Local man receives all-terrain mobility chair

Published 10:13 am Friday, April 7, 2023

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By Angela Cutrer
Elizabethton Star
Applebee’s “eatin’ good in the neighborhood” claims reflected well off its other motto – “doin’ good in the neighborhood” when on Thursday the company awarded a local veteran a new mobility chair.
Wesley Bullington of Elizabethton received a $15,000 “Action Trackchair,” which is a tough alternative to a regular wheelchair. The chairs have treads for propulsion and user-specific built-ins, which could include a harness, flip-up arms, rear stability wheels and the like.
The addition of this chair to Bullington’s life cannot be underestimated. “My kids and my family are my whole world,” Bullington said at the event where he was presented the chair. “The ability to be out with them again, is wonderful.”
Bullington, 40, is married to Rose and they have four children: Aidan, 13; Raylen, 8; Remington, 3; and Aleyna, 1.
“It’s impressive to see companies do this for disabled vets to enhance their lives,” he added. “Not only does a chair like this enable me to get to the grocery store, but a whole lot further behind that and enable me to do a whole lot more. It’s amazing this company does this.”
In his application, Bullington wrote that he served in the Tennessee Army National Guard from January 2001 to October 2019.  His service-related injury causes him to lose feeling in his legs and he has to use a cane on the days he can walk. He no longer can walk any distances and the increased pain he endures means he can’t work and is completely disabled.
When asked what positive effects the Action Trackchair might have on his life, he wrote about not being able to keep up with his young children. “I would have the freedom of doing outdoor activities with my family again and no longer would I need to rely on someone else to assist me,” he answered.
Officials from Quality Restaurant Concepts, LLC, a premier operator of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants, presented five Trackchairs in Tennessee and Alabama this week. The company “remains committed to local communities by raising monies to provide all-terrain Trackchairs for disabled veterans.”
“This is our eighth year to do a fundraiser for this organization and I’m pleased to say we have raised more than $500,000 the past eight years,” said Chief Operating Officer Rick Houser in a press release. “We are happy to have been able to provide 43 Specialty Trackchairs with this money. These chairs are so important because they provide expanded mobility, allowing veterans with disabilities to maneuver in tough, uneven terrain. Conventional wheelchairs are not able to do that.
“It is only appropriate to give back to veterans that have made such huge sacrifices for all of us.”
This is the 43rd chair the company has purchased. The chair is tough enough for hunting or other sports activity as well as just getting around. Its patented design provides ultimate operator comfort by allowing the user to select the seat angle that fits them best. The company that makes the chair states it’s “designed for adventure. Built to be more than just the best off road mobility device today, it’s built to be the future. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or just roaming your neighbhood, the Action Trackchair is up for any challenge.” The chairs come in a variety of models, including types that allow the user to stand supported.
“I may not use this chair all the time, though I know some do,” Bullington said. “It will allow me to do things I never thought I could do anymore. My oldest son is getting into hunting, and the chair means my wife would have peace of mind knowing that I wasn’t out there on the ground if I had fallen. Now we’ll be able to go watch the ballgame my children are going to be in. It won’t be me having to sit down after walking just a while and saying, hey, I’ll be here when you get back. Now I can participate with my wife and children and be part of that.”
Applebee’s began its fundraising efforts at all 60 Applebee’s locations. “We raise these funds by selling $2 Blondie and Brownie Bites and holding special events at Applebee’s,” Houser added. “All proceeds raised goes directly to the purchase of the specialty chairs.”

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
(L-R) Danny Hodge-Applebees Dir. of Operations TN, Fred Gustin-Applebees Franchisee, Linda Jennings-Applebees Regional Mgr. Tri Cities, Wesley Bullington-Veteran, Matthew Roberts-Applebees General Mgr. Elizabethton, Rick Houser-Applebees Elizabethton CEO.

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde
(L-R) Aleyna, Wesley, Raylen, Aidan, Remington and Rose Bullington.

 

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde

 

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde

 

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde

 

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde

 

Star Photo / Brandon Hyde