Motivational Speaking Team Of Catastrophically Wounded Combat Vets From Wars In Iraq And Afghanistan Launches

News provided by

Jan 24, 2019, 15:18 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Tiger Team 7, a unit of catastrophically wounded combat Veterans from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been launched. Tiger Team 7 is a motivational speaker's bureau for corporate, civic, military, veteran, and student audiences across the nation sponsored by The Independence Fund.

After extensive platform and presentation training, the Tiger Team 7 is equipped to translate the 11 principles of military leadership into applicable lessons and learning objectives for all audiences on all topics.

"These men are filled with optimism, hope, powerful insight, and soaring spirits," said Paul McKellips, Chief Communications Officer and trainer of the Tiger Team 7. "The empowering impact on every audience will not only be inspirational, but highly motivational. If these guys can overcome their obstacles, there's nothing the rest of us can't achieve either."

The team consists of 11 combat wounded Veterans.

Mike Verardo (34); Army infantryman with the 82nd Airborne; combat wounded April 2010 in Afghanistan; left leg above-the-knee amputation; left arm reattached; TBI.

Alex Jauregui (32); Army infantryman with the 82^nd Airborne; combat wounded April 2012 in Afghanistan; right leg above-the-knee amputation; left leg below-the-knee amputation.

Jack Zimmerman (28); Army Specialist with the 101^st Airborne; wounded March 2011 in Afghanistan; double amputee, both legs above-the-knee.

John Masson (47); Army Master Sergeant; combat wounded October 2010 in Afghanistan; triple amputee, both legs and left arm.

Dillon Cannon (32); Army military police; combat wounded December 2006 in Iraq; hit by sniper in neck; limited use of hands, paralyzed chest down.

Michael Boucher (29); Marine Corporal combat engineer; combat wounded June 2011 in Afghanistan; double amputee, both legs above-the-knee; severe injuries to left hand.

Danny O'Neel (37); Army Sergeant squad leader with the "Hounds of Hell"; combat wounded during two tours in Iraq (2005 was second); post-traumatic stress; TBI.

Justin Anderson (35); Army weapons specialist with 75^th Rangers; combat wounded in 2003 in Iraq; left leg above-the-knee amputation in 2014 as result of injuries.

Todd Reed (57); Army Special Forces Senior Weapons Sergeant; combat wounded April 1991 in Iraq; right leg below-the-knee amputation.

J.D. Williams (30); Army Sergeant infantryman; combat wounded October 2010 in Afghanistan; triple amputee, both legs above the knee and right arm.

Geoffrey Quevedo (33); Army Delta Scout; combat wounded November 30, 2011 in Afghanistan; left leg and left arm amputated.

If your group would like to book a Tiger Team 7 speaking event or for more information, please visit http://www.independencefund.org/tiger-team-7/. You can also find the Tiger Team 7 on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/TigerTeam7/.

The Independence Fund is a 501c3, national, Veterans Service Organization serving the unmet needs of catastrophically wounded Veterans, Caregivers, and their families. Since 2007, we have delivered the impact of all-terrain track chairs, adaptive sports, Caregiver retreats, art therapy and family retreats for youngsters, VA advocacy, policy reform, and Veteran suicide prevention. Learn more at www.IndependenceFund.org.

SOURCE The Independence Fund