Many hands make light work! Volunteers from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association have partnered with Texas Ramp Project to construct a ramp at the Pandora home of Judy Jones. Judy — a U.S Army Vietnam veteran — experienced a fall outside of her home earlier this year. When first responders came to her aid, Judy met Nikki Hardwick.
Hardwick — Wilson County Emergency Services District 3 (ESD 3) Clinical Operations Manager and paramedic — spearheads ESD 3’s Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, which assists with wellness needs for the community. ESD 3 provides emergency medical services to all of eastern Wilson County, including the cities of Stockdale and La Vernia, through Wilson County District 3 EMS.
“Our focus getting started has been community paramedicine, fall prevention, etc.,” shared ESD 3 EMS Director David Rice.“[We’re] trying to be involved in the community, helping those high-risk patients that need resources but don’t know how to get them. “I would say that the program thus far has been successful,” Rice added. “As we continue to move forward with the program, it will expand and include working with hospice agencies and assisting with their patients.”
As part of the MIH program, Hardwick meets with community members to find out what assistance they need — food, mobility aids, assistance with the healthcare system, or activities for the elderly. Hardwick said that, for her, the MIH is a passion project. “I grew up on the low-income side,” Hardwick shared. “We got a lot of assistance. I feel like I was helped so much growing up, and without it, I don’t know where I would be. I wanted to pay it forward.”
Jones is one of the many veterans helped through the program. “[ESD 3] was called for a fall, and one thing the crew noticed was really steep stairs,” Hardwick explained. “When I talked to [Judy] about her needs, the stairs were a point of contention for her. I reached out to Texas Ramp Project and made a request.”
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Commander Ray “Whisper” Hotaling uses a table saw Nov. 21 alongside Mark Kunnemann — both volunteers for Texas Ramp Project — as they build a custom ramp for the Pandora home of Army veteran Judy Jones. BRANDY HAWKINS/Wilson County News
Texas Ramp Project is a statewide nonprofit that uses volunteer labor to build wheelchair ramps for elderly or disabled adults who are in need of assistance. “It starts with social workers and doctors,” said David Teel, team leader of Texas Ramp Project for Wilson County. “Through the process, they fill out an application for a client.” From there, Teel works with church and civic groups in the area to find volunteers to make the projects a reality. ESD 3 has made 10 requests for ramps this year, with nine installed.
Immanuel Lutheran La Vernia, First Lutheran Floresville, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) are all groups that volunteer for ramp projects, Teel explained. “[CVMA] does all of my veteran ramps in Wilson County,” he said.
Ray “Whisper” Hotaling, commander of CVMA Chapter 23-25, The Quarter Chapter La Vernia — one of eight veterans who built Judy’s ramp — served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring and joining the motorcycle organization. One member met Teel through Immanuel Lutheran Church. “[They] got to talking about veterans helping other vets,” Hotaling explained. “So Dave calls us to help with ramp projects for veterans.
Hotaling and his crew said they were happy to help Judy and get “it all set up for her before the holiday.” Judy reached out to the Wilson County News to share her appreciation for all those who have collaborated to make all of this possible. She is especially excited because of the veterans helping veterans.
“That red, white, and blue — those colors don’t run,” Judy said. “I want these guys to get their kudos! Veterans working for veterans.”
Individuals in need of assistance in the ESD 3 area can contact nikki.hardwick@wcesd3.net
Texas Ramp Project
Texas Ramp Project is a Texas nonprofit, which uses volunteer labor to provide wheelchair ramps to low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities. As of 2024, Texas Ramp Project volunteers have built more than 28,386 ramps across Texas — which would extend 145 miles if laid end-to-end — at no cost to the recipients. Texas Ramp Project accepts referrals only from qualified organizations or individuals. To learn more, or to volunteer, call David Teel at 830-581-9975.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
The Combat Veterans Motorcylce Association is a veterans’ charity, made up of combat veterans from all branches of the U.S. military. The association sponsors and participates in veteran-related motorcycle and other charity events and causes, while riding motorcycles as a hobby.
If you are interested in joining, or know a veteran in need of support, visit www.cvma2325.com
By: Rachel Draper, Wilson County News, December 03, 2024, rdraper@mywcn.com