US Army Hero Scott Restivo to Receive All-Terrain Trackchair from The Independence Fund

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independence Fund, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Veterans, will honor US Army Hero Scott Restivo with an all-terrain trackchair at the February 22 Checkers Hockey game.

Restivo, a single-leg amputee, sustained severe injuries during his deployment after an explosion occurred that ultimately led to the amputation of his leg. He continues to face numerous challenges since servicing, including a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), hearing loss, and ongoing struggles with receiving prosthetic care.

"I thought the war was the end of the battle," said Restivo, "but the fight has been for my life while seeking medical care."

The Independence Fund is committed to supporting Veterans like Restivo. Restivo reached out to The Independence Fund in 2024 asking for assistance in advocating for his care. Since then, the organization has made several efforts toward negotiating better prosthetic care on his behalf.

As he continues awaiting further prosthetic care from VA, The Independence Fund is ensuring he regains the independence he deserves through an all-terrain trackchair.

"Our Mobility program provides all-terrain trackchairs to Veterans who suffer from mobility issues and want to enjoy getting out in the world unencumbered by the sacrifices they made on our behalf," said Clark Pennington, Chief Operating Officer of The Independence Fund. "Restivo faithfully served our country, and now he needs our support. While a trackchair cannot replace the need for proper prosthetic care, it re-engages him with his community."

Checkers Hockey is a proud partner of The Independence Fund and will aid in presenting Restivo's chair to him during the 4 PM game on Saturday, February 22, at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joining The Independence Fund in the presentation will also be American submission wrestler and third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Gordon Ryan.

MEDIA: 

News organizations are encouraged to reach out to The Independence Fund to attend the media hour with Scott Restivo prior to the game. Please arrive between 2 PM – 4PM and join us in the East Charlotte Room between Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum. The entrance can be accessed from the main parking lot of Bojangles Coliseum. Attached is a map for more clarity.

Media Contact:
Katie Koenig
704-712-5380
[email protected]

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE FUND: 

Founded in the halls of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, The Independence Fund was born to care for our nation's most catastrophically wounded surviving service members from the Global War on Terror. With an expansion to caring for the warfighter's family and all generations of wounded, ill, and injured heroes. The Independence Fund stands in the gap to help combat Veterans, active military, and wartime Allies with unmet needs. By restoring independence to those who sacrificed their independence so that we can remain a nation of freedom, The Independence Fund deploys tangible programs to restore our Veterans' and families' physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Known for the hallmark all-terrain track wheelchair program, The Independence Fund has provided over 2,600 trackchairs to severely wounded American heroes.

ABOUT THE MOBILITY PROGRAM: 

The Independence Fund's Mobility Program is dedicated to restoring independence and freedom to our nation's severely wounded, ill, and injured Veterans. We achieve this through our specialized all-terrain trackchairs, empowering Veterans to regain their mobility and independence. Engineered to navigate challenging terrain including, snow, mud, and dirt, these mobility devices enable Veterans to reenter the outdoors and engage in the activities they enjoy.

SOURCE The Independence Fund