United Spinal Appoints New VetsFirst Director: Ross Meglathery - Congressional Marine Fellow, Purple Heart & Combat Action Ribbon Recipient

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Apr 08, 2015, 09:10 ET

NEW YORK, April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association today announced the appointment of Ross Meglathery as the new director of VetsFirst, its program that helps thousands of vets reintegrate into their communities.

Prior to his appointment at VetsFirst, Mr. Meglathery spent over 15 years in the military. Subsequently, he was selected as a Congressional Marine Fellow where he worked on Defense, Homeland Security, Veterans and Small Business issues. Meglathery is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Reserve.

As a civilian, Mr. Meglathery has worked as a Program Analyst at the Office of Special Programs at the Department of Homeland Security for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance matters.

"United Spinal is privileged to have such an honored veteran and accomplished talent as Ross take leadership of our VetsFirst program," said Joe Gaskins, president and CEO of United Spinal.

"Ross brings an in-depth knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the challenges our veterans confront when returning home," he added.

Mr. Meglathery replaces Heather Ansley who is currently Associate General Counsel for Corporate and Government Relations at Paralyzed Veterans of America.

For his military service, Mr. Meglathery was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor Device, the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Mr. Meglathery is a graduate of Harvard University where he earned a Master in Public Administration. In addition, he holds a Master of Science in the Management of Information Technology degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Trinity College, Hartford.

VetsFirst works to ensure veterans, their spouses, dependent family members and survivors receive healthcare, compensation, rehabilitation, and other benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Ask VetsFirst, our call center and online help desk, connects with over 2,000 veterans and their caregivers annually, offering assistance with questions on military separation, claims appeals, and state benefits.

The VetsFirst website provides veterans and their family members and caregivers timely news and information, including guides on self-help, state benefits, separating from the military, as well as exclusive feature stories on VA funding, health care, and compensation.

About VetsFirst
VetsFirst advocates for laws and regulations that are beneficial to veterans and their families. Our staff works to secure the benefits that our veterans and their family members need and have earned. We advocate nationally for all generations of veterans, including individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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SOURCE United Spinal Association