FORT WORTH, Texas, October 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

In 2011, it was a typical day patrolling for Platoon Sergeant Ross Cox of the US Army.  SSG Cox and his platoon of 42 soldiers decided to pause to conduct security and observation checks. "After reorganizing, we started walking again. I was in the back of the platoon with the medic of our group trailing a few steps behind me. That's when it happened," said Cox.

Cox stepped on an IED and miraculously remained conscious through the entire event. As a result, his left leg was amputated, his right leg has an 18" rod in it, and his left arm underwent significant nerve damage. Leaning on his faith and family Cox returned home, unable to walk for eight weeks and with 18 months of strenuous physical therapy ahead of him. Through it all, his spirit was strong and he had hope.

Today, Cox continues his pursuit of bringing hope to veterans and wounded warriors; making it his mission each day to give back to his country.  Since retiring from the military, Cox upheld a positive attitude and deep desire to help other veterans. Not letting his experience change the way he lives his life, Cox joined Elbit Systems of America, a leading provider of high performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland and cyber security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. After retirement, Cox no longer served his country in the military, but he knew he wanted to work for a company that ultimately supports the warfighters.

Mario Cirinese, another US Army wounded veteran retiree and Elbit Systems of America employee, shared, "Many soldiers view an injury and disability as a death sentence and that they will never be able to be successful in life after they retire. I am living proof as long as you do not let your disability run your life you can do anything you put your mind to."

Cirinese continued, "Elbit Systems of America gave a wounded warrior a second chance in life. For that, I will always be in grateful. I will continue to encourage veterans, especially wounded warriors, to take a chance in life and look at companies like Elbit to see what we are doing for the warfighter. I am honored to be a member of the Elbit Systems of America family and very proud of what we do."

"Elbit Systems of America is an excellent organization to be a part of. Our employees bring an innovative approach to understanding customer needs and experience in tailoring and integrating leading-edge solutions. We strive to nurture the career development, personal advancement, and long-term goals of each employee and are so grateful to have Ross and Mario on our team. Their experience and drive are the talents we look for in employees," stated Alicia Cooper, Staffing Manager, Elbit Systems of America.

"At the Association of United States Army annual meeting, there are many activities going on to raise awareness of veterans and disabled veterans," continued Cox. "I want to inspire and encourage other veterans to get back into the workforce." To help raise awareness, Cox will participate in this year's annual AUSA 10 miler run. His strenuous training includes running five and a half miles every other day in preparation and is just one example of his drive and determination.

To learn more about Elbit Systems of America, visit booth 1139, Hall A at the annual Association of United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington DC, October 13-15 or visit their website at http://www.elbitsystems-us.com.

About Elbit Systems of America, LLC  

Elbit Systems of America is a leading provider of high performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the commercial aviation, defense, homeland security, cyber security, and medical instrumentation markets.  With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States.  Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT), a global electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems-us.com.

About Elbit Systems  

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence ("SIGINT") systems, data links and communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.

For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems.com or follow us on Twitter.

Trademarks 

Elbit Systems of America and other trademarks, service marks and logos are registered or unregistered marks of Elbit Systems of America companies in the United States and in foreign countries.  Copyright © 2014 Elbit Systems of America.  All rights reserved.

Forward Looking Statement 

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), to the extent such statements do not relate to historical or current fact.  Forward Looking Statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions.  Forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.  These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.  Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: scope and length of customer contracts; governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates or sells, including Israel and the United States among others; differences in anticipated and actual program performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price contracts; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings.  The factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is contained in Elbit Systems Ltd.'s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

Contact: Shari Clarkson, +1-682-286-2363, sharon.clarkson@elbitsystems-us.com

SOURCE Elbit Systems of America