Pictured with Daniel and Karen Critten are Travis Merritt, left, with AMVETS Post 181 KCMO, who set up the donation; and Chris Wolfenbarger, right, with F.E.W. (The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors).
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Daniel Critten was presented a PerMobil chair donated by AMVETS Post 181 Kansas City in partnership with TC (Tank Chair), The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (THE F.E.W.) out of Kansas City and Permobil. The chair was sized earlier by a PerMobil representative who visited Mr. Critten at his home. The chair still needs to be equipped with some added features before it is completely done and given to him.
“The chair is a Permobil F3 and it’s complete decked out,” said Travis Merritt, 1st Vice Commander AMVETS Post 181. “Permobil is going to install more equipment that’s supposed to help with Danny’s current medical issues as well.”
The chair was presented at Cinemark Palace at the Plaza in Kansas City on April 6. The American Veterans Premier held their film in order to allow the event to take place.
Daniel served with the 3rd Marines Division, 2nd Battalion, H Company. He was in Vietnam 10-1/2 months when he was wounded on Hill 881.
The Crittens own a farm west of Gallatin where they raised a few row crops but mostly ran a cattle operation. Daniel was able to modify some of the farm equipment. He rigged up a tractor with a seat lift and hydraulics. Just for fun, he had a 450 Honda Automatic motorcycle built in 1982. Its controls were switched so Daniel rode in the carrier instead of the bike.
The Crittens have two children, Eric and Cindy (Jimmy) O’Rourke. Eric now runs the farm and Daniel and Karen travel the countryside. The have now visited all but eight of the states.
“I was not previously aware of the FEW organization, but I am extremely grateful for their generous gift of this mobility chair,” said Daniel. “This will enable me to go and do things that I could not otherwise do in my current health condition. I would like for everyone to know this organization operates totally on donations, and 100% of these donations go toward helping veterans.”
The mission of Amvets Post 181 is to provide public education, and to promote public awareness on the benefits gained by supporting our veterans.
The mission of TC (Tank Chair) is to provide improved mobility to disabled veterans and children, as well as disabled officers and firefighters. TC Charity has a second goal of building a Veteran Training Facility where disabled veterans being released from military duty can attend and learn a skill or trade that will aid them in finding employment in civilian life.
The FEW assists in the healing process of the families and veterans of Special Operations Forces recognized for valorous actions and wounds acquired in combat, regardless of the era or conflict in which these individuals have served. FEW provides therapeutic recreational and sporting events, at both the local and national level, customized to enhance the mental and physical health of our heroes. FEW also strives to assist in the successful reintegration of these warriors with their families and communities.
More than 40 years ago, Permobil was founded with an idea: that what people can achieve should never be a question of ability, and the company has the technology to make this dream possible. This belief is the very foundation of each of their brands – Permobil, TiLite and ROHO.