On 11/11/2014 (Veteran's Day), Keith Field & Debbie Sartwell provided a movie presentation showing the main part of his "Serving Project" organization, a modified coach vehicle that is ADA compliant and used to transport disabled veterans to/from the VA and other medical appointments that they do not have the ability to attend because of their disabilities and/or someone to take them.
 
Keith Field explained that some years ago, he modified an old bus to look like the inside of the train car used on the TV show "The Wild, Wild West". Although he spent about $35,000 on the conversion, a wealthy individual gave him $85,000 for it. At about the same time, Keith became aware of the need that disabled veterans had for specialized transportation and he decided to build an ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant vehicle to transport disabled vets to places they need to go but could not go because they did not have specialized transportation and could not afford it. This led to the founding of the "Serving Project" by Keith.
 
As Keith explained, "there are thousands of veterans who are unable to travel":

1) because many have damage to the ears, or other issues, which creates a situation where it is difficult to travel by air.

2) because there are no modes of transportation where a person in a wheelchair has the ability to move freely to, or can make use of, an accessible restroom.


"Specialized clinics are located all over the U.S."

1) so there needed to be a way to get these veterans directly from their door to the clinic door, without changing vehicles.

2) so that needed 'convenience' stops could be made while traveling - ( you cannot just stop an airplane ! ).


"The cost of taking the entire family is prohibitive"

1) with the price of travel these days, the cost of fuel, traveling in multiple vehicles, or even the cost of airfare, is an issue.

2) so the veteran stays at home because he or she does not wish to be away from their family, and gets NO treatment.

3) the spouse is not able to leave a job, children, or other responsibility, to take the time to travel with the veteran.


"Many need to have their personal comforts there"

1) for the comfort of the veteran, many need their hospital or personal bed to which they are accustomed.

2) there are pieces of medical equipment that a veteran uses daily, and might need to use along the journey.

3) the caregiver needs to be able to move about freely to provide care, and even medications, while traveling.
 
Therefore, the vehicle must be able to go anywhere in the United States except Hawaii or Alaska and:
 
1) the vehicle must be capable of traveling long distances continually, without incident or high mechanical risk.

2) the vehicle must be fully accessible to persons in wheelchairs, including a restroom with privacy and access.

3) the vehicle must have amenities and facilities to provide for guests without the need to repeatedly stop to resupply.

4) the vehicle must be able to carry an entire family, so they are able to be together, move about freely, and reduce cost.

5) the vehicle must have an electrical generator sufficient to run medical equipment, recharge wheelchairs, and more.
 
Keith then told the audience that his organization is completely funded by the private sector so as to avoid any government control of what he does for the vets or how he does it. The vets also appreciate this as they already have seen how the government treats them and do not want more of that kind of help. He also told the audience that he gives a handmade, military theme quilt to each and every vet he transports and that the quilts are made by ladies who belong to an organization called "Quilts of Valor".
 
Keith then explained that the interior of the vehicle is large enough that a vet in a wheel chair can maneuver himself though the vehicle and that the restroom if equipped to handle ever quadruple amputees. It also has a specially designed lift to allow for a caregiver to ride up and down with a vet so they don't have memory flashbacks of being in the war. The back half of the vehicle is 22 feet long and has its own steering axle so that the vehicle is easy to turn and back up. This section of the vehicle can be configured easily to accommodate the needs of the vet or family members traveling with the vet.
 
Keith then explained that because of available usable transportation, only 14% of vets avail themselves of VA programs. Therefore, the need is great and he does what he can with his vehicle which operates at the cost of $3.81 per mile which is cheaper than a Walmart delivery truck that has none of the capabilities that his vehicle has.
 
Keith then told everyone about a "shoebox" project he is working on to make sure all military men overseas get a shoebox full of items at Christmas. Keith told everyone that Diane Payne's business Post Net will accept gifts for this project. Diane agreed to put together a list for next week's Rotary meeting.
 
For information on how to help this organization or more information about the "Serving Project" itself, go to www.servingproject.org.
 
A photo of the vehicle can be seen below:
 
 
 
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