Blinded Veterans Association Holds Conference in Reno-Sparks

By Chuck N. Baker

Male and female veterans of various ages and with little or no eyesight at all gather once each year to develop new ideas and discuss areas of concern to assist and protect their lifestyles. Someone once told me that just because an individual is blind, it doesn’t mean they’ve lost the inner feeling to be great. And these veterans are definitely great. Several members of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) from Las Vegas attended the convention, including Joe Tasby, who heads the Southern Nevada chapter of the organization, and Richard D. Metric, First Vice President and Secretary of the local regional group.

The convention not only draws BVA members, but it also includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and vendors who market cutting-edge products to assist those with little or no sight. A couple of the items will be discussed below.

Sparks Mayor Geno Martini got things rolling: “We welcome you to the State of Nevada. We thank the BVA for selecting us once again. I know you’ve been here before. We’re honored that the State of Nevada was chosen as your host.” He encouraged members to visit “The largest sports store in the world” in Sparks. “If you get a chance, go there.” He plugged the Nugget as the greatest convention hotel in Sparks and told the audience, “What a great group. I hope you have a great convention.” He added, “Gaming is legal here, drop a few bucks in the slots, the poker machines.” That remark created a roar of laughter from the crowd.

Congressman Ruben Kihuen was a keynote speaker. He congratulated the BVA for its 73rd national convention and noted that 60 years ago on August 23, the 85th Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower chartered the BVA. So he said two anniversaries are to be celebrated —  70 years for BVA and 60 years since being incorporated. “I thank each and every one of you for the sacrifices you made … you do serve our country, you are our heroes.”

When he related how he came to the U.S.A. from Mexico as a child with his parents and is now a United States Congressman, he received sustained applause. And when he praised America and the “American Dream,” the audience again applauded.

Away from the convention floor and taking in the exhibitor area, Rhys Filmer represented the Orcam Company. It makes myEye 2.0, a wearable device, mounted on a pair of eye glasses. When pointed at text and print, the device reads the words and speaks them into the ear of the wearer via an attached earbud. Steven Hamilton is a blinded Air Force veteran and a Orcam supporter. He said it was very emotional when he first used myEye and found he was able to identify his mail and read the ingredients on food containers. He praised the BVA for its resources. Orcam can be contacted at (347) 321-6340.

“Patti” represented Guide Dogs for the Blind and conducts outreach in Nevada, California and Arizona. “We have programs to provide training for veterans and civilians who qualify,” she said. Qualifications include good health and mobility skills. “Our service is totally free, including transportation and training at one of our two West Coast campuses near San Francisco and Portland. “We spread the word about guide dogs and help veterans change their lives as well.” Both campuses can be reached by calling (800) 295-4050.

Darryl Goldsmith is a Florida resident who has nothing but praise for the BVA. “I had vision when I got out of the service,” he explained. “But my sight slowly regressed.” With his sight partially blocked by “floaters,” he said it was as if he were looking through wax paper. As his sight worsened, he was let go from his job, and he said he lost his home and his wife. “I was 24 years old and was about to blow my brains out when my mom called and said she didn’t want me to do that, and Jesus didn’t either.” Gradually he began going to church, and then signed up for several different rehab programs. He took up drumming, he joined a gospel group as a vocalist and then learned how to play the guitar. When he learned about VA benefits for blinded veterans, he applied and later joined the BVA to take advantage of its resources. Today he said he competes in downhill skiing, trout fishing contests, hot air ballooning, scuba diving, rock wall climbing and other sports. He said that after successfully skiing and rushing downhill with the cold air biting his face, “You feel like you can do anything.” And he is adamant about getting others to join the BVA. “The BVA goes to Congress to get legislation passed for blinded veterans. The squeaky wheels get the grease. We have to speak up for ourselves. We’re blind ambassadors.”

The Blinded Veterans Association can be contacted at (202) 371-8880.