Delatorro L. McNeal's distinguished military career has taken him from Vietnam to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Through the course of his service, he has learned about inner strength.
Delatorro L. McNeal assumed his duties as executive director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America on Sept. 24, 2001. A Purple Heart recipient and combat-injured Vietnam veteran, he has been a PVA member since the 1970s.
Mr. McNeal previously served 10 years as executive director of PVA’s Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. During that time he played an active role in the national Field Advisory Committee, which accompanies PVA national staff on site visits to VA spinal cord injury centers, monitoring the quality of care provided to veterans. Previously, he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a veterans claims adjudicator and with PVA as a national service officer, providing direct support and assistance to veterans with disabilities, their families and their survivors in their claims for benefits they earned through their military service.
McNeal served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division from May 1969 to November 1970. He was honorably discharged after receiving gunshot and shrapnel wounds while on patrol in Vietnam resulting in a level T-5/6 spinal cord injury.
In addition to his Purple Heart, McNeal has received several military medals and awards including: the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device1960, the Combat infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter decoration (M-14 rifle), Marksman decoration (M-16 rifle) and the Air Medal.
McNeal holds a bachelor's degree in social work and rehabilitation counseling from the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Airdate: April 4, 2004
