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 Orville Schaffer is a World War Two veteran, a
retired school teacher and one who has been active in a number of
veteran organizations over the years.
As he prepares to turn 100 years old this coming October, Orville is
slowing down just a bit and finds that navigating out of his house
is a bit of a chore.
Several years ago the Marine Corps League in Lincoln began fixing up
good used wheelchairs and electric chairs or scooters and gifting
them to local veterans in need. Over the time they have been
providing this service, they have expanded their offerings to
include wheelchair ramps when needed and other specialized equipment
for veterans.
When the group learned that Schaffer was in need, they provided him
with an electric chair scooter so he could get around, and that
helped the veteran a lot, but it didn’t solve all of his issues.
So, the group came together and decided that the
answer was to give Schaffer an elevator that would help him navigate
the different elevations between his home and his garage.
Therefore, on Thursday the chair lift/elevator was installed at the
back door of Schaffer’s home, which is located inside his garage.
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With the lift in place Bill Dennis and Gene Hickey
helped Orville figure out how to run the new machine and soon
Schaffer was roaming about the garage and his driveway on his own.
Orville’s daughter Karen Rice was also on hand to observe the
training session so she can be ready to assist her dad when and if
he needs it.
The crew that helped with the project joined Orville for a picture
to commemorate the day. Left to right are Owen Eaton, Bill Dennis,
Orville Schaffer, Gene Hickey and Mike Downen.
Orville was delighted with the gift and quite grateful to the
Marines who came together pure “semper fi” (always together) style
to help out a fellow veteran.
And, it became clear that now that Orville has found a new level of
freedom, neighbors best beware! Orville is out there and having a
great time so be sure to look for him and give him a smile and a
salute when he motors past your house!
[Nila Smith/Karen Hargis]
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