Press Releases :: October 29, 2009

Baldwin Salutes Local Marine

Segs4Vets Program Gives Injured Vets More Independence

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin saluted Marine Corporal Jacob Janes of Evansville at a ceremony today at the National Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Janes was one of twenty-five soldiers who suffered severe injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan to be presented with an innovative vehicle that will allow them more independence as they continue their recovery.

Cpl. Janes lost both legs below the knee after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in April 2009, two weeks before his tour of duty there was to end. He was awarded the Purple Heart among other service medals.

At today’s ceremony, the Segs4Vets program presented Janes and the other servicemembers with a Segway PT, a two-wheeled, electric, personal mobility vehicle. Segs4Vets is a non-profit, grass-roots organization that, since 2006, has awarded 356 Segways to veterans who were severely injured or permanently disabled while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Corporal Janes and his family have made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our nation,” said Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. “The Segs4Vets program provides a great service to him and others who deserve our gratitude and our support as they continue their recovery,” Baldwin said.