Permobil and Tennessee Titans Surprise Veteran with New Power Wheelchair

Published in Complex Rehab on December 01, 2020

When Larry Hale attended the Tennessee Titans game on November 12, 2020, he had no idea that he would be surprised with a new, Titans-branded custom power wheelchair from Permobil. This surprise was all thanks to the collaboration of the Permobil Foundation and the Tennessee Titans football team.

Larry Hale, an American veteran, joined the U.S. Army in 1979 during the Iranian hostage crisis. A resident of Memphis, TN, Hale has been a long-time Tennessee Titans football fan ever since they were called the Tennessee Oilers. When the Tennessee Titans left Memphis, Hale was unable to attend their games because of his travel limitations. However, on Thursday, November 12, he was able to attend his first Titans game since the move.

While in attendance, he was honored with a salute and round of applause during a special shoutout from the announcer. It was during this announcement that Hale was surprised to find out he was being presented with a brand-new custom power wheelchair from Permobil, in partnership with the Tennessee Titans.

“Giving back is part of our mission and part of the foundation’s mission,” said Chuck Witkowski, President of Permobil Americas. “In this case, we understood that [Mr. Hale] had a difficult last year. As a veteran, they fight for our independence and we want to fight for theirs, and so we wanted to give a little something back.”

This surprise was recorded and can be found on the Tennessee Titans Facebook page. Click here to watch the video.

“As a member of the board of directors for the Permobil Foundation, I am so proud that Permobil and the Titans were able to provide such a great surprise to someone as deserving as Larry Hale,” said Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab and member of the Permobil Foundation board of directors. “We are all inspired by Larry, and I am honored to serve on the board of a foundation that continues to give back to the community.”

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