The Kappa Chapter at Mercer University and Epsilon Nu Chapter at Georgia College and State University honored a veteran in need during Mercer’s November 15 football matchup against Tennessee-Chattanooga. The chapters met their goal and contributed enough this year that they, while partnered with The Independence Fund, were able to fund a motorized track chair.
Veteran Michael R., entered the U.S. Air Force in 1979 and served honorably for 25 years. Beginning as a Munitions Technician and later retraining as a Nuclear Payload Specialist, he served at multiple bases worldwide and rose to Master Sergeant, taking on leadership roles including Munitions Accountability Officer and Acting First Sergeant.
In 2003, while deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Michael was severely wounded during a mortar attack while rescuing a fellow Airman. His injuries—including a traumatic brain injury, nerve damage, hearing loss, and vision loss—led to his medical retirement in 2004.
Since then, Michael has faced progressing complications, including severe Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and relies on his wife as his full-time caregiver. After relocating to a rural area with difficult terrain, mobility became a major challenge. His track chair from The Independence Fund will help restore independence, allowing him to navigate outdoors again and reconnect with activities he loves, such as fishing and hunting.
These meaningful gifts embody gratitude, strength, and hope, allowing heroes like Michael to reclaim the freedom they once defended.
