Philip Morris International Donates $100,000 to HunterSeven Foundation to Support Veterans' Health Screening Initiatives

HunterSeven Foundation Secures $100,000 Donation from Philip Morris International

The HunterSeven Foundation, a nonprofit organization led by veterans, recently received a generous donation of $100,000 from Philip Morris International (PMI) U.S. This funding is aimed at expanding early exposure screenings for post-9/11 veterans, who often face serious health risks due to their military service.

The announcement came following HunterSeven’s participation in the 2026 SHOT Show, held in Las Vegas. At this event, the foundation offered free health screenings to service members, providing a crucial service led by Co-Founder and Chief Health Officer, Chelsey Simoni. During the event, PMI's Regional Director Sam Rogers—a veteran himself—received a screening and presented the foundation with the substantial donation.

Veterans are frequently exposed to numerous hazardous substances during their service, including emissions from burn pits, heavy metals, and various blast-related contaminants. These exposures significantly heighten their risk of developing long-lasting health conditions. HunterSeven is dedicated to conducting thorough research on these toxic exposures and providing educational resources for clinicians and families. Their no-cost, early detection screenings have proven successful; in 2025, they screened over 1,100 post-9/11 veterans, identifying 316 with chronic conditions and delivering medical assistance to 227 service members.

Rogers expressed his support for HunterSeven's mission, stating: "We're proud to back HunterSeven's mission of education, prevention and early detection. Too many veterans are diagnosed late, when options are limited. HunterSeven's screening model meets veterans where they are—on the ground at events and at home—and turns awareness into action." This pragmatic approach to community outreach aims to create a profound impact in veterans' health.

Looking forward, HunterSeven plans to utilize the generous support from PMI to broaden its early detection program and aims to conduct at least 1,000 screenings throughout the year. The organization has plans to implement testing at ten military bases and veteran community hubs nationwide. Chelsey Simoni, whose military experience and service-related toxic exposures fueled her advocacy work, emphasizes the importance of early detection. She notes, "This support from PMI will help us reach more veterans sooner—with the right tests, personalized reviews, and timely care navigation."

The foundation's approach is designed not just to identify health issues, but to empower veterans and their families, facilitating a path for better health outcomes.

During the SHOT Show 2026, HunterSeven conducted over 100 screenings, furthering its goal of forming partnerships with key organizations like PMI to enhance prevention and early detection efforts.

This generous donation from PMI reflects its commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans, demonstrating a long-term investment in the health care needs of this community. Since 2024, PMI U.S. has generously contributed over $7 million to various organizations focused on supporting U.S. service members and veterans, extending to areas of legal services, housing, mental health support, and now, critical exposure prevention initiatives.

In summary, the HunterSeven Foundation's recognition as a pivotal player in veteran health care is underscored by its successful programs and partnerships. The significant investment from PMI not only enhances its capability to provide essential health screenings but also illuminates the path for veterans to receive the necessary care they deserve. For more information about HunterSeven, visit their website at hunterseven.org.