Organization Helps Veterans Help Themselves (NAPS)—New programs are helping thousands of U.S. veterans who do not havesight realize a brighter future. According to government — ROAD SIDE sources, there are over 93,000 blind veteransliving in our nation today. Sadly, statistics indicate that only half of them take advantage of, or even know about benefits that are available to them. These benefits can help veterans who have been blinded, through difficult times, as was the case with Jerry Ellis. Ellis is a blinded veteran who ran a roadside restaurant with his wife, Helen, near the coal mines of West Virginia. “My life has never been better,” says Ellis, who re- ceived a medical discharge from the Marines in 1969 after losing a lung. Jerry’s happiness, however, did not come easily. It, “like most things worth having” according to the veteran, had to be workedfor. In 1989, Ellis developed a brain tumor which caused him to lose his vision. He was unable to work, and his family was forced to get by on his modest VA pension. Shortly after losing his vision, Ellis fell into a deep depression, “Whybother, I felt,” Ellis explains, “T couldn’t work, I couldn’t find my way around the house, I couldn’t even get myself a glass of water.” Programs advocated and sup- ported by the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), specifically Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprehensive blind rehabilitation services, helped Jerry changeall of that. The rehab program helped him learn howto live a fulfilling and productive life without sight. The program,conducted at various locations throughout the U.S., helped him with everything from the basics: crossing streets safely; to the more complex: coming to terms with his condition and dealing with life without It is estimated that more than half of the blinded veterans in the U.S. don’t know that theyareeligible for a numberof special services and benefits. den, and it reminded meof the smell of Momma’s kitchen from so long ago.” From that point on, Jerry knew he was going to open his restaurant and that nothing would standin his way. The BVAtraces its roots back to World WarII and a group of veterans wholost their sight during the conflict. In 1945, they met at an army hospital in Connecticut and founded the Association. The organization has been instrumental in spearheading and helping to sustain programsandservices meant to give aid to blinded veterans ever since. For example, the organization hasfield service offices throughout the country that provide advice, information and aid to blind veterans and their families. BVAfield reps, all of whom are blinded veterans themselves, counsel blind veterans in their respective regions. Thereps link veterans with services, rehabilitation, training and other benefits. In addition, the BVAhelps veterans who receive counseling to find and hold on to vision. It was, in fact, during his stay in the West Haven, Connecticut jobs within the community. There is no charge for any BVA service andall legally blind veterans are eligible for assistance regardless of when they lost their Ellis felt the inspiration to start the case of Jerry Ellis, afterward. VA Rehab Program, that Jerry his restaurant business. “I stood for a moment inhaling the rich, earthy smell of the vegetable gar- vision—during service or, as in For more information, visit www.bva.org or call toll free 1-866- 322-4500.
