The group Friends In Service of Heroes (F.I.S.H.) just reeled in two worthy catches - Corporal Chuck Lear and Corporal Tyler Nichols.
Both men risked their lives for our freedom. They also risked their limbs, as Lear recalled, “I was in Vietnam in 1966. Artillery explosion…not having a left hand, a left leg, you learn to do things a lot differently.”
Now two men that have fought for their country’s freedom have newfound freedom of their own. F.I.S.H. is donating track chairs to both men.
Nichols is an avid hunter. He was paralyzed in a car accident nearly six months ago. This new gift makes it a memorable Christmas for the veteran and for his family.
“This is the first deer season since he was 6 years old that he hasn’t been in the field,” his mother, Kim Heineman, said. “With this chair he won’t have to miss another one.”
Paul Chapa is President of F.I.S.H. and said the organization is all about helping veterans.
“These are life changers," Chapa said. "It’s the least us 99 percenters that didn’t serve can do for those one percenters that did.”
Lear has been in a wheelchair for nearly 5 decades and has managed to maintain a positive outlook on life.
“I’m on the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Archery Team," Lear said. "Life is good. I’m on the right side of the grass, so you can’t complain about anything.”
F.I.S.H. has been around since 2013, offering services and help to veterans nationwide.
------
Kevin Holmes can be reached at Kevin.Holmes@KSHB.com
