July 11, 2005

Visitations at Huntington VA Medical Facility and

HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Huntigton

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We meet at the Huntington VA Medical Facility in Huntington, WV.  Mark Ford, Director of Marketing and Lisa Watkins, Marketing Technician for Ohio Willow Wood visit the OWW traveling circus to confirm rumored fits of dementia. 

Mistaking Mark and Lisa as two indigent people, Joe and Bill direct them to the nearest shelter for the homeless. 

Despite numerous unsuccessful attempts to sign themselves into the psychiatric ward of the VA Medical Center, Bill and Joe finally recognize Mark and Lisa and thank them and the employees of Ohio Wood, a prosthetic manufacturing company whose support has made our visitations over the past four years possible.  They donate our high tech Pathfinder foot and Alpha liner which enables us to live an active life. 

We thank OWW for believing in our mission and for giving us their generous support.

During our visit to the Rehabilitation Unit of the VA Medical Center where Jim DeLong completed his rehab following his accident last year, Jim thanks Dr. Brammer, Bill, and Terry for their dedication that went far beyond customary care in getting Jim back on his feet (foot).

This poor patient wandered into the Rehab Unit without police protection.  Bill immediately sold him a package for time-sharing of our motel rooms while Joe took his wallet for safekeeping. 

Here Bill signs an original copy of the Declaration of Independence to a hapless visitor on the steps of the VA facility.

Dr Dixon. DDS, a dentist at the VA Facility made Jim's trip with AAA possible.  Joe thanks Dr. Dixon by lifting his wallet and sliding the watch off the good Doctor's wrist. 

Here Joe performs guard duty in keeping the hordes of loyal fans away from Jim and Bill.

To commemorate Jim DeLong's completion of his rehab at the VA facility, the three riders depart for the HealthSouth  Rehabilitation Hospital.

Riding his esteemed mount, Joe does an imitation of Bubble Boy and rolls down the hill leading the pack.

Arriving at the assembly area for the Huntington Rehab Hospital visitation, Joe renders the green and blue Liquidator harmless and presents it to Bill for safekeeping.  Bill, of course, declares his alliance with Joe as null and void and attempts to soak Joe but as can be seen here, his tongue does not help Bill in producing a trickle rather than a stream.  Joe of course retaliates with the nuclear option and overwhelms Bill with a steady stream of ice water.  So much for the alliance. 

Departing the assembly area, Moe, Curly, and Larry follow the newscaster for some striking video footage.  Unfortunately, while negotiating the turn at a slow speed, Joe inadvertently forces Bill off the road into a roadside hedge. 

Finally untangling themselves, the three riders successfully arrive to a waiting throng of supporters in front of HealthSouth. 

We visit patients, sign posters, and feed Mark and Lisa with enough evidence to have the boys declared and committed to a home for insane one legged bicyclists.

Bill says hello to Jerry, an old friend, hitting him up for some loose change and his meal ticket at the HealthSouth cafeteria.

Here Joe gets comfortable with Phyllis and Brenda in physical therapy.

Jim visits Roger as a new amputee and was impressed with the strength and courage so necessary to overcome his physical challenge.  Roger's attitude will ensure his rapid return to an active life.

Joe and Bill test the high tech walker used by the PT patients.  The patients were impressed with their ability to negotiate turns without veering off into roadside bushes.

After a wonderful day at two top notch facilities, we want to thank Debbie Brammer at the Huntington VA Medical Facility, and Patty at the Huntington Rehab Hospital for their efforts to organize this day-long event.  Their support and hospitality made a big difference and was instrumental in making our visits a huge success.

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