Saratoga Marine Marches NYC Veterans Day Parade

United States Marine Corporal (retired) Michael Bitner of Saratoga, CA will celebrate this Veterans Day by walking in the iconic America’s Parade in New York City on Nov. 11.

He will travel the 1.3-mile parade route up Fifth Avenue alongside the UCLA Operation Mend program that has provided him with medical services following injuries he sustained while fighting in Afghanistan.

During his tour in Afghanistan in 2012, Bitner was wounded when his vehicle was hit with an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion caused bleeding in his brain, which caused cranial nerve damage, paralysis to the right side of his face and deafness in his right ear. The blow also caused injuries to Bitner’s spine, left arm and right knee from which he experiences chronic pain. Through the UCLA Operation Mend program, Bitner has had several procedures that are helping restore muscle function to his face and smile.

Bitner will join other Operation Mend patients and supporters in the parade that draws more than half a million spectators and is televised to thousands. “I feel truly honored that I’ve been afforded this opportunity to spend Veterans Day in New York City with other Veterans and the Operation Mend program,” said Bitner.

Produced by the United War Veterans Council, the America’s Parade is the oldest and largest event in the nation honoring those who have defended our freedoms. The parade plays a critical role in raising awareness of the issues faced by all veterans – especially our most recent generation of veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and other Post-9/11 operations. By telling their story on the nation’s largest stage, the Parade reminds Americans everywhere of the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms, and mobilizes the public to support those organizations that are working tirelessly to serve their needs. For more information on the America’s Parade, please visitwww.americasparade.org.

UCLA Operation Mend was established in 2007 as a groundbreaking partnership among UCLA Health, the United States military and the Department of Veterans Affairs to help heal the wounds of war. Operation Mend provides advanced surgical and medical treatment, as well as comprehensive psychological-health support for post-9/11-era service members, veterans and their families at no cost. The program is available to eligible warriors injured during combat operations or while training for service.

--News release from UCLA Operation Mend