A Moment of MAGA: SH Wheelchair Initiative for Vets

[Threadcutter308]

Just giving you a well intentioned hard time.....need more supplies ? I Still have a bit layin' around. Looking at the original, it looks like the secret sauce is in the blade, the rest looks pretty plain brown wrapper. Don't know where one can find a blade like that....unfortunately.

This help any ?

http://www.lurepartsonline.com/Online-Store/Colorado/

http://www.lurepartsonline.com/Online-Store/Wire-Forms-Shafts/

 

[Rthur]

Heard back from LL, sounds as if he may be on board with this idea.
I'll let him speak for himself.
Many details yet to see this to fruition.

R

 

[Veer_G]

We need to identify what we're trying to fix before this goes too far forward. Are we looking to benefit vets with mobility issues in general by furnishing them with more capable wheels, or to make sure that our largest and most visited cemeteries have assets in place to address their issues consistently? The gentleman in question was carried because his wheelchair was left behind taking him to his wife's grave site, but as of yet I don't know whether or not it would have been of use to make him independently mobile in order to go visit with her up close.

 

[Rthur]

We need to identify what we're trying to fix before this goes too far forward. Are we looking to benefit vets with mobility issues in general by furnishing them with more capable wheels, or to make sure that our largest and most visited cemeteries have assets in place to address their issues consistently? The gentleman in question was carried because his wheelchair was left behind taking him to his wife's grave site, but as of yet I don't know whether or not it would have been of use to make him independently mobile in order to go visit with her up close.

This is a good question.
I'm of the thinking that furnishing a more capable version(not usually used day to day versions) with an attendant's help to deliver these folks to desired site. Protocals for once delivered dependent on individuals wishes. As mentioned above there is a learning curve to electric/offroad versions that could present problems. This is just my spitball version and subject to modification.

R

 

[Rthur]

Something along these lines:

R

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I can honestly say, that I have experienced a portion of my life in a wheelchair. Rthur, that above with bed-castors for front wheels is the beginning of where we should go. The very beginning. My view, looking at Rick Hanson's "4 wheel drive wheelchair" that he used in the Man In Motion tour (?) is also the start of a beginning.

Thing is though, is the concept of pushing/pulling/rolling a wheelchair on the grass there truly what is intended? Or a more-dignified and military-based carrier to bring these individuals to the location? Strong, Silent, and Smooth. With Style.

I'm not being argumentative at all. I'm just of the opinion of "Go Big or Go Home", as per my signature.

 

[1J04]

This help any ?

http://www.lurepartsonline.com/Online-Store/Colorado/

http://www.lurepartsonline.com/Online-Store/Wire-Forms-Shafts/

I've got plenty of blades. I've got some longer/heavier shafts from my personal stash. I'm gonna cut one down tonight and try it. Maybe the shorties with the smaller gauge is to weak for the jig AND difficult to fit. I'll give it another run tonight and let ya know. Thx buddy.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Something along these lines:
View attachment 6899710

R

Something else to consider;

If the concluded intent is to purchase and place as many suitable wheelchairs at as many Cemetaries as possible, how much would they actually be used ? As uplifting as the original story was, don't most people who are immobilized (or their caregivers) pretty much always make sure the wheelchair travels with the person that needs it ? Last thing I am trying to do by asking this question is to appear to be criticizing anyone, especially the disabled Vet. But, did he (or his caregiver) "forget" to bring the wheelchair ?
If most, or even the vast majority of disabled people bring their own wheelchairs to Cemetary visits, I'm concerned that a (S/H) "Sponsored" chair may sit and gather dust 95% of the time. Of course, the 5% of the time in use would make it worthwhile.

Or, maybe contact staff local to a given Cemetary and ask them for a list of prioritized "needed items". May be that there are other things besides chairs that are consistently higher on the list. Not sure an administrator is the right person/persons to talk to.

 

[Rthur]

Something else to consider;

If the concluded intent is to purchase and place as many suitable wheelchairs at as many Cemetaries as possible, how much would they actually be used ? As uplifting as the original story was, don't most people who are immobilized (or their caregivers) pretty much always make sure the wheelchair travels with the person that needs it ? Last thing I am trying to do by asking this question is to appear to be criticizing anyone, especially the disabled Vet. But, did he (or his caregiver) "forget" to bring the wheelchair ?
If most, or even the vast majority of disabled people bring their own wheelchairs to Cemetary visits, I'm concerned that a (S/H) "Sponsored" chair may sit and gather dust 95% of the time. Of course, the 5% of the time in use would make it worthwhile.

Or, maybe contact staff local to a given Cemetary and ask them for a list of prioritized "needed items". May be that there are other things besides chairs that are consistently higher on the list. Not sure an administrator is the right person/persons to talk to.

Legitimate concerns.
I'm thinking this could start a idea/movement by making example at Arlington that could/should spread to others.
In all reality raising monies to fund/supply many sites may be beyond our abilities.
I'm just using my experience with my fathers chair when in use off of improved travel routes.
Options being available for the use/comfort being the target.
As wheelchairs have to be placed back in the vehicles after use, through wet grass ect, people may favor the use these could provide.

The "needed" items is a solid idea/direction as well.

R

 

[oneshot86]

this is my concern...

money...

if we have these built, it will kill us, medical things are stupid jacked up in price, they would give us a deal but be laughing behind our backs...and then shippimg, fuck that...

the thing is, its guys like us that manufacture and or modify these thing in the first place, therefore, cut the damn middleman the fuck out...

cut any proffiteer out...

we must have someone who can study which basic chair can be supplemented, make drawings for consistency and then manufacture or mod in the same zip code...

we will not have enough money to buy these things or have some yeah who, mod thgem then have them delivered...

ANYONE FOUND TO HAVE PROFITED, enen the slightest, MUST BE OUTTED AND EMBARRASSED PUBLICLY... PERIOD

 

[Dewey7271]

Do we want other money? From other Sources?
If we do then do we conceivably want to set up a small non-profit?
Reason I ask is we've already mentioned the possibility of multiple sites etc.
just curious.

 

[Bender]

Even if we identify a need at Arlington different then the wheelchair I think we should work towards any need or goal that would help in any manner a veteran or family. Even if it isn’t a wheelchair. I guess we can do some research and talk to Arlington To make sure we can even use an electric wheelchair on their grass. Again, I will be there in the middle of next month and can talk to somebody. But let’s keep moving forward and figure out what I even need to talk to them about.

PS. I love this group and how organic this has arisen.

 

[Dewey7271]

This one has potential

 

[Dewey7271]

http://www.hexhog.com/photo-gallery

 

[Bender]

Do we want other money? From other Sources?
If we do then do we conceivably want to set up a small non-profit?
Reason I ask is we've already mentioned the possibility of multiple sites etc.
just curious.

Let’s take some baby steps first and focus on an issue that we are trying to resolve. If it works out to be the electric wheelchair that works on grass then so be it, but we need to be adaptive and be able to change quickly until it is settled.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Alright then, it seems I've totally misunderstood the intent and directive.

I was coming from the direction of "the wheelchair was on site, but wouldn't traverse the grass at all" and hence the gentleman was carried. In doing so, the wheelchair was left behind. My bad, I guess.

Hence why I was talking about golf-cart, to transport said individual in comfort and dignity, as well as carry the wheelchair in the process. At Arlington.

With what we're preoccupied with here in our locale, my focus ain't the greatest to begin with. Apologies all around.

 

[Veer_G]

Alright then, it seems I've totally misunderstood the intent and directive.

I was coming from the direction of "the wheelchair was on site, but wouldn't traverse the grass at all" and hence the gentleman was carried. In doing so, the wheelchair was left behind. My bad, I guess.

Hence why I was talking about golf-cart, to transport said individual in comfort and dignity, as well as carry the wheelchair in the process. At Arlington.

With what we're preoccupied with here in our locale, my focus ain't the greatest to begin with. Apologies all around.

Sean, don't sweat it. We're getting focused by consensus here, and getting on the same page.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Sean, don't sweat it. We're getting focused by consensus here, and getting on the same page.

Yepper, plans take time. You're doing fine Sean

 

[Alphatreedog]

They make all terrain wheel chairs from about $200 up tp 10G . I am shaking the tre and have a meeting next Monday . Trying to get to the Brass that would allow and approve this . Also lookin at possible corporate backing along with us . Crowd funding is another possibility aa this is an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10 . I wolud suggest that we ;
1 Agree to a night and time to meet on this thread for thr purpose of agreeing to who will volunteer to work at this from a particular angle . Not unlike building a team to implement a company project .
2 Agree to points of action and completion dates .
3 Agree to set meeting times and dates in this thread for above points of action .
4 We need to define areas that need attention . ie ; motorized or manual propellwd .
Purchased rather than made ( relieves liability for us and may be a gov sticking point ) , funding , gov or military approval , Vet groups or Vet advocy volunteers to help with use of wheelchairs etc.
My thoughts are that if we approach this as such we will cover more ground , cross Ts and dot Is and have a better chance of success . While the intent is noble and sincere this is not donating to a single Vet . It's placing something that comes with responsibility at a government run facility .

 

[oneshot86]

indeed...

rockin now

just not fast enough

one of us must be or must know a big shot, lets go

 

[Alphatreedog]

Workin on it . Making two calls tonight and have a meeting Monday .
If anyone has family that does did work in the Pentagon that would be a good phone call .
Don't know why I didn't think of this earlier . Going to call Arlington tomorrow or at least I will if they have a phone .

 

[oneshot86]

ur a fuckin stud

 

[Rthur]

Workin on it . Making two calls tonight and have a meeting Monday .
If anyone has family that does did work in the Pentagon that would be a good phone call .
Don't know why I didn't think of this earlier . Going to call Arlington tomorrow or at least I will if they have a phone .

Been thinking along these lines as well.

R

 

[powdahound76]

Nice work and set up Alpha. Im in for what I can do.
A close friend used to be a big lobbyist (for just causes, like fighting insurance companies and the ACLU dirtbags) and would love to help. He is a vet himself. I am sure he knows someone.

Let us know what you hear Alpha. I am willing to make calls and write some letters/emails to the folks at Arlington if your contacts or my man cant get us lined up.

I would bet if President Trump heard that some guys wanted to do this, he would be so freaking on board and help push it.

Lets get this dialed and raise some $.

And buy more ammo @ArmyJerry !

 

[powdahound76]

I just emailed Donald J Trump at the White House. Hopefully one of his lackey's reads it and gets on it........

 

[Alphatreedog]

Quick update . I called Arlington today and found out that Arlington is Administered by the Army . Onsite are the Executive Director and Superintendant who report to the Secretary of thec Army . I got the Executive Directors contact info and direction on how to submit our intention to donate .
I don't my doing any and or all of the leg work down to and includiding meeting a salesperson for demo at Arlington , and I would like if we could get the weight of a name or two behind this . Like Scout Sniper Association or Corporate support .
My gut tells me that our good intentions may be dismissed without a name behind it because of the size of the entity we are dealing with . May take time and I believe this is doable and practical . Hoping to hear tonight from a family member who works in the Penatagon . I asked them to find out what they could around this .
Onward and upward .

 

[Dewey7271]

Nice work Alpha. I appreciate the effort!

 

[Veer_G]

Oh, them. We may need to beg in triplicate form.

 

[powdahound76]

awesome update Alpha. Did not see the guy from Craig and will work on it tomorrow when I am in class supposed to be learning something about something. My reply from the WH was a canned one and hoping to hear something of substance within a few days.

I will also email my buddy Frank who was the lobbyist and statesman some time ago. Funny thing is, he is from NY, has an accent, is a vet (from the Vietnam era), and was a NYPD sharpshooters (they didnt use the word sniper then) after Vietnam. Volunteers more hours a week than a millennial works. He is like my adopted grandpa since I dont have any around anymore...

 

[Strykervet]

Yeah, see, what I'm getting at is this:

Arlington can do whatever it wants, make as many rules and post 'em all over, but the moment they become unconstitutional they become words with no meaning. What I'm getting at is I think ADA covers this and that guy that had to be carried? Technically he may be in a position to sue for access. I'm not sure given it's a cemetery. Were it a store, I'd be more comfortable in saying he had a case.

But I doubt he wants to sue. At his age I doubt he gives much of fuck for anything future-wise, but I bet he'd like to know other brothers were covered and didn't have to deal with that.

Again, let me know what I can do and I'll make it happen whatever it is. I see these guys at VA all the time and I know they'd like to see this happen.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

As Alpha mentioned above, regarding the "we need a name".... how about the gentleman that started this whole directive? Or better yet, BOTH gentlemen?

George Boone, the veteran whom was carried to his wife's gravesite.
The veteran whom carried George Boone wishes to remain anonymous.

So I put forth "The Boone Initiative", though I will also suggest one other thing. And that is because of the basis of both the anonymous veteran AS WELL AS the group here, and what we're all banding together to do.

So I also put forth "The Altruists Inititive." Unless someone thinks that someone else needs glory.

 

[Marinevet1]

I don't know the story of this.....I took the picture at a gun show in Kansas City a couple of years ago.......All Terrain Wheelchair.......