Rebuilding Futures For Our Nation’s Heros: Innovations in Research and Employment for Veterans

REBUILDING FUTURES FOR OUR NATION’S HEROES: Innovations in Research and Employment for Veterans With the support of our donors, Kessler Foundation helps our nation’s heroes rebuild their lives. Our researchers seek new interventions to help veterans with disabilities recover function. Our grant makers fund innovative employment initiatives to help them access job training, find meaningful work, and become self-sufficient. This event was recorded on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the Kessler Foundation Conference Center, East Hanover, NJ and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith of Kessler Foundation. OUR DISTINGUISHED PANEL Ian Betz, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Reserve, lives with a spinal cord injury. He participates in Kessler Foundation research to more fully engage in the community and regain independence. During his service, Ian achieved rank of First Class Petty Officer. After service, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from NJIT and started his own company, specializing in corporate phone network installation. Joe Bongon, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, is veterans assistance manager at GI Go Fund. He coaches fellow veterans with disabilites to create paths to success. During his service, Joe achieved rank of Third Class Petty Officer, assisting in rescue efforts during the 2007 Southern California Wildfires and also in humanitarian and support efforts during the Libyan Civil War in 2011. After service, Joseph earned a Bachelor’s Degree and found his true calling at GI Go Fund. Gail Forrest, PhD, an expert in the field of motor control and neuroplasticity, is associate director of Human Performance and Engineering Research at Kessler Foundation. Read more at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/ail%20Forrest Denise Fyffe, PhD, an expert in quality of life research, is senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation. Dr. Fyffe’s work focuses on developing innovative interventions to improve outcomes for people with spinal cord injury. Read more at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Denise%20Fyffe Elaine Katz, MS, an expert in employment and disability, is senior vice president for Grants and Communications at Kessler Foundation. She directs the Foundation’s grantmaking program to help people with disabilities—including veterans—access job opportunities. Read more at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Elaine%20Katz Christopher Scrufari, veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, served in the Persian Gulf War, where he managed the 8th Tank Battalion’s mobile office. Achieving rank of sergeant, Christopher earned medals and letters of commendation during his service. When he returned home to construction work, he quickly rose to foreman, then superintendent, eventually running multi-million-dollar projects. Over the years, Christopher noticed the progression of Gulf War Illness symptoms, and experienced a mini-stroke in 2012. He participates in Kessler Foundation research to find ways to cope with his physical and cognitive difficulties. Glenn Wylie, PhD, a leader in the use of neuroimaging technology to better understand cognition, is director of the Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation. Read more at https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Glenn%20Wylie. PANEL MODERATOR - Steve Adubato, PhD Steve Adubato is a broadcaster, author, and motivational speaker. He is  a distinguished visiting university professor at New York University, Emmy Award–winning anchor for Thirteen/WNET (PBS) and NJTV (PBS), and syndicated columnist. For more information about Kessler Foundation and our researchers, go to KesslerFoundation.org Like us on FaceBook, follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Soundcloud, and tweet with us on Twitter! Make a gift. Change a life... https://kesslerfoundation.org/giving/donate