CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Army veteran Scott Restivo, a single-leg amputee and Purple Heart recipient, will be honored with an all-terrain trackchair from The Independence Fund next week.
These all-terrain trackchairs allow those with physical disabilities to navigate challenging outdoor environments, including snow, mud and dirt.
"These mobility devices enable Veterans to reenter the outdoors and engage in the activities they enjoy," the group said on its website.
Restivo suffered severe injuries in combat, including a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss, and has faced ongoing struggles with prosthetic care.
"I thought the war was the end of the battle,” Restivo said. “But the fight has been for my life while seeking medical care.”
The Independence Fund, which started in Charlotte and advocates for wounded veterans, has been helping Restivo get better prosthetic care. While he awaits further treatment, the trackchair will help improve his mobility and independence.
“Our Mobility program provides all-terrain trackchairs to Veterans who want to enjoy life unencumbered by the sacrifices they made on our behalf,” said Clark Pennington, COO of The Independence Fund.
The event will take place at the Charlotte Checkers vs. Hershey Bears minor league hockey game on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. in Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte.
Joining the presentation will be wrestler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Gordon Ryan.
The event is part of The Independence Fund’s mission to support America’s most severely wounded veterans, and help veterans, active military and wartime allies with unmet needs.