Wheels for wounded warriors

PORTSMOUTH, Va (WAVY) - Right now, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center is caring for 50 wounded warrior Marines and countless other military members with one thing in common.

They could all use a break from the hospital.

Wednesday, a couple of local organizations rode to the rescue.

"I couldn't even walk when I first got here. I was in a back brace and everything," said Josh Williams of the IED explosion that sent him to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. The Marine has been at the hospital for five months.

Sailor Michael Casillas arrived two weeks ago with a back twitch and debilitating pain. Casillas said doesn't know when he'll go home, "Months up to a year, depending on if they can't fix it."

But, Williams said they can only sit around so long, "because no one likes hospital."

It's tough to get out without a car, especially when family visits.

That's where USO Hampton Roads and Checkered Flag Toyota comes in, along with the Wounded Warrior Family Mobile. The van has a special seat for those using wheelchairs or walkers, and it's now available for warriors at no cost.

"It's really nice having family come down here, and a van like this will help out a lot...We can ride in luxury," said Williams.

And the Casillas family can possibly get rid of their $900 a month rental car.

"Actually, [it] saves us a lot of money and helps out a lot," Michael said.

A simple car ride can take their minds off the treatments and pain, making the road to recovery a whole lot easier.