Donated golf cart assists disabled veterans

By Erin Murray, Army Flier Staff WriterDecember 1, 2011

Donated golf cart assists disabled veterans
Col. Patrick N. Denman, Wilbur Sullivant and Mike Schmitz unveil the custom golf cart donated to the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Wiregrass Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The cart will help mobility impaired beneficiaries get acces... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 1, 2011) -- Disabled and limited mobility veterans who receive treatment at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Wiregrass Community Based Outpatient Clinic on Fort Rucker will receive some extra assistance getting to and from the parking lot in the form of a deluxe golf cart that was donated to the clinic last week.

The cart was provided by Mike Schmitz, mayor of Dothan, after he was contacted by Wilbur Sullivant, Alabama Disabled Veteran of the Year, about helping to provide assistance to the clinic's many patients with impaired or decreased mobility.

"Colonel Sullivant brought me [to Lyster] and showed me what they needed. It's a great thing to be able to do. Because of [potential] terrorism, they have to close the doors. That means the veterans have to walk quite a way to the clinic. After seeing that, how could I say no? It's a thrill for me to help these veterans that deserve this so much," said Schmitz.

Col. Patrick N. Denman, commander of the U.S. Army Aeromedical Center and Lyster Army Health Clinic, said that Sullivant began working on helping impaired veteran's access to the clinic in June, with Schmitz purchasing the cart in August.

Denman said that most entrances to the clinic remain locked due to potential security issues. This means that veterans can access the second floor clinic after entering through the front of the LAHC. Lyster already provides electric scooters for patients inside the clinic, but there was no system in place to help get people to and from their vehicles

"We've gone to one entrance only because of force protection. The veterans have to go down a very long hallway. In order to facilitate those with mobility challenges, we purchased three scooters. They are not just for veterans, but for other beneficiaries with mobility issues," said Denman.

"If someone has to park in the back part of the parking lot and haven't received a handicap parking permit, it can be overwhelming. Now, we need to have a mechanism available to get them to the front door," he said.

The cart, a 2010 stretch Club Car, seats six riders comfortably and has many additional features added for the comfort and safety of veterans. These additions include fans, heaters, rain curtains and fully functional safety lights. The cart also features a custom paint job that features a patriotic American flag motif and an eagle in flight across the cart's front.

"It was a fun build. It was great to see how excited people were about it and to provide the veterans with something they really need. It's a way to give back. The people have to take care of veterans, because they face challenges that those who did not serve don't experience," said Ken Jernigan, parts and services manager at the company that built the cart.

Denman explained that the cart will not be in service for a few more weeks, while Sullivant and other veterans coordinate drivers and schedules for pick up. After drivers are selected, the clinic will train and certify them with a training program implemented by Lyster's safety officer.

"Mr. Sullivant, along with other veterans, will put together a roster of volunteers. They will drive the golf cart around Lyster's parking lot to pick people up," he said.

"It is a wonderful thing to have the veteran's clinic collocated with us, because we can support each other. Mr. Sullivant is a wonderful man and an engaged veteran. [Providing the cart] is just such a nice thing to do for people," said Denman.