Albert Einstein said that “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Veteran Donald Bowman has also found that, to keep moving, it helps to have a bicycle… particularly an e-bike. And to move faster and farther, it helps even more to have a fellow Veteran riding beside you.
Dreamed of serving his country as a Marine
Bowman began his military career in 1984, the same year the Marines used the recruiting message, “We’re looking for a few good men.” Bowman didn’t need an advertisement to convince him to enlist. He had dreamed of serving his country as a Marine for as long as he could remember.
The Marines found what they were looking for when Bowman reported to Camp Pendleton. For the next four years, he proudly cried “oorah” from the kitchen where he worked as a food service specialist.
When Bowman transitioned from the Marines in 1988, he crafted a new recipe for a nice civilian life: attending school, working and traveling. But after Sept. 11, 2001, he decided he wouldn’t remain a civilian any longer. His country still needed him.
Joined Army National Guard
“It seemed like the right thing to do,” Bowman explained in his decision to enlist in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Despite joining a new branch, his act of selflessness upheld the original promise he made as a Marine: “Semper Fidelis,” or “Always Faithful.”
Bowman deployed to Iraq in 2009 as a motor transport operator. His new role demanded he learn an entirely different set of skills than those he had perfected as a Marine, but he was up for the challenge. He operated and oversaw Army vehicles that transported cargo and troops to advance American missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After returning home, Bowman toured the VA Lebanon Medical Center for the first time with a group of fellow Veterans.Though he didn’t use VA benefits after separating from the Marine Corps, he learned about the expansive range of services available to him. This information proved important a few months later when he decided he needed support to address his homelessness and manage his drinking.
VA treated substance abuse and found affordable housing
“They were able to provide help,” Bowman said, describing the VA medical team that facilitated his substance use treatment and the caring team of VA caseworkers from HUD-VASH. It’s a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance and VA case management and supportive services.
E-bike takes stress out of commute
After working with VA to get his drinking to a more manageable place and secure safe and affordable housing, Bowman felt VA’s support was a keystone in his successful transition to civilian life. He also found that some of the same VA staff members standing beside him had done so once before, in Iraq.
Together from deployment to employment
Bowman deployed to Iraq at the same time as VA social worker Randall Haines. Like Bowman, Haines decided he was not ready to stop serving after separating from the National Guard in 2010.
Haines excels at his job, helping Veterans like Bowman find their job. When Bowman felt he needed to sharpen his computer skills, Haines wasted no time teaching him how to update his resume and browse online job postings.
Bowman found a new job in security, one he still is enjoying today. But without a car, he was walking serious distances each day to and from work. When his phone rang, he was not expecting Haines to offer him a bicycle and especially not an electric bicycle, or “e-bike.”
E-Bike eliminates commute stress
Haines explained that, through section 4201(a) of The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, MD Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315), Lebanon VA had a unique opportunity to provide e-bikes to Veterans in need of transportation to get to work.
For Bowman, the e-bike has been instrumental in protecting his health. He reports getting more sleep, being less stressed about his commute, and having more time to spend doing the things he loves. (On Sundays, this includes cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football teams.)
Bowman encourages all Veterans to reach out to VA: “See what they can provide for you. There are all kinds of programs. See if anything can help you out.”
Learn about VA programs
- Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness should contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).
- Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.
- Check out the Ending Veteran Homelessness podcast to learn more about what VA is doing about Veteran homelessness.
- For more stories like these, visit the HPO website and subscribe to the Homeless Programs Office newsletter to receive monthly updates about programs and supportive services for Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Topics in this story
More Stories
MVP’s research informs personalized care for Veterans, supporting whole health and beyond.
More than 4,000 American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans have been approved for the copayment exemption and we're here to help you apply for yours, too.
The screening is an important conversation with your VA health care provider. Here’s the reality behind common misconceptions.
This sounds like a great program! Thank you for this story.
I as well would like an E bike for my needs for weight loss, 280 lbs.
Good luck trying to get housing! I was told they can’t get it for me due to lack of space. Now the street in Boston is getting closer and closer in my future!
I am a disabled veteran, Walking any distance is out of the question for me and I don’t drive. I suffer with superimposed nonlocalizing peroneal neuropathy. I also have Ischemic Heart Disease, I’ve had 2 heart attacks and multiple strokes. I also deal with 4 additional diagnosed Agent Orange induced diseases. Is there any way I can get a simple 2 wheeled E Bike with a heavy duty battery and long range ability with a charger?
He is a self admitted alcoholic who lost his license. Getting him back on the road is a bad idea. Promoting this as a positive solution, is a bad idea. The likelihood that he repeat offends as a drunk driver is very high. This could cost innocent people their lives.
I would like an E – bike, I am a vet with poor gait, it’s diff to get around, can you help, please
Wow, watch your own bobber dude. Bet you are just a bundle of joy to be around. Hope you get some help with your mental health issues
Judgmental are you? Are you free of any sin? Wow at least the guy try to better himself.
What about Non-Veterian Men and Woman who are just Homeless. Is there any help for us. Because places like First Stop And Rose of Sharron. They do very little to help. Yes they give a meal. But we need real help. Housing jobs Transportation.
I am a homeless veteran, alot has to do with where one is as well as people you are dealing with in the VA! If an
I’m a veteran and would like to know how I can look into getting one of those electric bicycles.
Thank you
OMG….you greedy buggers. This is an article of how a VA program was used to help a Veteran, and all the majority of you want is to know how you can get a free toy. Some of you may have legitimate issues, but all I hear is complaining of how this article doesn’t tell you how to get an E-Bike. THAT WAS NOT THE PURPOSE. Some of you are part of the problem by scamming the VA for every thing you can get whether you need it or not. Very disappointing.
Thank you Travis. You took the words right out of my mouth! I ride a normal bike, that I bought myself, 10km for pampers for my kids. These lazy old aholes think they earned an ebike and are standing around with a hand out. Yall wanna know how to get one? You save 3000 dollars and you buy one. Like a man with responsibilities. There are guys with no legs still going on combat deployments today. Some of yall need 800mg’s of Growacet, and make it happen for yourself. Stop asking the VA to breathe for you. Children!
If such a program exists why would qualified veterans be greedy for applying for such a program? Calm down, you sound like an a a-hole.
I understand your frustration but – maybe some of the ones that are asking ARE VETS that really do need it. I just don’t know – do you? Scamming – well that is a bit harsh by brother and sisters were never addressed that way when serving this beautiful country that civilians have never stepped forward and served as they have in the way they have wether it was drafted or volunteered. God bless them and hand salute 11/11/2022 – VETERANS DAY. Peace
I was also like to find out how do can i get one of those e-bike
I live in a small town in Arizona. As a disabled senior vet one thing that would be of great help is solar panels on my home. That would free up over $200 in electrical cost every month. This would make a huge difference in my life and be good for our country and planet…. #Triple Win!!
I’m a veteran served the Marine Corps in the 80’s the Army in the 90’s and went into the Army Reserve in 2010. I was on my 4th deployment when I hurt myself and then eventually had to leave. I had been with the USPS since 1998 22 yrs when I asked for reasonable accommodations I was denied. So how about those apples….. now all I have are my memories of the days I served. Not much of a life now.
Well Randall, I’m a vet and not having issues like so many others, I’ve managed to take care of myself. The VA is for brothers and sisters that served!
If you want help it is available; just not the VA. There are options.
Don’t be envious! A lot of the guys that served aren’t getting the help they should be.
Try putting your hand out to help, not see what you can get.
Just realize every decision you make is a choice, so make em count!
I would like to know how I can get one of these ebikes I’m having a problems of walking these days you sure will help me
One legged, fat gut, could use something like this.
I just commented on my experience with the VA on my injuries. Now that I am 65years of age I had Brain Cancer in 2012 and I am deteriorating slowly, I am having trouble driving, that is why I would like a powered bicycle so I can get to the Supermarket to buy my needs! (4 blocks away)
I know the feeling. A ebike might be your best choice. Consider a electric wheel chair with some ability to bring home a large bag of groceries. Another way is Safeway groceries delivers if you join for the service as long as groceries total $ 30. or more. Very reasonable.
I have had an ebike since 2017. I do my grocery shopping with it. So before your uneducated mouth opens learn the facts
I am a U.S. Army Veteran, I served in the 70’s. I had injuries during my time of service but at the end of my discharge which were never documented because I don’t remember having a physical during my discharge. I have 30 percent disability now, but I still have more injuries that were declined and are more serious than what I am receiving benefits for. Because I did not serve during a war, I feel that I am segregated. I served with the 101st Airborne, I served an traveled to Panama three times for certain assignments. I don’t know why a Veteran has to work so hard for something he earned for serving his country!
Fellow, (and aged…old bird), Screaming Eagle. Myself Iraq war vet…2005. After reading your comment, I can sympathize, (I also gained a service connected- 35% from lower-lumbar-sacral strain, possible tear, from long Infantry marches in Korea, with 2nd Infantry Div in 2010.), I also was denied and appealed recognition of my injuries…BUT…I will accept their final doctoral assessment. I am not attempting to accuse you specifically, but there is ‘massive’ intentional fraud happening in the V.A. medical; on the side of former soldiers & veterans being the culprits, (I won’t go into details about these ‘increasing’ emotional/mental ill health—-lying, P.T.S.D. cases), these deceitful, dishonorable former soldiers are poison to the Veterans who really are in need of this. I have accepted what little financial compensation the V.A. medical has given; you as well.
@ Chris – I agree that there are serious scams going on these days. Having served 24 years in the Army myself; I continued to serve and went to work as a GS in the Army Medical System. The military is faced with an ethical dilemma. The job is war fighting, meaning the medical system is ran like an assembly line. Either your repaired quickly and declared mission ready or your ruled defective and moved out. The problem is the recovery time needed for injuries compounds as we progress in age. The system isn’t designed to get you back to 100% before redeployment. There is the problem…we Vets, typically, have the “I WILL” attitude. Therfore to push to be cleared ‘good2go’. The ‘DOCUMENTATION’…if documented at all, reflects this throughout our career. I was fortunate that a fantastic CSM as a Senior Mentor that stressed the meat grinder reality of Service to our Country. Coupled with the loss of core values before entry, bad recruiting, we now have a new generation of Soldiers that are taught to game the VA system…just just VA but all Federal and State VA and Public support programs. Bottom Line, until we fix the core values instilled in the American Youth; this problem will persist! We cannot turn our Backs on the Many, Many Vets that need support because of the actions of a few, comparatively speaking!
I can’t find anything about these E bikes online nor does it mention anywhere in this article how to get one. Does anyone know how to apply?
That was a very nice thing for the VA to provide for a fellow Veteran. I myself find myself walking to get to point A to B. The VA is really startin
I was also told to use only a bike for exercise because of my disability …do you think I could get one??????
I have cardiac pulmonary disease I need transportation
I sure could use some transportation to my Dr appointment and grocery store.
How can I get a e-bike with bad needs and bad thighs and arthritis or disabled veteran 100%
FEMALE SC DISABLED VET
MD WANTS ME TO EXERCISE THAT EBIKE WOULD BE A GREAT DEVICE WORKOUT PARTNER.. THINK I COULD PERSUE GETTING ONE FOR EXERCISE THERAPY DAILY
I would like to know how to get a e bike
Very interesting didn’t know all these programs were available..
My fiance was homeless and was told to walk over 200 miles to get to a shelter, absolutely NO help from anyone at the VA or any of the listed programs. We are in a rural area so there is nothing for miles and no one willing to help him when it was 10 degrees in the most northern part of NY. I am very happy things worked and are working for Mr. Bowman, and I know the system CAN work… if you live in the right area.
This is wonderful! There’s many of us without transportation to make our appointments and just getting out of the house. I use to receive transportation to and from the VA hospital but now you have to be wheelchair bound. Franklin Martin is absolutely correct and he’s not alone.
How can I get one of these e-bikes
I think this is a wonderful idea,must have a valid license TY o drive.
wow, looks like he can walk to work. I would walk to work if I could walk more then ¼ mile.
I would love to work, but their giving bikes out instead of operations and quality healthcare.
How much are the e bikes?
How can I get a e-bike with bad needs and bad thighs and arthritis or disabled veteran 100% could I use this pie for physical therapy for my legs and back
How can the VA GOVERNMENT HELP … US VETERAN GET AN E- BIKE TO GET TO AND FROM OUR DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS….THAT IS ABOUT 10 TO 15 MILES AWAY FROM HOME ! ( THAT WOULD HELP A LOT OF VETERAN TO GET OUT OF THERE HOMES AND APT.UNIT TO DO MORE THINGS …LIKE TAKE A RIDE TO A PARK …TAKE A RIDE TO A STORE ! )) AS FOR ME AS A VETERAN HOME CARE STUFF REALLY SUCKS …THEY DO NOTHING HERE FOR ME AT ALL ..!!
How can i get an e-bike i am a disabled veteran live in Gainesville Florida
Great idea ! Thanks.Darby
This article contained almost no relevant information and feels like it was written by a bot to be clickbait rather than helpful. Could you at least edit it to include information regarding: other programs that can be used/applied to in order to acquire an e-bike, how long it took to secure funding, and also any other actually relevant information other than just a drawn out story? This is supposed to be a government sponsored website not a freshman level writing assignment.
Patrick, maybe we didn’t read same article. The ebike info is there! Read again. There is an actual link.
I searched for the info as well can you please be more specific and maybe provide the link, Thank you
There is a link that tells you the program ended in Sept of 22. So again no relevant information on how to get an e-bike. It was also for one single veteran. That doesn’t help the rest that need it. The fact that one VA employee helped and cared is great but this is no help to the rest that need. It’s nothing more than a pat on the back for the VA helping one person.
Maybe you try the link
N apologize to the man
Not now what your talking about Karen
Tonya, maybe you can reply with the link? I’ve clicked on all of them and didn’t see one bit of information on how to obtain one. All of it was combating homelessness.
How can I get a bike
Love that electric bike.. how too get it ??
I live in Colorado and need to know how my veteran can get a ebike for getting around he has COPD stage 4, emphysema, congestive heart failure and lung failure
How can I aquire ebike ?
Yes please help me get a ebike I read the article twice and I pushed on all the links and I couldn’t find a link so please send me the link thank you I am a army veteran.