Karlton Berry

Karlton Berry served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, but in April of 2017, a training accident changed the course of his life. During a training exercise, Karlton fell nearly forty feet, resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury that left him with paraplegia from the belly button down. What followed was a new chapter of learning how to adapt and rebuild independence after a life-altering injury.

One of the biggest challenges after his injury was transportation. His previous truck had begun to fail him, and the adaptive equipment on it was no longer reliable. As Karlton explained, “The other truck I had, it had been breaking down a lot, and the equipment on it was breaking real bad, so I didn’t really have a way to do things like I wanted to.” Without dependable transportation, everyday activities and the hobbies he loved most became harder to reach.

That changed in July of 2024 when Karlton received a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 from the Freedom Mobility Foundation. The truck was provided through NABC’s Recycled Rides program with Allstate Insurance as a partner, with additional support from Lockheed Martin, and adaptive modifications completed by MobilityWorks. Equipped with hand controls, an articulating driver seat, and a wheelchair lift system, was presented to him at the NASCAR Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Surrounded by the energy of race day and a crowd of supporters, the presentation marked a meaningful moment recognizing both his service and the support behind him.

Today, the truck is something Karlton relies on every day. In fact, he simply describes it as “a daily driver for me.” The adaptive equipment allows him to drive independently again, restoring a sense of control over his day-to-day life. As he shared during our conversation, “Without it, I wouldn’t be able to drive a vehicle. Having the whole setup with the hand controls and the lift on the back gives me the ability to drive.”

That independence means more than just getting from one place to another. Karlton has always loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and cycling, and the Silverado’s four-wheel-drive capability allows him to reach the places that matter most to him. He explained that the truck “helps me get out into the woods, dirt roads, muddy areas, all of that,” giving him the ability to continue the activities that bring him peace and fulfillment.

The vehicle has also made a difference in his mental health. Living in St. Augustine, Florida, Karlton often turns to the coast or countryside when he needs a moment to clear his mind. “If I’m having a day with PTSD or depression, I can hop in and ride through the countryside,” he shared. “Or I can go down to the beach, relax my mind, and enjoy the breeze.”

For Karlton, the truck represents something simple but powerful; freedom. As he put it, “It’s given me the freedom to be independent again, the ability not to have to depend on someone else every day.” Even while living with a spinal cord injury, the vehicle allows him to continue living life on his own terms and doing the things he loves.

Karlton also speaks highly of the Freedom Mobility Foundation team and the relationships built through the process. The organization stays connected with veterans long after the vehicle presentations, inviting them to events and continuing to support them as part of a larger community. The connections formed through the experience have meant a great deal to him and serve as a reminder that the support does not end once the keys are handed over.

To potential donors, Karlton wants people to understand just how important their support truly is. For many veterans, getting adaptive vehicle equipment through traditional systems can take a long time and be extremely expensive. Donations help provide a faster path to independence for veterans who need it most.

That independence is exactly what the Freedom Mobility Foundation strives to provide veterans like Karlton, the ability to keep moving forward and continue living life on their own terms.