Wounded warriors get a new ride

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A new military transport vehicle was unveiled at Naval Station Norfolk on August 9. The vehicle was built by Toyota and is specially designed to help wounded warriors.

The minivan is the USO 's 'Wounded Warrior Mobile." More than 32,000 service members have been wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Returning injured soldiers face many challenges at home said Medical Director Captain Michael Montopoli, M.D.

"We have members who are in wheel chairs, on crutches, casts and so they can't do the same things that you and I can do everyday. Just get in their car and drive somewhere," said Montopoli.

The "Wounded Warrior Mobile" has a specially designed, remote controlled seat to facilitate passengers with physical limitations.

BU2 Andra Ortega was is a wounded warrior and said getting back into everyday life is a challenge.

"It makes us not want to really participate in things and not really be a burden on other people. It's kind of an embarrassment at times you know," said Ortega.

The USO is hoping this van will provide wounded service personnel a vehicle for reintegration and socialization. Both critical elements to recovery.

"It means so much to have this. It means independence. It means participating in social activity and trying to integrate back into [you know] normal, day to day life," added Ortega.

About 750,000 members of the military and their families visit one of the 11 USO Centers in Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, every year.

Checkered Flag Toyota in Virginia Beach donated the minivan.