Tag Archives: veterans

Dreams While On Guard In A Fox Hole

Grandpa Sanders wrote this 68 years ago today

P.F.C. Earl H. Sanders

Written 1945 – May 29

Dreams While On Guard In A Fox Hole

As I sit in my fox-hole on guard, at night

With the machine-gun on my right

A fellow starts thinking as he sits there alone

And his thoughts are always, dreaming of home.

Home might be a small Town, In any 48 states

But with the fellow on guard, theres only one that rates

While I am thinking, I’m still on the alert.

For if these Jap’s get too close, somebody might get hurt

Just then, out in front, I hear a sound

And from the hole on my left, they fire a “round”

I move to my gun, to sweet out the Nip

But if it was a Jap, he gave us the slip.

So back to guard, I go once more

And back to dreaming of “after the war”

My first thoughts are always, of my two boys

Of Johnny and Jerry who are such joys.

And I hope that they never have to sit on guard

Maybe thats why we fight so dam hard

For we want to write “finish” to these Japanese

So that all of our sons at home, will only know peace.

Disabled Veterans: Enter to win this FREE wheelchair van!

Memorial Day Remembrances 2013

VMi New England, Automotive Innovations Bridgewater, MA and the Sanders family honors and supports all U.S. veterans and military personnel – and on this Memorial Day ‘Honor, Reflect & Remember the many brave men and women who have gone into harms way or given their lives in the service and protection of our country.

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty – they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars – they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead. — Robert G. Ingersoll

In appreciation of the great sacrifices made by my forefathers and the men and women of our armed services, Jim Sanders of VMi New England and his family wants to ensure that every disabled American veteran has the safest and most reliable modified equipment possible and is why we provide FREE operational maintenance. A comprehensive preventive maintenance program to preserve and enhance the value of all vehicle modifications and automotive adaptive mobility equipment for any disabled American veteran, with the Vets Mobility Maintenance Program.

Vets Mobility Maintenance Program Benefits

Every six months, you may take advantage of the unique and revolutionary Program by bringing your VA funded modified vehicle to our Bridgewater, MA mobility dealership for your FREE accessibility and maintenance check-up

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May.[1] Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.[2] Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.[3] It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

2013 Toyota Sienna Information · For Sale

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Our New 2013 Toyota Sienna LE Mobility minivan has a New VMI Northstar conversion

Additional Information

• 6 miles
• 3.5L V6 EFI DOHC 24V
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• MPG City/Hwy: 18 city/25 hwy

Pictures

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Toyota Sienna With VMI Northstar Conversion Information

The all new Toyota Sienna with a VMI Northstar wheelchair van conversion is vehicular perfection for people living with disability. The Toyota Sienna handicap accessible van with a power in-floor ramp offers the most wheelchair access in a flexible package. And like everything from Toyota, the quality and value are unmatched.

The VMI Northstar handicap van engineers put together the Access360 performance package through years of research and experience that have accumulated into the most versatile mobility van on the market. There is more entry space, more interior height, and better aesthetics. It all adds up to Toyota Sienna wheelchair vans that offers flexibility, ease of use, and safety.

Description
Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar
• NEW – Access360 design with more space to enter and maneuver inside the mobility van
• NEW – Access360 design allows for more flexibility and ease of use
• Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers
• Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior
• Greater safety in the event of a collision
• Less dirt and debris from in-floor ramp into wheelchair accessible vehicle interior
• Wider usable accessible wheelchair ramp surface
• No interference with factory seats or controls
• Full use of front passenger seat
• Obstacle-free front row floor
• Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision
• 9″ more floor length than any other Toyota Sienna conversion on the market today

Specifications
Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar
• NEW – Access360 design with more space to enter and maneuver inside the mobility van
• NEW – Access360 design allows for more flexibility and ease of use
• Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers
• Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior
• Greater safety in the event of a collision
• Less dirt and debris from in-floor ramp into wheelchair accessible vehicle interior
• Wider usable accessible wheelchair ramp surface
• No interference with factory seats or controls
• Full use of front passenger seat
• Obstacle-free front row floor
• Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision
• 9″ more floor length than any other Toyota Sienna conversion on the market today

Standard Features
Toyota Sienna with VMI Northstar only
• Ultra-low 8.0° accessible ramp angle
• 800lb. wheelchair ramp capacity
• Sure Deploy backup system allows users to stow or deploy the ramp even without power
• Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind

Toyota Sienna with Northstar AND Summit
• Full-power ramp and conversion
• 12.75” drop FLEX Floor maximizes headroom & interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
• Patented independent rear suspension designed to preserve the ride quality and performance
• E-coated floor for maximum corrosion resistance
• NEW, ultra-reliable hydraulic PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
• Seamless integration with the electronics prevents damage to vehicle/conversion
• Conversion control through Toyota keyfob and interior sliding-door switches
• Halo-lit, one-touch interior conversion button
• Ramp ON/OFF switch allows users to disable all conversion features
(You can open sliding doors for able-bodied passengers without deploying the ramp)
• NEW lightweight, removable front seats are easier to install or remove
• NEW quick-release straps allow users to remove front seats in seconds
• Non-skid handicapped ramp surface
• Fully crash-tested and compliant with all government safety standards
• 3-year/36,000-mile warranty

Optional Features
• Durafloor (rubberized flooring) closely matched to the existing Toyota Sienna interior

Spinal Cord Injury

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After a spinal cord injury has occurred, a person is no longer able to drive an automobile in the normal manner. However, there are several types of adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications that can allow an individual with a spinal cord injury to drive. Depending on the level of injury and functional ability, either a sedan or van may be an appropriate vehicle choice.

The following are considerations for selecting a vehicle:

Driving a sedan: When considering the use of a sedan, the individual must be able to do the following:

Lock and Unlock the door
Open and close the door
Transfer to and from the wheelchair
Store and retrieve the wheelchair (either independently or with a wheelchair loading device)
Since characteristics and dimensions of vehicles vary, it is important that the individual performs these functions in the vehicle being considered prior to purchase. A driver rehabilitation specialist can provide recommendations for sedan selection.

Driving a van: If an individual is unable to drive a sedan, there are several options available for driving a van. Specialized modifications can allow a person to transfer to the driver seat or to drive from the wheelchair.

There are several levels of driving control technology to compensate for the loss of strength and/or range of motion. Some of these include:

Reduced effort steering systems to compensate for reduced strength
Servo brake and accelerator control to compensate for reduced range of motion and strength.
Servo driving systems, allowing one hand operation of brake, accelerator and steering.
Adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications for wheelchair access are available for some full-size and mini vans; however, all vans are not suitable for modifications. We can assist in making the correct van choice and can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine a persons ability to drive.

If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs and need a driving evaluation, give us a call at 508-697-6006 and we can, help you with with knowledge about medical conditions, and help with a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive.

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Behind-the-wheel evaluation