of their body to actually stand up and walk.
Rose said: “This first time I stood up and looked across the room, it was like reaching the summit of a mountain and looking down on the world. I’m so grateful for my partnership with SoldierSocks and as a WWE fan, I’m looking forward to sharing my story at SmackDown.”
SoldierSocks co-founder Chris Meek said: “Every day, members of the military put their lives on the line to help protect our country. When they return home, they are faced with the challenges of re-acclimating to civilian life. Additionally, some have been critically wounded or paralyzed in the line of duty. We are honored to be raising awareness with partners such as WWE to help wounded veterans stand strong in the face of adversity.”
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon added: “WWE has a longstanding commitment to the military and we are extremely grateful for the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. We are proud to host Sergeant Rose as our special guest at SmackDown, and humbled by his perseverance and will to push through any obstacle that he faces.“
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