Vietnam Veteran Amputee Navy SEAL still fights for disabled rights

Vietnam Veteran Amputee Whose Late Mom's Car Was Crushed Asks Council for Towing Firm Audit
Hearing that Includes Citizen Input
Huntington News
BY TONY RUTHERFORD, EDITOR
September 24, 2013

A Vietnam veteran and former Navy Seal has asked Huntington City Council to honor employees of the West Huntington Cabell County Public Library as “Hometown Heroes” for their gracious assistance of the amputee.

Telling council that he has endured three serious falls from his crutches, he requested that council consider improving access to the library located across the street from Save-a-Lot.

Refusing to speak from a wheelchair, the veteran spoke on one leg using his right arm to steady himself at the podium.

Thompson asked that a review be conducted of the 48-hour towing ordinance. He stated that his late mom’s mint condition car had been towed in front of his home. Not having the full amount of funds to redeem the vehicle, he was forced to sign over the title and pay $90 just to get his tools from the vehicle.

Council’s Public Safety Committee recently heard input from towing companies objecting to newly proposed Huntington Police Department requirements for towing venders doing business with the city.

Thompson requested that input be taken from citizens who have had their cars towed. In addition, he requested that prior to doing business with the city, towing companies undergo a ten year audit of “everyone involved in the towing and storage business.”

In a prior letter to council members and other officials, Thompson indicated that “I was deeply hurt because I bought the car for my mom who is now deceased.” The vehicle was was “crushed” by the towing company, who (in his words) declined to wait until the first of the month when he would receive a pension check.
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