Introductions - Arizona

The newbie on the block, I really dislike introductions because my life has always been complicated with the Army and Department of Defense (DoD.) So here is the short version. I was in the Army 1969 to 1983; Honorable Discharge for the betterment of the Army, I was injured in 1969 witch led up to being on what was called a P-3 Profile Upper and Lower. Went home and the next day received phone call offing job to me by the DoD 1983 to 1996 then in January 1996 Department of Labor (DOL) Told me that I would be on 69% permanent disability starting October 1, 1996, until then I would receive my regular pay. Went to VA Hospital Phoenix, Arizona and after several tests was put on 100% Permanent Disability, Call Social Security Disability (SSD) gave them the information over the phone and two days later was given 31% permanent disability. SSD and DOL are both one in the same when it comes to paying out for disability. In 2000 I was in a wheelchair, but because of my lower back and both shoulders I had a difficult time using it, MEDICARE bought me a Power Chair JAZZY 614HD, made by PRIDE

Why would a disabled person want to join this Forum? I use to ride years ago on a Centurion Ironman and I did compete in the Century Competitions, somewhere around 1988 I traded it in for the Trek bonded aluminum 8500 Mountain Bike, then competed in Mountain Bike races. In 1989 I was back in surgery work related for my left knee, and a year later for my right knee, both resulting from injuries in the Army. VA said this is the end of the road for you, you cannot and will not work again, being whom I am I asked for a second opinion and the doc said, you cannot and will not work again. I got the picture. The last surgery in 2000 was on my left shoulder, and it was the last as my recovery took over 8 hours.

Yes, I know but why? I'm mainly here to read and learn the latest on the bicycle lighting systems. The Jazzy 614HD made by PRIDE will void my warranty if I connect anything electrical to the batteries. So my lighting systems need to be self battery operated and the bicycle business has the best by demand of their riders. This is the main reason, for I do go out after dark during the late fall to early spring as I walk my Beagle and I need to be seen.

On my six mile per hour buggy is fairly lit up now with Rood ID Supernova flashing Blue lights, and with E-Gear Guardian Signal Flashing Amber Lights which takes the same batteries as Road ID CR 2012 Lithium battery that are $1.49 or four for $4.00. On the back of my chair I have two Serfas TL 200 Blinking Red Lights on/flashing/alternating, on the lower back side panels, right and left I have two Cherry Bombs on the rear bracket of my seat I have two Road ID Blue Flashing and two E-Gear flashing Amber lights, On the front on each arm rest I have the Amber flashing lights, on the lower front bracket I have on each side a flashing Blue lights. I have two headlights by Serfas battery free bright/dim/flashing/alternating modes that are charged by my computer.

Does anyone know where I can get a set of battery operated Diesel Truck Horns:D

Hey SFC,

Welcome to Bike Forums from Texas.

HEY from a AZ native now living in Henderson, NV. Quite a story you have to tell. Life has its curves, glad you are still pedaling on the pavement. A battery powered diesel horn may be difficult. Have you considered the freon horns?

Have you been confused with a landbased UFO? That is quite an array of lights you have. The Lighting thread has interesting info on hubs that generate power.

Thanks, although I do not pedal, in fact no longer have a bicycle, I have been using a Wheel Chair, compliments of Uncle Sam in 1969. Although VA Doctor's signature and Medicare has supplied me a Power Chair.

SFC, thank you & welcome home!!! Welcome to bike forums from another vet. of '69, Army '65 to '70. The light & electronic forum here is very interesting for me.

Thanks to all all who have taken the the time to read and reply. Sorry for taken a while to reply back as this has been a terrible past week and 3 days for me as I have been going through some tough times with Migraines and trying to keep my glucose in check as I am a diabetic, I lost that attempt as usual to where now I take two different insulin shots four times a day. Oh well just another day in life for this old dog. But you know I would not trade one nano second of my military of DoD experience as it is what I wanted to do and a lot of people cannot say that about serving in military (Army) and then doing the same thing in the DoD. Live life, play hard, enjoy what you do, for life is only a one time chance as there are no do overs

Thanks, although I do not pedal, in fact no longer have a bicycle, I have been using a Wheel Chair, compliments of Uncle Sam in 1969. Although VA Doctor's signature and Medicare has supplied me a Power Chair.Glad you joined Bike Forums. Although you no longer bicycle, you may want to consider a wheel chair racer (if you have not already looked into one). They are three wheeled and are so close to being cycles.

http://www.google.com/search?q=wheel+chair+racer+pics&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=

Glad you joined Bike Forums. Although you no longer bicycle, you may want to consider a wheel chair racer (if you have not already looked into one). They are three wheeled and are so close to being cycles.

http://www.google.com/search?q=wheel+chair+racer+pics&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=

Thanks, I have thought of it to point of actually going for a test ride. I had three areas of mistakes I made that day (1) Shoulder pain from several shoulder surgeries from Army injuries(2) Lower back pain from injuries from the Army and DoD (3) I cracked my ribs while serving in the Army, today they actually bother me more than when it actually happened in 1969. All three led up to the the same thing, "Pain" and I mean pain for about a week or so after. I explained this to my Orthopedic Surgeon (Doctor) and he read me the riot act. Did you not understand me when I said I did not even want you walking or exercising of any kind, with all the surgeries we have performed on you, some of them are not repairable anymore. No More Exercising. Since they are the ones who pay me to sit at home and never to work again I sort of have to listen to them. I have had something like 20 surgeries from 1989 to 2000, and then of course the ones in the Army in 1969. Although, in the Army I was young and could rebound quickly, today it sometimes takes years. This is why I was told I was getting a Power Chair by Jazzy (Scooter Store) and even that when loading it on the lift and tightening it down bothers me, so as my wife is reading her riot act to me to go sit in the SUV and do not let me catch you out here doing this again.

Thanks, I have thought of it to point of actually going for a test ride. I had three areas of mistakes I made that day (1) Shoulder pain from several shoulder surgeries from Army injuries(2) Lower back pain from injuries from the Army and DoD (3) I cracked my ribs while serving in the Army, today they actually bother me more than when it actually happened in 1969. All three led up to the the same thing, "Pain" and I mean pain for about a week or so after. I explained this to my Orthopedic Surgeon (Doctor) and he read me the riot act. Did you not understand me when I said I did not even want you walking or exercising of any kind, with all the surgeries we have performed on you, some of them are not repairable anymore. No More Exercising. Since they are the ones who pay me to sit at home and never to work again I sort of have to listen to them. I have had something like 20 surgeries from 1989 to 2000, and then of course the ones in the Army in 1969. Although, in the Army I was young and could rebound quickly, today it sometimes takes years. This is why I was told I was getting a Power Chair by Jazzy (Scooter Store) and even that when loading it on the lift and tightening it down bothers me, so as my wife is reading her riot act to me to go sit in the SUV and do not let me catch you out here doing this again.

Thank you for your service.

Thanks for the welcome to your Forum from all of you