Fifty years ago, Villager Eddie McClellan had no idea that he would be a resident of The Villages and would be honored by the Villages Segway Club. He was just trying to stay alive.
McClellan’s unit of the 101st Airborne Division had been attacked by several hundred North Vietnamese soldiers. During the battle, McClellan’s sergeant was seriously wounded. At great personal risk to himself, he ran to his fellow paratrooper’s side, hoisted him over his shoulder and returned to his units defensive position.
As he stood up from laying his sergeant down, an AK-47 round shattered his right arm. He continued to fight from 10:30 a.m. until he was helicoptered out with 16 other casualties. For his actions that day he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. McClellan underwent seven surgeries and as a result of his wounds was medically discharged in 1969.
The Villages Segway Club and Chapter 150 of the Disabled American Veterans have joined together to raise funds to purchase Segways for disabled veterans. McClellan was the fourth disabled vet to receive one of these unique machines, which enhance personal mobility. He had previously rode a Segway a couple of times but never dreamed he would own one. He said he was”totally surprised and honored” to have been selected to receive the Segway.
McClellan was presented the Segway by club president Ken Redding, DAV chapter 150 Commander Robert Kobac, and Dave Holzapfel, owner of Segway of Central Florida. Redding explained that the club holds two Segway Experience events yearly to raise funds. And so far, they have raised more than $75,000 to help disabled veterans, he said.
Segway of Central Florida furnishes the machines at dealer’s cost.
The Villages Segway Club meets on the third Wednesday every month and has a membership of more than 150 Villagers. They are planning an outing to the traveling Vietnam Wall on Nov. 2, when another Segway will be awarded. Learn more about the Segway Club at srctv.org
