PVAHCS News Release - Local Veteran, National Wheelchair Champion, Honored on Special Cheerios Box
February 21, 2008

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Vet will Help Kick Off VA's "Get Healthy and MOVE!" Campaign Feb. 21

(PHOENIX) A former Army Ranger and 2007 National Veterans Wheelchair Games champion  will be at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Thursday, February 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help launch the VA's MOVE program to encourage veterans and staff to get healthier through physical activity.

John Tuzzolino, of Ahwatukee, and 11 other military veterans who won gold medals in the 2007 games will be featured on a special edition Cheerios box available in March. These veterans will lead a "Champions Challenge" to kick off of the VA's "Get Healthy and MOVE!" campaign on Feb 21. Veterans and VA staff are encouraged to "walk or roll" 100 miles in 100 days during the event.

Tuzzolino will appear at the VA Medical Center in Phoenix to autograph sports cards with his photo and bio. The autograph signing and campaign kick off will be:

  Thursday, Feb. 21
  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  VA Medical Center, 650 E. Indian School Road
  Cafeteria, First Floor
  Enter off Seventh Street, Nursing Home Care Unit (NHCU) Entrance

Tuzzolino, who was injured in a motor vehicle accident in 1991 while serving with the Army, says he's honored to be chosen as one of the veterans featured on the cereal box. He believes that physical activity can benefit anyone, regardless of physical limitations.

Tuzzolino won a gold medal in weightlifting at the 2007 national games. He also competes in discus, shot put and softball events. He says that participating in wheelchair sports helps injured veterans gain self-confidence, as well as the physical benefits. As the Sports Director of the Arizona chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Tuzzolino works with and helps encourage veterans to get involved in sports, especially those with new injuries.

 "Life's better if you don't just sit around and think about the negative in your life," he adds.  Wheelchair Champion Helps Kick Off Health Campaign at VAMC.

The campaign is a partnership between the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), which provides merchandise, food, vending, and related services in VA medical centers across the country; General Mills, maker of Cheerios; and the VA's HealthierUS Veterans program, which encourages veterans to "Eat Healthy, Be Active and Get Fit for Life." VCS joined with General Mills to feature gold medal winners of the 2007 Veterans Wheelchair Games on a special edition Cheerios box that will be sold during March in military markets and VCS retail stores around the country. VCS also has partnered with HealthierUS Veterans to challenge veterans and VA staff to participate in the "Champions' Challenge".  A host of motivational incentives and events are planned throughout the 100-day challenge, including special appearances by the 12 national Veterans Wheelchair Games champions.

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