Impacting Blind Veterans
Morris Frank, a man of iron will and a kind heart, touched upon the lives of many blind veterans at a personal level. Very passionate about his cause, he visited 86 Veterans and US Air Force Hospitals in a span of one year alone, between 1942 and 1943 in an effort to rehabilitate the blinded servicemen returning from WWII. He not only provided them with literature but also spent hours inspiring them to get out of their depressing state of self-pity. His work had far more reaching impact than providing independence alone.
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Veterans HospitalsPersonal interview with Mr. James Kutsch, current President and CEO of the Seeing Eye
Dec 16, 2014 |
"When I returned on a hospital ship after the last war, two blinded soldiers broke rank and attempted to jump overboard as we approached the harbor. They said they could not face going home to their families - helpless and a burden. Had we had the knowledge gained from the Seeing Eye, we could have given them hope for the future, instead of their feeling of dread."
-Anonymous Commanding Officer |
He shared his experiences and educated veterans regarding readjustments to their blindness. In Hammond Army Hospital, Modesto, California, following several lengthy visits with the first blind soldier Morris Frank interviewed, the soldier was motivated to secure a dog, which provided him with his independence and ability to return to his former employment. In El Paso, Texas, he helped a young soldier who had completely withdrawn from society because of his blindness.