One of the sad facts associated with combat in Iraq and Afghanistan is the number of wounded Veterans who come home with amputated limbs. You could call our latest generation of body armor a double-edged sword.

Yes, the armor is keeping more of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines alive by protecting vital organs and the like. Their 'core' is very well protected, but oftentimes their extremities, as in arms and legs, take the brunt of the force and trauma. Hence the number of returning veterans with amputated limbs.

Enter the Segway. A "SEGWAY" is a nifty mobility gadget that has been used recently by police officers "walking" a beat patrol and also utilized by tourists doing their thing in places such as Washington D.C. as well as other areas.

If you're not familiar with what a segway is, take a look here:
http://www.segway.com

Basically, you can think of the Segway as two wheels connected by a shaft with a place to stand on that shaft. A bar ending in handlebars shoots up from the standing plate for the rider to hold on to. By pushing forward on the handlebars, the Segway moves forward driven by an internal motor. When the handlebars are pulled back, the segway slows to a stop. It can turn easily and takes just a few minutes of practice to get the hang of it.

Now marry the two together: Combine Veterans with amputations and limited mobility with the Segway, a mobility apparatus. Good things are happening and it’s a win-win combination.

The organization named DRAFT, standing for Disability Rights Advocates For Technology, has donated multiple Segways to Veterans in need. These devices allow more mobility for each veteran, while decreasing wear and tear on prosthetic devices. Walter Reed hospital is using them to get Vets going and moving more than ever before.

Please take the time to go to the DRAFT website here at http://www.segs4vets.com and view the pictures and review the stories. It's pretty amazing what DRAFT is doing for our Service members in need.

In that light, consider donating what you can to DRAFT and their Segway program in order to provide more Segways to more deserving Veterans. DRAFT is considered a Public Charity and your donation is tax deductible.

According to DRAFT's website, "All of the overhead costs associated with our operation are paid by members of our Advisory Board and Board of Directors allowing 100% of donations to the Segs4Vets program to benefit that program. Neither DRAFT, nor its officers, or the Segs4Vets program receive any financial support from the Segway Corporation."

100% of a donation going to a program is nearly unheard of. This makes the Segs4Vets program that much more special.

Please do what you can for our Veterans!


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