From Marathons to the Workplace, Cigna Goes the Distance for Veterans

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. --(Business Wire)--

Cigna (NYSE:CI) today announced the company will sponsor the Achilles Freedom Team and Achilles Kids at the 2013 Walt Disney (News - Alert) World© Marathon Weekend, presented by Cigna. Grants of nearly $45,000 from the Cigna Foundation will make it possible for 20 Achilles International athletes and five Achilles children to take part in the weekend events scheduled for Jan. 10-13. Runners are active members of Achilles, a non-profit organization dedicated to enabling wounded veterans and other people with disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics.

"We're grateful to Cigna for helping our wounded veterans and other runners feel the power of participating in sports and activities that help restore their physical strength, confidence, and self-esteem," said Genna Griffith, director of the Achilles Freedom Team.

This is the latest announcement in a deepening relationship between Cigna and Achilles. Earlier this year, the two organizations forged an unusual collaboration through which Cigna's selected long-term disability customers have access to Achilles programs, including individual coaching, personal training, a community of support and an opportunity to participate in activities with other Achilles athletes.

"Today, Cigna salutes all 21 million military veterans and their families for their selfless service to our country on behalf of others," said John Murabito, chairman of the Cigna Foundation Board of Directors and executive vice president of Cigna Human Resources and Services. "Our work with Achilles International and support of the Achilles Fredom Team pays tribute to all veterans' courage, sacrifices, and spirit."

At the workplace, Cigna in September kicked off the Veteran's Colleague Resource Group (CRG (News - Alert)) to further support veterans at Cigna and to best use their talent and skills to reach business goals. Cigna's CRG taps into the skills and experiences of employee veterans to improve hiring and retention of veterans, serve and retain veteran and military customers, encourage diversity and Cigna's use of veteran suppliers, and support veteran-related charities such as Achilles International.

Additionally, in 2012, the Cigna Foundation provided more than $150,000 to help veterans heal the wounds of war:

Veterans Group Grant to cover food costs for 2012 at The Veterans Group, a homeless shelter for veterans in Philadelphia;
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill / Washington DC Family to Family Military, modifying existing mental health programs to meet the needs of returning military/families;
Lone Survivor Foundation Grant to support the therapeutic and distinctive opportunities for recovery to wounded soldiers, their families and surviving families;
Veterans' National Education Program Post 9/11 Education and Outreach Project; and
Pets for Vets Companions for Heroes, which matches shelter dogs to armed forces veterans.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group disability, life, and accident coverage. Cigna has sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, with approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter (News - Alert), visit www.cigna.com.

About Achilles

Achilles International is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit helping people with disabilities be active, set goals, achieve, and make long term improvements to their health and fitness. Achilles, which was founded in 1983, has its headquarters in NY and can be found on the web at www.achillesinternational.org