Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

Disabled Vietnam veteran gifted new wheelchair after his was stolen

Posted at 7:59 AM, Feb 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-17 17:44:19-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- A disabled Vietnam veteran was gifted a new wheelchair on Friday after a thief stole his from his yard. 

Clifford Wood was charging his brand-new wheelchair when someone took it. As if that weren't bad enough, the thief also took his old one, too.

Physical Therapist Alex Stoughton heard Wood's story and decided to step up and help him out. 

"Being a disabled vet is tough, and there's just not a lot of support for him," said Stoughton. "This was one of those times I feel like I could actually help him."

Wood served in Vietnam and had to move around often when he got older.

"I ended up becoming homeless because I couldn't afford the rent," he said. 

His first wheelchair, given to him by the VA on Monday, was stolen from his daughter's lawn in broad daylight on Thursday.

"It broke my heart to see him upset and crying. It's just really sad, and it's sad that people can do that to other people. But we just pray for them," said Wood's daughter Miranda.

But thanks to the kindness of a stranger,  the 63-year-old said his faith in humanity is restored. 

"I'm glad that there are people that really do care," said Wood.