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DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 29, 2024) – ITC Midwest presented an Action Trackchair to Jim O’Brien of Fort Dodge, Iowa, through the Paralyzed Veterans of America – Iowa Chapter (PVA). O’Brien’s overall quality of life will be greatly enhanced with the new Action Trackchair.

For several years, ITC Midwest employees have gathered for a summer charity golf outing to raise money toward the purchase of an Action Trackchair donated through the PVA’s Iowa Chapter. Thanks to the generosity of everyone from ITC, the group has raised enough money for the purchase of one Trackchair each year to improve mobility for a veteran. Each Action Trackchair is valued at approximately $13,000, and this is the eighth one to be awarded through the program. This year, ITC Midwest employees raised enough money to purchase an additional Zoomchair which reaches a top speed of 12 miles per hour for the PVA Iowa chapter to loan to qualified veterans.

“ITC Midwest is committed to supporting many worthy nonprofits that directly improve the lives of people throughout our service area,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “I’m exceedingly proud of ITC employees for supporting the Action Trackchair program in collaboration with the Iowa PVA. It is truly making a life-changing difference in the lives of the veterans who receive these trackchairs.”

Recipient Jim O’Brien voluntarily enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1978 at the age of 18. O’Brien trained, qualified and became a dedicated crew chief of an F-15 fighter jet until separating from active duty in 1983. He served in the Iowa Air National Guard until 1986 and worked for the Webster County Sheriff’s Office until 2010. In 2022, O’Brien was diagnosed with onset of sporadic ALS in his leg which limits his mobility.

“The greatest attribute I have gained from my military service is patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Equally as important is the reward of gratitude,” said O’Brien. “I am eternally thankful for the ability to enhance my life through the donation of an Action Trackchair.”

Paralyzed Veterans of America – Iowa Chapter President Scott Miller added, “These chairs have made it possible for these veterans to do things that would have never been possible without these gifts of independence. We are sincerely appreciative to everyone at ITC Midwest who has graciously donated to the cause of purchasing Action Trackchairs for use by disabled veterans of the Iowa Chapter.”

First developed 11 years ago, the Action Trackchair is an all-terrain wheelchair that has helped thousands of people worldwide with mobility-related disabilities. With the Action Trackchair, people can enjoy the great outdoors navigating all types of terrain, doing activities they once did or have never been able to do before.

About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a subsidiary of ITC HOLDINGS CORP., the largest independent electricity transmission company in the U.S. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and holds utility status in Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit WWW.ITC-HOLDINGS.COM. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North

American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit WWW.FORTISINC.COM.

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Media Contact:
Darcy Moulin, ITC Midwest – 319-560-7466; DMOULIN@ITCTRANSCO.COM