Several years ago, Bob found himself sitting in his home in Ohio, watching the falling snow pile up outside his front door. It was one of the many long days Bob recalled during our interview with him. Difficulties with hearing had prevented him from continuing his job as a 911 dispatcher, and without gainful employment, Bob was unsure of how he would once again make a living. But Bob was resilient, as he had overcome hardship before.

When he was much younger, Bob joined The United States Marine Corps and shipped out to Vietnam. After serving there for six months, Bob sustained grave injuries from a command detonated device, resulting in the amputation of both of his legs. When he returned home from the war, he was able to overcome the stigma and isolation faced by a disabled veteran in the 1970s and build a life for himself and his family. He continued to serve his community first at the VA, and then as a 911 dispatcher. Service to his community was an important piece of his identity, he told us, and leaving the job behind wasn’t easy.

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To escape the cold and seeking a fresh start, Bob and his wife moved to Charlotte. Bob had little luck finding work when he first arrived in Charlotte. But then he found out about Uber.

Since 1970, Bob has used a vehicle with hand controls retrofitted to accommodate his needs. After speaking to an Uber operations manager, he was excited to hear that he could drive on the platform with his modified Dodge Caravan. That was almost a year ago—and Bob drives almost every day, and on some weekend nights.

After moving to Charlotte, Bob didn’t have many connections in the community, but Uber has enabled him to get out and about and meet people in the Charlotte area. In Bob’s words:

“Uber is a way for a lot of vets to get out — especially disabled vets — who are stuck at home trying to find something to do. It’s a good way to try to break down the barriers that are still left for people with disabilities.”

Bob is one of our many veteran driver partners. Last year we launched UberMILITARY—an initiative to bring economic opportunity to 50,000 members of the military community and their families on the Uber platform. We are excited to continue our commitment to partners in the military community and enhance the experience for valued partners like Bob.

Learn more about other partners like Bob who use modified vehicles.

Do you drive a modified vehicle, or know someone who does? Sign up or refer them here.