Rathdrum vet gifted truck, all-terrain wheelchair

POST FALLS — Marine Corps veteran Joey Lowe is an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman. He is also paralyzed from the chest down after his tank hit an IED during the Iraq War.

The Rathdrum man was gifted a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 and an all-terrain wheelchair “in honor of his courageous service to our country” by Freedom Alliance and U.S. Bank on Tuesday. The truck was provided by Knudtsen Chevrolet.

“Joey is courageous and selfless,” said Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance. “He served our country and made a tremendous sacrifice for his fellow Americans."

“What do you say to a gift like that?” Lowe said. “I’m humbled. I’m so grateful.”

Though life has looked different since his time in Iraq, Lowe has been an example of resilience. He is heavily involved with Young Life and recently donated his previous truck to a fellow wheelchair user. He and his wife have also adopted four children.

While physical limitations present difficulties, Lowe remains grateful for his family, which keeps him inspired and active.

“My life has been challenging for the last 20 years, but I’ve also been so blessed,” Lowe said.

He enjoys fishing trips with his family, golfing, hunting and hand cycling.

“A truck would make it easier for me to continue these activities and stay active longer," Lowe said.

Before he joined the Marine Corps, Lowe worked as a wildland firefighter, an EMT and a lifeguard.

“All of these jobs, at their core, are protecting and defending others. That’s what Joey is all about,” Kilgannon said.

Lowe is the 53rd veteran to receive a vehicle from the partnership’s Driven to Serve program, which has paired service members in need with vehicles since 2018.