Navy veteran receives motorized track chair at NMSU softball event

Feb. 01--LAS CRUCES -- The next time Sean Robinson, a Navy veteran who was injured in combat, ventures into the great outdoors, the experience, he predicts, will be a lot easier to enjoy.

That's because Robinson, a New Mexico State University student, received a state-of-the-art track chair -- a motorized wheelchair with tank-like treads -- on Saturday afternoon during a fundraiser for the Aggie softball team.

"I can't wait to go camping or go to White Sands (National Monument)," Robinson said after he was presented the chair, surrounded by family and dozens of well-wishers. "I'm finally going to get to do the stuff that I haven't been able to do in a long time."

The chair was donated by the Hotes Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Richard Hotes, founder of Alaska Structures, which produces fabric shelters for military and civilian purposes at a facility west of Las Cruces. A representative for the Hotes Foundation, who spoke briefly Saturday, said Hotes has earmarked about $1 million to provide similar chairs for military veterans.

Robinson, who spent about 10 years in the Navy as a 1st class petty officer, said he was selected to receive the chair through an NMSU veterans program.

"I filled out an application," he said, "and then I got selected. I was in shock, and now, I'm speechless."

Robinson said he is currently enrolled in a child educational psychology program at NMSU. He said he expects to graduate in about a year. He and his wife of 19 years, Maribel Robinson, who was present during Saturday's event, have two daughters who also attend NMSU. The family lives in Anthony, N.M.

"I thank the Hotes Foundation, NMSU and everybody who made this possible," Robinson said.

The chair presentation took place during Dining at the Diamond,"a dinner fundraiser for the Aggies softball team. Before the chair was presented, head softball coach Kathy Rodolph spoke briefly to a crowd gathered under a tent in the parking lot at the NMSU Softball Complex. NMSU's new athletic director, Mario Moccia, a former NMSU baseball player, also spoke during the event.

Carlos Andres López can be reached at 575-541-5453.

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