Help Us Get Uncle Jim Back on the Road

Please donate today and share Uncle Jim’s story with others who might want to join this mission. Together, we can give a hero the freedom he’s fought so hard to earn. Thank you for being part of this journey.

The Story

Uncle Jim is a true American hero. A proud Vietnam combat veteran, he served as an E5 Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division of the Army. Among a division of roughly 20,000 soldiers, Uncle Jim was chosen by his peers as "Soldier of the Month" in July 1969—a testament to his courage, leadership, and character. His bravery earned him the prestigious Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and other accolades for his service.

Uncle Jim was drafted in April 1968 and sent to Vietnam in February 1969. He served his country honorably, returning home in late February 1970. After completing his service, he was honorably discharged and began building his life back home. Uncle Jim is a proud father of three grown children.

But the battles didn’t end when Uncle Jim came home. He was diagnosed and deemed 100% disabled by the VA for severe PTSD due to his time in service. He received treatment and has led a full life. However, for decades, he lived with intermittent back pain. It is unclear if the back pain originated from injuries sustained during basic training or his time in combat. Despite seeing chiropractors and doctors throughout his life, the condition worsened. Eventually, Uncle Jim was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition that led to a surgery on January 5, 2022, intended to relieve his pain. Unfortunately, the surgery went terribly wrong. Extensive nerve damage below his waist left him unable to walk and diminished dexterity in his right hand. The physical and emotional toll of this experience has been devastating.

For the past three years, Uncle Jim has been confined to a wheelchair, unable to regain his mobility. He relies heavily on his caretaker for basic errands and has not been able to enjoy simple pleasures like visiting a restaurant or attending social events. His independence has been stripped away, leaving him isolated and dependent. Adding to his challenges, Uncle Jim’s request for a handicap-accessible van through the VA was denied due to strict eligibility rules.

Uncle Jim’s story is one of resilience and bravery, but now he needs our help. We’re raising $105,000 to purchase a handicap-accessible van—a lifeline that will allow him to reclaim his independence. This van would be specially equipped for him to drive, giving him the freedom to run errands, attend social events, and reconnect with the world outside his home. For Uncle Jim, this isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a chance to restore his dignity and joy.

A handicap-accessible van would mean:

Uncle Jim gave so much to his country, and now it’s our turn to give back to him. Let’s show him the gratitude and support he so richly deserves. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to helping Uncle Jim regain his independence and quality of life.