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fredkap
09-25-2005, 10:01 AM
Three Segway I180's were donated this week in Washington DC to three of our country's heros, soldiers that lost a leg (or two) in service to our country. We had one man identified by Walter Reed Hospital, United States Army Staff Sergeant Hilbert Caesar and one man identified by Bethesda Naval Hospital, Lance Corporal Kevin Davis. After training Hilbert indoors, we headed outside (btw a huge thanks to Chris Walker who flew in from Salt Lake City at his own expense to insure that the men were trained properly). While we were outside, a car stopped and one of Hilbert's friends from Walter Reed stopped and asked "What is that?" Kevin Pannell bounded from his car wearing a metal prothesis for both of his legs, one above the knee and one below. A decision was made (spur of the moment) by yours truly to get a Seg for Kevin Pannell as well.

Kevin Davis has not yet been trained. It originally had been hoped that he would receive an artificial femur bone and not lose his leg. His leg was amputated 10 days ago. DRAFT founders Jerry Kerr and Leonard Timm joined me, Barry Pressman and Steve Krogman on a visit to Bethesda Naval Hospital to meet with Kevin Davis.

I will continue this story tonight - suffice it to say that both men received red I180's and Kevin Davis will receive his machine, when he is ready either here or in his parent's home located in a flooded area of Texas.

We gave them both quick release bolts, we will be getting them both 14.0 bags, hitch haulers and spare red keys. Unfortunately, there are about 1,400 other men (and women) that we haven't the funds to take care of yet. We need $5 million dollars to do the job right. Whether you want to pay for a 14.0 bag, a hitch hauler or a Seg, DRAFT needs your help. I will be a persistant pest until all 1,400 of these soldier heroes receive a Seg. Please send your check to DRAFT, 500 Fox Ridge Road, St Louis, MO 63131.

Fred




wwhopper
09-25-2005, 08:12 PM
DC SEG is donating $2 from every SegwayFest DC shirt sold on SegwayChat to Draft. And we heard that all donations to Draft right now are a 2 for 1 match. So for every dollar you give, DRAFT gets 2!

Can't beat that!

Will W Hopper
DCSEG Member
Come out to the Mid-Atlantic Regional SEG America Event - SegwayFest - DC Sept 23-25
http://www.segwayfest.com/dc.html
Washington DC - The Most Segway Friendly City in America!

Brooster
09-26-2005, 12:51 AM
You guys are awesome ... if and when my life gets back to the point where I can contribute, I'll be there. I enjoyed reading about this, thank you Fred.

Brooster

tpkanaley
09-26-2005, 11:50 AM
I had such an incredible time meeting Barry, Jerry, and Fred from DRAFT! Thank you, gentlemen, so much for enlightening me on your activities and allowing me to help you. I think what DRAFT is doing is magnificent, and I truly hope that the goal of presenting a Segway to every military (leg) amputee becomes a reality! I truly believe that with that goal, big-name donors could be found, and I know Will and I are ready and waiting to help you out in any way we can!

Thank you, again, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

To those readers out there, the success of DRAFT and the presentation of the two (soon to be three) Segways cannot be understated. The stories from Bethesda Medical Center of the joyous reactions to demo Segway rides will bring tears to your eyes.

What this organization is doing for these men and women is nothing short of amazing...they are truly ... say it with me ... FABULOUS!

fredkap
09-26-2005, 01:00 PM
Tim,

Thanks. You forgot to mention Leonard Timm and the demo rides were at Bethesda Naval Hospital but the gist is accurate. We had two recipients with two distinct personalities. One man prefers to wear suits and have his disability disappear and the other favors shorts so his disability is unmistakeable. Like many things in life, there isn't a right way or a wrong way but what is right for the individual. This country would not exist if there weren't men that were willing to die or suffer a grave injury for the rest of us. Their stories need to be listened to. Our Leonard had his injury at age 19 and was able to talk to our recipient that was recuperating in bed about what it is like dating women and other issues that these men will face but most of us can't even begin to think of the issues facing these heros. None of this would be possible without Jerry's persistance and eloquence and we are all glad to assist him in this great mission.

Fred

tpkanaley
09-26-2005, 01:04 PM
My apologies to Leonard. (Does he participate in Chat?) I would love to visit him when my partner and I are in the Orlando area in November.

Once again, great to meet and interact with you all.

Tim