Founding Director Recognized For 'Selfless Act'

Many of you may already know the origin story of Healing Heroes Network. Dr. Allan Spiegel was a neurologist who would often see veterans coming to him as patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Witnessing these brave men and women returning from war, sometimes grievously wounded, he knew it was his duty as a patriotic citizen to do what he could for them. As a neurologist with a specialty in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Dr. Spiegel was in a unique position to help these people with TBIs utilize his equipment and knowledge to try to return to the quality of life they had enjoyed before going to war. And Dr. Spiegel did this all free of cost.

Dr. Allan Spiegel receives the "Commandant's Award for Excellence"
from National Commandant of the MCL, Vic Voltaggio.

From this idea to provide medical treatments free to military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, Healing Heroes Network was born. It is a lofty goal, to provide financial assistance for the wounded warriors returning from tours after September 11, 2001, but Dr. Spiegel and the Healing Heroes Network are dedicated to the task. Recently, Dr. Spiegel was commended for this valiant effort by the Commandant of the Marine Corps League (MCL).


On Thursday, October 6, 2011, Dr. Spiegel was presented the 'Commandant's Award for Excellence' for selfless acts. Commandant of the MCL, Vic Voltaggio bestowed the award to Dr. Spiegel with Department of Florida Marines, including Department Commandant Bill Backes, Senior Vice Commandant Lou Calleja, Junior Vice Commandant Bill Cona, Ways and Means Committee Chair John Piazza, and Detachment 054 Judge Advocate Jerry Konrad.

Dr. Spiegel and Marines of the MCL pose around a HBOT chamber
after learning of its benefits to those suffering TBIs.

"Doctor, we are very proud of you and what you so generously do," said Department of Florida Commandant Backes. "Our Florida Marines and F.M.F. Corpsmen look forward to helping you with your quest to see this therapy broadly provided one day soon so that the thousands of needy wounded can be effectively helped. What you are doing is miraculous, sir.”

With the estimated more than 320,000 warriors suffering from TBIs since September 11, 2001, Dr. Spiegel and the Healing Heroes Network really has their work cut out for them. But with the support of patriotic citizens and the military community, every day brings them one step closer to achieving their mission to making life better for those who protect our freedom.