Injured Twin Falls Iraqi Veteran Given Off-Road Chair

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) -- Andrew Pike was busy practicing a task many take for granted Wednesday at the Idaho Statehouse. The 28-year-old wounded Army vet was standing upright with the help of a motorized wheelchair he'd just been gifted by volunteers.

Pike was elated, and a bit light-headed from the rush of blood to his legs. His new, all-terrain machine includes a rubberized track system, hand-held controls, flashlight, and camouflage seating. It also comes complete with a gun rack. The gift will allow the Twin Falls-native the freedom and ability to move under his own power off-road, to stand and shoot or cast a fishing pole upright in Idaho's outdoors. Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter proudly introduced Pike to a waiting throng of TV reporters, legislators, and capitol staff who gathered for the special moment.

Pike's new chair was donated by Higher Ground Sun Valley and Project Healing Waters Flyfishing. The organizations teamed up with the Independence Fund to raise money for an all-terrain track chair. Both groups then teamed up with Governor Otter to surprise Pike with the gift during a tour of the Statehouse. Andrew is the son of Twin Falls Police Chief Brian Pike