SARASOTA COUNTY- It’s been 5 years since retired Navy Lt. Commander Ramesh Haytasingh walked along the beach. Today he raced to the water’s edge.
“I didn’t realize how much it means to me,” said Haytasingh.
Freedom Alliance is a charitable organization providing support to wounded troops and military families. Haytasingh received an all-terrain wheelchair from Freedom Alliance, allowing him to stay active and independent. President Tom Kilgannon says it’s our responsibility to honor those who have served.
“Its important because as a society, we need to understand that those who are defending our liberty, defending our freedom are our soldiers, sailors airmen, marines in the most difficult and dangerous ways,” said Kilgannon. “We can’t forget them.”
As a Navy SEAL, Haytasingh spent 20 years working in several special operation roles; as well as serving in Iraq and Afghanistan eight different times. When Haytasingh returned home in 2013, a surfing accident led to a traumatic brain injury and paralysis. After years of getting around in a wheelchair, Haytasingh says with his new wheelchair his options are no longer limited.
“My mind is going crazy with all of the possibilities like running my dog or going to work,” said Haytasingh.
For Haytasingh isn’t watching his sons run along the beach anymore, he’s joining them.
“It’s so cool, to be next to your family doing something you love to do, and being next to the water and going to a place that I haven’t been in five years.”
With his renewed independence, Haytasingh’s goal now is to continue to serve and give back to his community in any way he can.
“It’s a tool that I can now use to help me give back and help out and the sky is the limit,” said Haytasingh.