Joe Hertrich is thrilled to be the first recipient of a Segway from the Villages Segway Club.
In existence since 2009, the Villages Segway Club has always donated to Segs for Vets, a national organization assisting disabled veterans with mobility issues. Through the years, the club has donated up to $35,000 to that organization. But last year they decided to bring it home.
“We decided we wanted to donate locally, to enhance the life of someone in the area,” said Ken Redding, president of the club. The new Segway was presented to Hertrich, a resident of the Village of Ashland, at the Villages Segway meeting Wednesday morning at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.
Hertrich was aware he would be receiving the Segway. He had met Dave Holzapfel, one of the owners of Segway of Central Florida, to be fitted and trained. Hertrich’s Segway has a seat added. He is a Vietnam veteran. On his way to Vietnam the day Saigon fell, his flight turned around and he spent the rest of his time in the Army stateside. While stationed at Fort Hood in Texas he sustained injuries falling from a truck. He can walk for limited periods with a cane.
In remarks to the group before the Segway presentation, Redding said, “We live in a place that is beyond belief. It is because of vets that have preserved our freedom that we can live the Villages lifestyle.”
He added, “Whether wounded in combat or on the job, we owe them our vets a debt of gratitude.”
Hertrich thanked the crowd and then headed outside to demonstrate his Segway skills for the crowd.
“Having this Segway means I can go more places, and stay longer,” said Hertrich. “To have this kind of mobility is amazing.” He has already mounted a plate on his Volkswagen which will allow him to transport his Segway.
When the Segway Club decided to go local, they reached out to DAV Chapter 150 to help select a candidate. In remarks to the club before the Segway was presented Redding noted that this chapter of the DAV is one of the largest in the country, certainly in Florida. DAV Chapter 150 Commandant Jack Johnson was immediately receptive. And as luck would have it for Hertrich, a chance meeting between these two led to him being selected.
“Jack put me in touch with Ken and things just snowballed from there,” said Hertrich.
Michael Summers, junior vice commander and Mary Barrett, Adjutant, of Chapter 150 were present to see Hertrich receive his Segway.
The gift of the Segway is made responsible by three components. Segway of Central Florida provides the Segway at cost, the Segway Club of the Villages raises the money and the DAV Chapter 150 selects the recipient and also provides financial assistance if needed.
The Segway Club has decided to “stay local,” according to Redding. Plans are under way to raise funds for a 2017 recipient. The club raises funds by holding two events called the Segway Experience each year. The next Segway Experience will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 7 at SeaBreeze Recreation Center. The 10-minute rides are still available. Redding encourages people to come out and get introduced to the Segway.
“They can have a ride and also contribute to help a worthy cause, our veterans in need,” he said.
