(ARA) - When World War II veteran Otis Scott contracted glaucoma and lost his sight in 1945, he could have sunk into anger and self-pity. Corporal Neftali Sanchez might have done much the same after an exploding grenade in Korea amputated both his arms below the elbows and caused him to lose sight in both of his eyes. The same fate could have awaited Joe Burns after his shovel struck a land mine while digging a foxhole in Vietnam, leaving him almost completely blind.

Instead, like a remarkable number of 20th century American veterans, the trio refused to abandon the bright future and full lives they had envisioned for themselves as young men entering the military.

Otis, an Ohio native, enjoyed a 21-year career in physical medicine. Tali, from El Paso, Texas, went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree. Joe, who was born and raised in Tupelo, Miss., returned to his job as a geologist, became a certified public accountant, and now runs his own accounting services and geology consulting company. Along the way, each of these courageous men discovered an organization that would serve them and enrich their lives.

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), traces its roots to a March 28, 1945, meeting of World War II war-blinded veterans recuperating at Old Farms Convalescent Hospital in Avon, Conn. Since that day, BVA has been instrumental in spearheading and helping sustain programs and services meant to help blinded veterans.

“Anyone who loses their sight in combat, during military training, or after military service is potentially eligible for federal or state and local assistance,” says Tom Miller, BVA executive director. “All blind and visually impaired veterans are eligible, and membership in the Association is never a prerequisite to receive help.”

Assistance includes residential blind rehabilitation, access to the latest technology, compensation and pension allowances, and the support of fellow blinded veterans who gather regularly in localized regional groups. The groups offer emotional assistance, friendship, opportunities for service, and recreation.

“As they released me from the hospital after several unsuccessful and physically exhausting operations, I was abruptly handed a 30-inch cane, almost half the size of today’s standards, and was told that nothing else could be done for me,” says Otis Scott, now 81 and a resident of North Wilkesboro, N.C. “Nevertheless, I somehow knew that I could make it if someone could just teach and train me.”

Three years after becoming blind, Otis became aware of what was then known as the Hines Veterans Administration Blind Rehabilitation Center, located just outside of Chicago. His enrollment at the center resulted in a newly discovered direction for education, a career, and positions of national leadership in BVA.

Three years ago he ventured into the high-tech world by successfully completing the Computer Access Training Section (CATS) at the Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

“BVA has been valuable in my life because it successfully informed me of my rights as a blinded veteran,” he said. “It took me almost 30 years to receive some of the benefits I should have received upon losing my vision, but I might still be waiting if it were not for BVA resources, volunteers, and valuable peer group support.”

Tali Sanchez credits BVA with helping motivate him to pursue a college education -- and more important to him, opportunities to help others. He graduated from Pepperdine University in 1959 and received a master’s degree two years later. Tali later attended Bible college and received a bachelor’s degree in theology in 1974.

After a land mine exploded in Joe Burns’ face, he spent the better part of the next year at Philadelphia Naval Hospital. His left eye kept getting infected and was finally removed. His right eye stabilized, and he regained a small percentage of his sight.

“Of course, I didn’t think it would be possible to continue as a geologist or go back to work for my former employer,” said Burns.. “Then, some men from the company --fellows I had known only casually -- contacted me and suggested I might want to come back to work.”

Shortly thereafter Joe indeed returned to Amoco, where he used every type of vision aid he could obtain, sought advice from any and all sources, and developed his own ways of getting work done. He later became the vice president of another oil company and then joined an independent oil exploration firm as executive vice president. He also returned to school and earned a degree in accounting and shortly thereafter became a licensed CPA.

In the midst of a myriad of family, educational, and professional commitments, Joe also became interested in BVA and its mission to help blinded veterans. He held several regional group and national positions before serving as BVA national president the past two years. He credits the Association with providing him with a purpose in life that goes beyond his own accomplishments.

“I’m not at all uncertain about the good work we do in helping blinded veterans,” he said. “As I complete my presidency, I am honored to have been involved in something so rewarding and worthwhile.”

The Blinded Veterans Association is a nonprofit organization that relies solely on the support of individuals and organizations. For more information about BVA and its services, call (800) 669-7079 anytime, or visit www.bva.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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