HPU Fraternity Presents Two Wounded Veterans with Track Chairs
HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 18, 2025 – The brothers of Kappa Alpha Order at High Point University, in partnership with The Independence Fund, donated Track Chairs to two wounded veterans during a special presentation at an HPU men’s basketball game on Feb. 8.
Operation K.A.R.E., a national initiative started by HPU’s Kappa Alpha Order in 2016, raised a record $104,000 last fall to provide Track Chairs for four veterans. The all-terrain Track Chairs allow the veterans to regain their mobility and be more independent.
Kappa Alpha brothers presented Track Chairs to U.S. Navy veteran Jeff Farlow and Dr. Lewis Scott Oatman, a retired U.S. Air Force technical sergeant, during a timeout in the opening minutes of HPU’s 104-100 win over UNC Asheville in the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. Farlow and Oatman received a rousing ovation from the crowd in attendance to watch the Panthers play during HPU’s Spring Family Weekend.
Two other veterans received their Track Chairs from Operation K.A.R.E. at HPU’s 14th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 8, 2024.
“We thank the fantastic fraternity brothers who have worked tirelessly to support our nation’s heroes, especially our military veterans,” Oatman said. “The specially designed, all-terrain wheelchairs they provide make a difference, particularly for disabled veterans. My family and I feel genuinely blessed to benefit from this life-changing gift.”
Farlow, who grew up in the city of High Point, now resides in Asheville, North Carolina. He served aboard the USS Spadefish submarine and enjoyed outdoor activities on the farm he and his wife built before he sustained health issues that limited his mobility. With his new Track Chair, he will be able to access more of his farm, with its hills, waterfalls, ponds and streams.
“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to connect with the Kappa Alpha brothers to express my sincere gratitude for their amazing work, and I am truly grateful to the Independence Fund for making the Track Chair available to me,” Farlow said. “This has truly changed my life, and I’m grateful that others will be provided the personal independence and ability to venture outdoors that I have been given.”
Operation K.A.R.E., which was started on HPU’s campus, has grown to include more than 75 Kappa Alpha chapters across the country. It has raised approximately $2 million to help veterans and their families.
“We believe it is our duty to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Eddie Schreiber, a junior majoring in finance with a minor in entrepreneurship from Leonardo, New Jersey, and executive director of Operation K.A.R.E. “We are honored to support our veterans and help them enjoy the activities they lose and deserve.”
