Vantage Mobility International (VMI) and Toyota Motor Sales USA have teamed up for the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute, a national contest to give America’s disabled military veterans the chance to win a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE with VMI’s Access360 In-floor Ramp Conversion. The online contest will run March 13 to November 10, 2013, and is open to all disabled U.S. Veterans. The winner will be randomly drawn on Veteran’s Day, November 11. The Star Spangled Salute contest is a part of VMI’s Operation Independence program.

“We established Operation Independence in 2011 to help educate our disabled military service men and women about federal grants and mobility options available to them,” said Doug Eaton, president of Vantage Mobility International. “We wanted to support a group of people who have sacrificed so much for this country. So we were excited when Toyota Motor Sales USA agreed to donate a Sienna SE for the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest.”

All disabled veterans are eligible to enter the Star Spangled Salute contest. The winner, who will be randomly drawn on November 11, 2013, will receive a new Sienna SE, which was donated by Toyota Motor Sales USA and features the Access 360 In-floor Ramp Conversion system that is being donated by VMI. To enter the Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest and for contest rules, terms and conditions.

“Toyota has been a longtime supporter of Paralyzed Veterans of America and we are excited to benefit one of our country’s disabled veterans through VMI’s Operation Independence Star Spangled Salute contest,” said Mark Oldenburg, Toyota’s national fleet marketing, mobility and strategic planning manager. “We appreciate the opportunity to put such a deserving individual behind the wheel of the Toyota Sienna.”

Operation Independence is a national program developed by VMI and the VMI Select Dealer Network and is supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America. A portion of the Operation Independence program is to educate veterans about Federal Grant 21-4502, which is available to disabled U.S. veterans. To learn more about the program and grant, veterans can visit www.pva.org/vmi.

Earlier this year, former Air Force Lieutenant General John F. Regni accepted a position on the VMI Board of Advisors. “Access to reliable transportation is critical for wounded warriors who are reclaiming their independence,” said General Regni. “A VMI converted Toyota Sienna will give them the mobility to secure a job, take care of their family and travel to the doctor. It is truly live-changing for a disabled veteran.”

ABOUT VANTAGE MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL

Vantage Mobility International is a manufacturer and distributor of the most innovative, reliable, highest quality and easily accessible transportation in the world. Their full line of products include domestic and import minivan conversions, full-size van conversions, platform lifts, scooter and wheelchair lifts and transfer seats.

ABOUT TOYOTA

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. There are nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the U.S. which sold more than 2 million vehicles in 2012. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals over $26 billion.