November 2018

The sign didn't specifically say DO NOT ENTER. It was more like a suggestion to "enter at your own risk," with a brick barrier in place to discourage travelers from proceeding further. There was one problem with this, though. Beyond the sign and above the barrier, the Great Wall of China continued to rise. It wove along the mountain range, up and up higher still, fading into clouds another two miles off. We'd already come three or four miles; what's a few more? Thus far we had hiked a safe, restored, tourist-trap part of the Wall, and lying ahead of us was something else entirely. Dangerous, untamed, off the beaten path.

People with disabilities are traveling more than ever. Although it takes a bit of advanced planning and developing a strategy, traversing the globe is much more accessible today than it ever has been, even if you have a higher degree physical disability. As a power soccer athlete and broadcaster, I have been across the U.S., as well as Europe and South America.

As I grew older I understood hunting wasn't just about killing. The challenge was not only stalking and shooting your prey, it was about understanding your weapon and following the laws, too. Duck hunting was my particular favorite sport. After my dirt bike accident I was a quadriplegic and thought the sport I loved would no longer be possible. I'm happy to say that is not the case. With a little ingenuity and a lot of stubbornness, I am back in the duck blind.

As a veteran myself who also works with the VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) regularly, I hope I can help explain some of the process in obtaining a wheelchair from the VA. This is basic information; in-depth details of every aspect of this would take considerably more space than available on this blog. Please contact the VA directly if you're looking for more detailed information on any aspect of this process.