My name is Tony Garrison — a proud veteran, retired Army tanker, and former high school teacher. After 20 years of service in the U.S. Army, including deployments to the Gulf War in 1991 and Bosnia in 1996, my body now carries the wear and tear of years spent in heavy armor vehicles.
The toll has been steep. I suffer from what we call "tanker knees" — constant pain that makes every step a challenge — and a serious back injury sustained when I was thrown from a moving tank in 2000. Today, even climbing the stairs in my own home is a painful daily struggle.
Unfortunately, the VA can only assist veterans in very specific circumstances — typically those who have lost a limb — and even then, only 120 veterans nationwide receive help each year for home modifications. That leaves many of us on our own.
A stair lift would mean freedom for me — a chance to move through my home safely and without pain. It’s been estimated to cost about $7,500, and I’m reaching out for help to make that possible.
If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, it would make a tremendous difference in my life. And if you can’t give right now, please consider sharing my story — your support in spreading the word means just as much.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for caring about veterans like me who continue to fight quiet battles long after leaving the service.
– Tony Garrison
