Robert Fitzgerald (second from right), who is supported by Bancroft Brain Injury Services, was one of ten veterans honored last week. Philadelphia's KYW radio and other media covered the event. Philadelphia’s KYW radio and other media covered the event. To view KYW’s online story, click here. For a gallery of photos from the event, click here.

11.18.11 ¦ Veterans with brain injuries honored

Story covered on KYW radio, CBS Philly website

Local officials honored veterans served by Bancroft Brain Injury Services last week, during a Veterans Day Observance at our Cherry Hill, N.J., day-treatment site.

The officials presented special medals from the Camden County (N.J.) Freeholders to six veterans in Bancroft's brain-injury program and four staff members who are veterans.

The medals, which honor the veterans' service, were presented by Jack Conners, director of Camden County Veterans Affairs, retired Lt. Col. Alfred Bancroft (by coincidence!), also of the Camden County VA., and Freeholder Jeffrey Nash.

"You made a great sacrifice," said Conners during his remarks. "This is our way to say thank you."

Bancroft President Toni Pergolin noted that the ten veterans who were honored represent all branches of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. They served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan between 1964 and 2007. They are specialists, privates, seamen and sergeants, she said.

"We are grateful for your service," stated Pergolin, "and honored to be able to help veterans with brain injuries rebuild their lives."

Bancroft expects to provide even more support to veterans in the future, as we were recently approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to participate in a pilot rehabilitation program, funded by the VA. (For more information on the pilot program, click here)

The medal recipients who are served by Bancroft Brain Injury Services are Robert Fitzgerald, Thomas Katsoris, Thomas McAvinia, Gary Schall, and Funwah "Duane" Wong. A sixth veteran's name is withheld for privacy.

Staff members who received medals are Marc Gramatges, Dan Keating, Frank Purcell, and Steven Rogers.

Thank you and congratulations to all.