Originally published at cigna.com. Cigna ranked No. 33 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
Cigna Corporation CEO David Cordani hosted an exclusive fireside conversation with President George W. Bush on Wednesday to honor American veterans and support athletes on the Achilles International Freedom Team, which is composed of wounded members of the U.S. military. Cordani led the discussion, where President Bush reflected on personal lessons in leadership, his deep respect for the military, and the importance of mental health.
“As we reflect on the challenges of the past year, we can all learn from the resilience and determination of our American soldiers,” Bush said. “Demonstrating bravery on the battlefield, they often return home with injuries – both visible and invisible – that intensify the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Together, we celebrate an elite group of veterans who, through their perseverance and athletic accomplishments, are teaching us that when we face adversity, we can push our limits of what is possible.”
“It was an incredible honor to celebrate the brave members of the Armed Forces alongside President Bush, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership and deep commitment to the veteran community,” said Cordani. “We are endlessly inspired by the Achilles Freedom Team athletes for the ways they overcome great obstacles and support each other, demonstrating what we can achieve when we unite with a sense of shared purpose.”
Achilles International, a global organization operating in 25 countries including the U.S., transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connections. Wednesday’s event was part of the Achilles Resilience Relay, a first-of-its-kind, 650-mile relay for people with disabilities from Charlotte, N.C., through Washington, D.C., culminating in New York City’s Central Park on July 10, 2021.
Prior to the fireside conversation, Cordani joined the Resilience Relay and several Achilles Freedom Team members, many of whom are world-class athletes and Paralympic competitors, as they cycled on hand cranks through the Washington area. To learn more about Cigna’s sponsorship of the Achilles Freedom Team, please visit the Cigna Newsroom.
