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Two nations unite to help blind veterans

A group of blind American Armed Forces veterans will be participating in a week- long visit to the UK this month as part of an exchange programme with St Dunstan’s – the UK charity for blind ex-Servicemen and women.

The activity packed stay will run from 22nd – 29th May, and has been organised by St Dunstan’s for members of the Blinded Veterans Association U.S.A. (BVA)  It is part of an exchange programme called Project Gemini – Gemini being the name of a transatlantic communications cable that links the UK and the US.

The party of twelve will consist of seven war veterans plus sighted guides and they will be joined by seven St Dunstan’s beneficiaries. With the exception of one member of the group, all the American veterans suffered sight loss while serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan .  Blinded Veterans Association President, Dr Roy Kekahuna, a former Special Forces Major, served in the Vietnam War.

A high point of their trip will be visiting St Dunstan’s rehabilitation and training Centre in Brighton , which helps Serving and ex- Service personnel who have lost their sight due to conflict, age or illness.  There they will learn of the cutting edge techniques and equipment the Centre uses to give thousands of blind veterans greater independence, and they will also experience the strong camaraderie amongst the St Dunstan’s beneficiaries. On a recreational level they will be able to try out archery and acoustic rifle shooting.

Visit: www.st-dunstans.org.uk