FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) named 1^st Lt. Victor Prato, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Radetic, and retired Sgt. 1^st Class Randy Nantz as the 2018 Lockheed Martin Fighting Spirit Scholarship awardees.

For the third consecutive year Lockheed Martin has sponsored the scholarship program, providing wounded veterans opportunities to experience flying and sailing and competitive exercise through three nonprofit organizations: Warrior Sailing, Able Flight and the Adaptive Training Foundation.

"Lockheed Martin is honored by the trust our Armed Forces place in us to enable their missions around the world," said Michele Evans, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "Our goal with the Fighting Spirit Scholarship Program is to support our heroes as they navigate new lives a little closer to home."

"The courage and commitment shown by this year's Fighting Spirit Scholarship Program recipients is truly inspiring," said Frank A. St. John, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We are grateful for their service to our nation and pleased to provide these scholarships as a small symbol of our great appreciation for the sacrifices they have made."

Warrior Sailing selected U.S. Army 1^st Lt. Victor Prato, who was critically injured on Nov. 13, 2017, when his patrol was hit by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, resulting in a spinal cord injury. Prato will earn a nationally recognized Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification after successful completion of the Warrior Sailing Program's Basic and Advanced Training programs.

"Growing up, I loved to sail at my grandparent's summer home," said Prato. "After my injury, I did not expect to be able to sail again with my family. The Fighting Spirit Scholarship will give me the opportunity to get back to the sport I love, meet new people, and stay active."

Able Flight selected retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Radetic, who was paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident in 2004 while in training in Alabama. After completing Able Flight's six-week flight school, Radetic will receive a pilot's license and earn his wings during a presentation at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in July 2019.

"Aviation has been my passion since childhood," said Radetic. "Following my injury, I have been seeking a way to return to aviation in a flying role. The Fighting Spirit Scholarship is the first step in my journey, giving me a second chance to pilot and be behind the controls of an aircraft once again."  

Adaptive Training Foundation selected retired Army Sgt. 1^st Class Randy Nantz, who was severely injured in Iraq when his Humvee was struck by an explosive device, resulting in amputation below the knee of his left leg. Nantz will graduate from the ReDefine program after participating in a nine-week intensive athletic training program, followed by participation in an adaptive skiing and snowboarding trip to Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

"This opportunity to participate in Adaptive Training Foundation's Military to Mountains training class gives me a purpose and will provide me with more opportunities to connect with my fellow veterans," said Nantz. "The Fighting Spirit Scholarship is going to allow me to continue in my fight for life by staying mentally and physically sharp, and to be the best person I can be for myself, my family and my community."

In addition to attending the training programs at no cost, each scholarship recipient and guest receives roundtrip flights to Fort Worth and a tour of the Lockheed Martin F-35 production facility, VIP tickets to the 2018 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game and access to other exclusive bowl-related activities.

Warrior Sailing, Able Flight and Adaptive Training Foundation selected one candidate for the Fighting Spirit Scholarship from the pool of applicants who applied through their respective websites.

About Warrior Sailing
Warrior Sailing trains wounded, ill and injured military service members and veterans in the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. Training is facilitated by world class coaches using techniques and equipment adapted to meet the different needs of the wounded, ill and injured veterans they serve. These are hands-on training courses, not boat rides, and include opportunities ranging from introductory courses to participation in international competitions. www.warriorsailing.org

About Able Flight
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2006, Able Flight provides flight training and aviation career training scholarships for people with a variety of physical disabilities, including wounded and disabled veterans. http://ableflight.org/

About Adaptive Training Foundation
Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses not on limitations, but possibilities. Founded by Former NFL linebacker David Vobora and supported through staff and volunteers, the ATF tribe uses physical and motivational techniques to empower people with physical impairments to maximize their capabilities and redefine their futures. http://adaptivetrainingfoundation.org/

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy. https://www.lockheedmartin.com  

SOURCE Lockheed Martin