"Wounded Warrior Program" Offers Immediate Transportation Filling Critical
Need for Soldiers Awaiting Benefits from Veterans Administration
Next Van to be Delivered to Wounded Soldier in Tracy, California
on December 16
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Rollx Vans, a leading manufacturer of
conversion vans for physically challenged individuals, has created a program
that provides free use of Rollx disabled accessible vans to U.S. military
soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"U.S. soldiers who are severely wounded in war have made a tremendous
sacrifice on behalf of their country and often times find themselves without
transportation while they wait for their benefits to kick in," said Mike
Harris, president of Rollx Vans. "When we became aware of the lag in time
from when an injured soldier returns home and when they receive the benefits
that would enable them to afford transportation, we realized there was a need
that we could fill. Our hope is that this program will make their transition
to civilian life as a disabled individual a little less difficult."
The Rollx Vans "Wounded Warrior Program" provides an injured solider with
a modified van that is delivered, insured and maintained by Rollx Vans at no
cost to the recipient for a period of six months or until their Veterans
Administration benefits become available. The company, which has dedicated 15
vans to the program, currently has seven vans available for donation. As
soldiers receive their benefits and are able to purchase their own
transportation, the borrowed vans are then reconfigured for other soldiers and
their families.
On December 16, the company will deliver a van to a wounded solider in
Tracy, California who currently has no means of transportation beyond what is
available through public transportation. Army National Guardsman James
Ferguson was wounded in Iraq in April when an IED detonated 15 feet from where
he stood in a Humvee. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, has post-traumatic
amnesia and is paralyzed on his left side.
"Since coming back from Iraq, he has only seen the inside of hospital
rooms and our living room," said Athena Ferguson, James' wife. "This van means
independence for our entire family and getting back to a life we had prior to
James' deployment in August 2004."
In November, Rollx delivered a van to a 21-year-old solider in Houston who
was on his second deployment in Iraq earlier this year when his Humvee
encountered a blast just outside of Fullujah. Steven Schulz suffered a
traumatic brain injury when shrapnel from the blast penetrated his brain.
Prior to receiving the van, he was transported to and from physical therapy in
a family car that required his parents to physically lift him in and out of
the vehicle.
"Being able to transport Steven efficiently and safely has been a huge
concern for us," said Steve Schulz, Steven's father. "With the van, we won't
have to take the chance of hitting his head on the side of the car. This
vehicle will give us much more flexibility and it will be much safer and
easier to get him in and out of a specially designed van."
Since its inception, the Rollx Vans Wounded Warrior Program has provided
11 Rollx vans to soldiers wounded in combat. The vans are currently being used
in Houston, Miami, Florida, Seattle and Montana. Rollx Vans personalizes each
van based on the specific needs of the soldier and takes into consideration
the injury, wheelchair dimensions and size of family that needs to be
transported.
"Through this program we have had the privilege to meet many soldiers and
to learn their personal stories," Harris said. "It has been an amazing
experience and we will continue this program as long as there is a need."
About Rollx Vans
Founded in 1971, Rollx Vans is a leading manufacturer of conversion vans
for physically challenged individuals. Headquartered in Savage, Minnesota,
Rollx is the only nationwide van conversion manufacturer that sells mini,
full-sized and previously owned vans direct to the buyer. For more
information, visit http://www.rollxvans.com or call (800) 956-6668.
SOURCE Rollx Vans
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Related links:
http://www.rollxvans.com
CONTACT:
Maureen Cahill, +1-952-447-8933, or Laura
Oakes, +1-651-340-3195, both for Rollx Vans
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