St Dunstan’s Welcome Blind American Veterans to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A group of blind American Armed Forces veterans have been 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, during which they have visited the attractions at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The activity packed stay 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 consisted of six war veterans plus sighted guides and they were 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.
As well as visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard during the week, they have also visited 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 learnt of the cutting edge techniques and equipment the Centre uses to give thousands of blind veterans greater independence, and they also experienced the strong camaraderie amongst the St Dunstan’s beneficiaries. On a recreational level they have been able to try out archery and acoustic rifle shooting.
Ray Hazan, President of St Dunstan’s said “The visit extends the co-operation between our two nations both on the battlefield and its subsequent consequences. Throughout its’ 96 year existence, St Dunstan''s has advised and encouraged other similar war blind organisations”.
Tom Zampieri, BVA Director Government Relations. “On behalf of the Blinded Veterans Association, we are so honoured to be able to participate in the Project Gemini program at St Dunstan’s. Like St Dunstan’s, the BVA have striven over decades to help each generation of visually impaired veterans. We constantly work with our Department of Veterans Affairs Blind Services to facilitate new ways to improve on the technology training and vision research services for our blinded veterans.
We are coming over to learn from each other and strengthen the bonds that we share as veterans.”
Notes to editors
· St Dunstan’s, established in 1915, is the national charity providing lifelong bespoke rehabilitation and training to blind Serving and ex-Service personnel to help them discover a life beyond blindness.
· St Dunstan’s is a centre of excellence for welfare support, rehabilitation, training, respite and nursing care with the aim of enabling beneficiaries to regain their independence, meet new challenges and achieve full lives.
· St Dunstan’s supports anyone who has served in the Armed Forces who has lost their sight due to war, age, accident or illness and the charity’s duty of care extends to all beneficiaries and their families for life.
The Blinded Veterans Association
The Blinded Veterans Association was established specifically to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness.
The Association’s mission is to promote the welfare of blinded veterans so that, notwithstanding their disabilities, they may take their rightful place in the community and work with their fellow citizens toward the creation of a peaceful world.
Blinded Veterans Association party.
Tom Zampieri. B.V. Director of Government Relations.
Dr. Roy Kekahuna. B.V. National President.
Major Derek Johnson. Executive Officer Vision Centre of Excellence.
Steve Beres. B.V.
Doug Cereghin. B.V.
Jeff Mittman. B.V.
Alan Tong. B.V.
St Dunstan’s party.
Ray Hazan. Blind Veteran and President of St Dunstan’s.
Simon Brown. B.V.
Colin Williamson. B.V.
Steve Sparkes. B.V.
Jamie Cuthbertson. B.V.
Mark Threadgold. B.V.
Peter Walker. B.V.
