SHREVEPORT, La. - A local Army veteran is getting a new sense of freedom thanks to the gift of an all-terrain wheelchair.
John “JD” Eichenberger, who lost his right leg in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan 16 years ago, was recently presented with the adaptive wheelchair through Freedom Alliance.
For years, Eichenberger says complications from his amputation made everyday activities difficult and often painful.
“Surgeries and infections and things everywhere,” Eichenberger said. “And with the leg as it is, with a lot of sores on there, you end up with staph infections and different ingrown hairs. So it makes it impossible to wear the leg at certain points.”
The new all-terrain wheelchair is designed to help veterans navigate rough outdoor terrain and regain access to activities they may have lost after injury.
For Eichenberger, that means getting back to the things he loves most.
He says the first thing he plans to do with his new wheelchair is something simple — but meaningful.
Eichenberger says he’s looking forward to taking a walk on the beach with his son.
Organizations like Freedom Alliance say adaptive equipment donations can dramatically improve independence and quality of life for wounded veterans adjusting to life after service.