In this issue:
Blind soldiers embrace newfound confidence
By Michael Futch - The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer via AP
May 18, 2009
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Army Master Sgt. Dexter Durrante hasn't driven his Chevy Suburban in nearly two years, not since he was blinded during a training exercise at Fort Bragg.
"That's one of the biggest things you miss - the driving," Durrante said, sitting on a sofa in his Fayetteville duplex recently.
He was joined by his friend, Sgt. Douglas Cereghin, who also is blind. Cereghin wore sunglasses and a cap that read, "Life is good."
A couple of dogs - Shepherd and Zihn - lay at the soldiers' feet.
On April 5, Durrante and Cereghin were among seven military veterans who graduated from the Guide Dogs of the Desert program in Palm Springs, Calif.
They spent much of the 28-day program living with their dogs and developing a trusting bond.
Through the use of guide dogs, blind students at the training center are provided loving companionship and opportunities for life-changing independence.
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