As a combat veteran who spent years trying to create a wheelchair for his wife, Brad Soden was most struck by her tears. Since she was severely crippled in a car accident only three months before their wedding, Liz Soden was frequently upset about missing out on family hikes and camping trips with their five kids. Brad insisted on changing things.
As a combat veteran who spent years trying to create a wheelchair for his wife, Brad Soden was most struck by her tears.
Since she was severely crippled in a car accident only three months before their wedding, Liz Soden was frequently upset about missing out on family hikes and camping trips with their five kids.
Brad insisted on changing things.
On Thursday’s TODAY, Brad said to Matt Lauer, “I’m motivated when you make her cry.” She promised, “I’ll make it happen.”
Brad, a plumber without a college degree or engineering background, overcame several challenges to develop a wheelchair with treads mimicking those on a tank that is strong enough to travel through mountainous terrain.
According to Brad, we started a couple of fires, but since we were close by, we were able to immediately put them out.
Analyze the ‘Tankchair’ development cycle.
The outcome was the “Tankchair,” which offered Liz the independence she so desperately desired and quickly became Brad’s full-time career.
Liz said to Lauer, “I could go camping and trekking.” “I used to sit in the car when we went to the snow.” Now I can go outside with my kids and chase them around. In the car or at home, I’m no longer a prisoner; instead, I just travel and go out.
Brad plans to give away tank chairs for free to injured soldiers even though they are not covered by insurance because they are considered recreational vehicles. The chair, which can travel up to 30 miles per hour, costs between $12,000 and $15,000, has a three-month waiting list for new orders, and is well-liked by injured soldiers.
