Disabled Poplar Grove veteran seeks help after losing his only means of transportation

POPLAR GROVE, Ill. (WTVO) — Walter Fuchs lost his wheelchair-accessible van in a crash last week and now looks to the public for help raising money for a new one.

The Vietnam veteran said he and his wife are both disabled from the waist down. He’s worked as an escort driver almost every day for the past three years, up until May 23rd.

Fuchs explained the van was destroyed in a 3-car-crash.

“My daughter picked it up from the repair shop,” Fuchs explained. “She got less than five minutes away, and a driver going the opposite direction, rear-ended another car… and hit my van and totaled it.”

Fuchs said he feels hopeless after losing his means of transportation and providing for himself.

“I don’t know what it’s like to not work, and I’m afraid I will lose everything I own because I can’t work,” Fuchs said.

Elizabeth Carville, the Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Boone County, wants to extend a helping hand after hearing about the tragic story.

“We get several rides that are requested for veterans that might need transportation to an appointment or compensation exam, and we’re able to provide that at no cost for the veterans,” Carville said. “They’re entitled to those benefits. They just have to have the right person to help guide them through it.”

Fuchs said he found a suitable van with a price tag of over $30,000, including transfer fees, located in Minnesota.

Fuchs is now turning to the public for assistance in raising money for a new van.

“I’m out of my livelihood and everything,” Fuchs said. “This is the only way we have to get to doctors to get to the store. I’m beside myself. I’m pretty much computer illiterate. Any help anybody can give me, I would really appreciate.”

Anyone interested in donating to veterans in Boone County can reach the VAC at (815) 544-6464 or visit its website.