Because of his contact with Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, Army veteran Jan Heinz lost feeling in both his legs from the thigh down. The 66-year-old told KPVI-6 News that it made mobility difficult for him. When a local organization called the Independence Foundation heard Heinz's story, it donated a new technologically advanced wheelchair to him.
The Independence Foundation, known in Eastern Idaho as a philanthropic group dedicated to helping disabled veterans, purchased Heinz a Trac-Fab. These wheelchairs were designed for veterans with disabilities and are equipped with traction wheels, making it an all-terrain mobility aide.
KPVI-6 News reported that the Trac-Fab wheelchairs typically cost between $12,000 to $15,000, but Heinz did not have to pay anything.
"It makes you feel very, very humble and it is really nice to know there are organizations out there that help Veterans like myself," Heinz told KPVI-6 News.
Before the Trac-Fab, Heinz would have to perform his duties on the Pocatello Veteran's Honor Guard using his walking cane, according to the news source. It was not easy for him to move around, but since the Independence Foundation's donation, his quality of life has greatly improved.