THE FOUNDATION IS GOING!

One thing I am not good at is writing. It seems a lot easier when there is a template and you simply insert the relevant facts. A story, or in this case a blog post, that requires thought and heart seems difficult, even foreign. But I will. I've watched over the years, many people struggle, myself included, with different issues in life. I know life is not "gumdrops and rainbows" but sometimes we all could use a little 'hand up.' So we created a foundation.

I grew up in a blue collar, lower middle class family. Dad worked for the electric company, mom took care of my brother and I. But I was a Helion. I was always in trouble, I didn't give a dang about school or grades and didn't or couldn't keep my mouth shut. More than once I remember being in the principal's office getting a wooden paddle across my backside. Then when dad got home I would get it again from his belt. I can vividly remember regretting being a smartass punk kid. But I couldn't help it. I wasn't afraid of anything. I never have been. This attitude continued throughout my life. It led me into a few, "nonconsensual" interactions with law enforcement, which really gave me direction in life. I could have been thrown in jail several times as a kid. But because our small town cops used their "discretion" I usually got away with maybe a ticket. But a DUI at 19 ended all of that. That arrest and ensuing issues was a life changer. I knew I was done with that part of life. I was truly appreciative of their decisions and it pushed me down a law enforcement career path.

But before that could happen I had to fix my past indiscretions. I went back to school at the local community college and worked full time. I ended up getting married and having a baby. Stocking shelves at the grocery store and full time 'studenting' wasn't cutting it. Enter the US Navy. My then wife and I decided the Navy would be a good idea, but when I tried to enlist they said "no" because of all of those "interactions" with law enforcement. Who knew?!? A month later, in August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait and I received a phone call from the Navy asking if I was ready to go. I signed up for a 2X6 enlistment, 2 years active and 6 reserve. After my 2 years, I returned home and went back to school and paid my own way through the police academy. After the academy I went back to Cal State University and continued working on my degree while working in the oil fields, all the while applying with different law enforcement agencies.

I had a second child, but unfortunately my wife and I divorced shortly after. A few years later, one year before I graduated from Cal State, I was hired by the US Border Patrol. As the son of an immigrant I was proud to wear the uniform. I remember my mom's naturalization ceremony like it was yesterday. I remember so much and have forgotten even more of those days. The drugs, the guns, the aliens. I can't count the number of my lunches I gave to some hungry, dirty little kids being dragged around, somewhere they didn't want to be. But a few years into my career I became complacent and lax. In December of 1998, I took off my gear at home after work one day, but didn't follow my routine. It ended up with my pistol discharging one round into my shoulder/neck area, paralyzing me at about the T-3 level. A month in an induced coma, had me waking up on December 25th. (I know, right?!?) After that I rehabbed for a year and eventually got an apartment, went back to Cal State and graduated and even had my kids living with me full time. With the support of family and friends, we still went camping, hunting, and even amusement parks. I met a couple of guys, Cal and Scott, who had tried out for the Paralympics, who really got me outside, on a handcycle, soaking up the sun and fresh air.

In September 2005 I went to law school and graduated March 2008. I then went to the Kern County DA's office for 2 years until medical issues forced me to pull out. Throughout my life injured, I have received most of my healthcare from the VA. They have been pretty good to me. After that I floundered for a few years, sort of aimless, alone and without direction. Then I ran into my future wife, Tanya. She was an RN with the schools and we hit it off right away. We started a business, moved in together and got married. She has helped me with a lot of difficult stuff. We created Van Life Voyages, (https://www.youtube.com/c/VanLifeVoyages) a YouTube channel, to show people that even in a wheelchair, you can still get out and do amazing things and see amazing places.

I tell you this because I see others with disabilities struggle with life issues and I know how hard it can be. I also know, you never quit. You never stop. You keep going forward. I also know that a little "shove" or help can have a major impact on ones life. I love the smell of morning as the sun comes up and the dew starts to evaporate. The sound of birds and squirrels starting the day. It's part of the reason I love to hunt and fish. I love being outside, in the fresh air, with some sun on my face and dirt on my hands. I want others with disabilities to be able to experience and enjoy that too. Enter the 'Just Roll With It Mobility Foundation.' ( https://www.justrollwithitmobilityfoundation.org/ ) We need your help! We are a California non-profit charitable organization and will receive our 501(c)3 status soon. We will do all we can to get as many people the "shove" they need, with the right equipment, to get them out experiencing and enjoying life! This is my promise to you.

Sincerely,

Derec