Paralyzed Tennessee trucker shows off rig at Walcott jamboree
- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
By Mary Louise Speer | Friday, July 11, 2008 |
Barry Owens wants to show the world what the trucking life is all about from the perspective of a driver who relies on a wheelchair.
Owens, a resident of Moscow, Tenn., is giving people a look at his adapted 1998 Freightliner with a side chair lift at the 2008 Truckers Jamboree at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott.
The two-day event that began yesterday features exhibits, antique and super truck displays, the Iowa Pork-Chop Cookout, NATSO blood drive, bands and super truck and antique truck award ceremonies.
“I got hurt when I was
22 years old. My goal with this truck is to get a company to sponsor me to go to truck shows, hospitals, etc., and show what you can do with determination,” he said.
The accident occurred when the brakes on his semitrailer locked and he broke his back. He was left paralyzed but his fiance, now wife, stood with him through everything, he said. He later returned to truck driving, the career he knew best.
The 126-inch sleeper has a bed that can be folded against the wall and spaces for securing two wheelchairs. The front cab is open so he can roll his wheelchair to the driver’s seat and transfer himself.
Most of the time he’s on the road by himself, while his wife stays home raising their children.
“Now I can do a lot of things. I enjoy driving. When I first started I never imagined I’d put 2 million miles on a truck,” he said. “I’ve made a living and I’m trying to go to that next step and do more public relations.”
Part of the Jamboree since the beginning, the Iowa Pork Chop Cook-out is back again this year.
“When we started, we didn’t have any equipment or experience,” says Bill Peel, owner and operator of the Iowa 80 Kitchen who after 29 years plans to pass the spatula onto his son, Jeff.
Peel’s group served more than 500 chops that first year and this year he estimates his volunteer force will grill up to 7,000 Iowa pork chops and
5,000 chicken breasts.
Putting the cookout together requires about six days of work but everything will be cleaned up and put away by Sunday, he said.
The rising diesel prices are having a dire effect on truckers, farmers and everyone who relies on diesel, Steve Fugate, owner of Green World Biofuels, said.
“Fuel prices are such a such a problem right now. Everybody complains about it but what can you do about it,” he said.
The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.
IF YOU GO
What: The Truckers Jamboree
When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today
Where: Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa
Cost: Free admission and parking
del.icio.us
Digg
NewsVine
Fark
redditMore Stories By Mary Louise Speer
» More Local Stories
- Diocese releases names of 'credibly accused' abusers
- Scott County puts cap on lots in a development
- Paralyzed Tennessee trucker shows off rig at Walcott jamboree
- Questions remain about flea market, proposed homeless shelter in EM
- Women maintain active roles both on and off golf courses
- Artists show off work today in East Moline
- Police: Couple’s violent past led to killing
Highest Rated Articles from the last 7 Days
- 2008 Diet Of The Year:
- Finally, A Diet That Really Works! Seen On CNN, NBC, CBS & Fox News.
- www.Wu-YiSource.com
- online health articles
- Visit Our Top Sites About online health articles Here.
- AllHealthCarePlace.com
- Cheap Airfare
- Compare multiple travel sites. Discount web fares made easy.
- www.LowFares.com
- Ads by Yahoo!
