Disabled Doesn’t Mean Unable
Paralyzed Veteran Volunteers Time to Help Others

Rebecca Johnson is a veteran who has volunteered at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center for the past 13 years. During this timeframe, she has worked more than 1,900 hours for our nation’s hospitalized veterans.

Johnson is a paralyzed veteran who operates her motorized wheelchair by use of a chin control – but this has not stopped nor slowed her down. She volunteers three days a week in the hospital’s psychiatry department, inputting computer data for the staff using a mouth stick. She also is a peer partner in the hospital’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit where she talks with newly injured veterans about day-to-day living – sometimes, she just listens and reassures veterans who need a friendly face.

Johnson is a shining example of what a person with a spinal cord injury can accomplish. Along with volunteering, she is an active participant in the Veteran Wheelchair Games, bringing home numerous medals and honors for her athletic abilities. An avid bowler, she maintains a 150 average using her mouth stick.

Last year, Johnson was selected as one of Houston’s Olympic torchbearers. She appeared Dec. 10 on several local television newscasts as she carried the Olympic torch through the streets of Houston.

"I feel so blessed each day that I wake up, I can’t wait to get out and meet people," Johnson said, adding, "Never stop dreaming, hoping, and striving for the highest you can achieve!"

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