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Bowling center provides opportunities for disabled vets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Air Force takes many steps to take care of its family members. One of the steps that has been taken to help out family members in a small way is through a remote control bowling ball.

Recently, the bowling center here received a surprise in the form of this ball.

"Other than training, we weren't really sure how we were going to use it," said Horace Garrison, 20th Force Support Squadron bowling center manager.

Then one day he saw the use for it.

He recalled a disabled veteran, Timothy Little, coming into the bowling center one day with his grandkids. Since the veteran was in a wheelchair, he was unable to fully participate in bowling with them.

The bowling center staff remembered the ball. They grabbed the ball, the control and the ramp and brought them out to the veteran.

After teaching him how to use it, he was able to bowl with his family.

"He was so happy that he got to bowl, he teared up," described Alexis Little, the veteran's wife.

"The smiles and laughter they shared left them and everyone around them full of joy," said Garrison. "It was a very touching moment I will not forget. I now see the value of the ball and how it can help out those who can't do something simple like bowling anymore."

It cost about 1,200 dollars and is well worth it, said Garrison. It gets used several times per week. The ball also comes with a ramp and a T-shaped control with a button that can be pushed to the left or the right to control the direction it rolls.

The ball is operated by being set on the top of the ramp and then pushed. Once it begins rolling, the operator then controls the direction he wants the ball to go.

"Bowling is still a challenge with the remote," said Garrison. "I actually bowl better than I can control this. The ball and control are very responsive. It will give gamers a new challenge."

Those who are interested in using the ball need to make sure to call ahead and set up an appointment, Garrison added. They only have one ball for the time being. The cost to rent it is $20 per hour.

For more information contact the bowling center at (803) 895-2731.