BUILT ON DETERMINATION: VICTOR BENTLEY’S STORY

For nearly 15 years, Victor Bentley built a respected career as a union ironworker in Colorado, earning a reputation for hard work, dedication, and leadership in the field. Living in Platteville, Colorado, Victor completed a three-year union apprenticeship and contributed to major projects throughout the region, including work at Denver International Airport, Air Force hangars, and schools. “I was a well-known union ironworker in Colorado for almost 15 years,” Victor shared. “I was trying to lead by example and make it to work rain or shine.”

That commitment to his craft changed dramatically in 2024 when Victor encountered two patches of black ice while driving to work. The accident caused his vehicle to roll off the highway, ejecting him from the car and leaving him paralyzed with a T5 complete spinal cord injury. Despite the life-altering injury, Victor’s determination to continue building a future for himself and others has remained unwavering. His goals extend far beyond recovery. Victor hopes to return to the ironworking industry, mentor apprentices on the importance of workplace safety, and eventually pursue another dream within the trade, becoming a crane operator.

“I want to go back to working iron and teaching apprentices how to do the job safely,” Victor explained. “As well as it is my dream to get into a crane and learn how to operate safely and efficiently, and be a well-known crane operator as well. All ironworkers grow up to be crane operators.”

Through the generosity of its donors, The Joseph Groh Foundation has been able to support Victor with equipment designed to improve both his independence and quality of life. Assistance included hand controls for his vehicle, helping him regain transportation independence, along with a Firefly wheelchair attachment, a motorized, front-mounted handcycle device that transforms a manual wheelchair into a powered three-wheeled electric scooter. The adaptive equipment has allowed Victor to continue pursuing one of his greatest passions: race car driving.

Victor’s journey reflects the resilience, determination, and work ethic that defined his years in the ironworking industry. Through the continued support of donors and adaptive technology, he is working toward reclaiming the passions, independence, and purpose that continue to drive him forward everyday.

Throughout the year, The Joseph Groh Foundation provides life-changing grants that help individuals connected to the contracting industry with life-altering disabilities access essential resources—such as accessible vehicles, bathroom modifications, and rehabilitation technology—empowering them to reclaim independence. By becoming a monthly Luminary, you help propel this mission forward.