SALUTE, INC. Accepts Role to Continue The Heart of a Marine Foundation's Walking Tall Project

SALUTE, INC., the Palatine, Illinois based nonprofit dedicated to meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans and their families, has accepted a request to begin oversight of The Heart of a Marine Foundation's Walking Tall Project.

Founded by parents of Marine Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank who was killed in action on April 8, 2004, the Walking Tall Project provides free, ergonomic orthopedic canes to service personnel and veterans in need of assistance during their recovery. After years of running the program, Roy and Georgette Frank have decided to take a rest from the day-to-day obligations of the program. In an effort to continue the good work of the Walking Tall Project, they have passed this important legacy on to SALUTE founders Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf.

To formalize the transition, the two groups participated in a traditional military change of command service on Sunday, March 18.

"We are humbled to have been asked by Roy and Georgette to continue this significant program," said Mary Beth. "We are committed to both providing these canes to those in need and to honoring Phillip's memory."

For years, the Walking Tall Project has provided more than 9,200 canes to injured military personnel and veterans at locations such as Hines Veterans Hospital and Walter Reed Medical Center. The canes are adjustable in size and feature an ergonomic handle that provides additional comfort to users.

"We take this responsibility and opportunity very seriously," said Beiersdorf. "We will be reaching out to those who have previously supported the program to introduce ourselves and state our commitment to continued excellence."

For more information on SALUTE, INC., visit www.saluteinc.org.