Alumni Update: Project Gemini

WBRC recently received an update from one of our Alumni, Chris Rader, on his recent experience participating in Project Gemini through the BVA.  He was happy to have us share it on the WBRC blog, find his update following below:

Photo: Chris Rader at Buckingham Palace June 4, 2015

    
Through The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) Operation Peer Support, I Chris Rader a lifetime member, was given the opportunity to go on Project Gemini.  Project Gemini happens once a year and unites the Blinded Veterans of the United States with the Blinded Veterans of the U.K. (BVA U.K.) for a week of experiencing what kind of training they receive at their blind center in Brighton where their headquarters is located. 



Photo: Mr. Rader's invitation to Buckingham Palace

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity this year as we celebrated their 100-year anniversary at a Garden Party in the Buckingham Palace.  I stayed at an overflow house that they have converted into a multiple bedroom facility for Veterans to stay at just next to their headquarters/ blind center.  During the stay they provided us the opportunity to add to their wall of plaques, which my plaque was made through a lifetime member of the BVA who does laser engravings, which stated Task Force Tarawa, Alpha 1/10 1^st Battalion 2^nd Marine Division the mission which I was in for the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003.  The BVA U.K. also made me a lifetime member of their association to where I can go visit their blind center and stay in the house for a week at a good price, which I plan on doing one of these years to complete a 100k 24 hour walk for charity. 

The experience I had there was amazing and have decided that during the BVA conferences we will have to provide them with more to do and see instead of just classes on how to work with the Veterans Affairs and coping with blindness, as they gave us tours of palaces, museums, and historical sites.  We also went to a lagoon to where we were taught how to wake and paddle board.  I would have to say it all together a wonderful experience.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Project Gemini

CLICK HERE to learn more about the BVA

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WBRC

Guest Post: Reflections on the 66th BVA Convention in Las Vegas

Image: BVA Logo

The 66th National BVA convention was held August 16th - 20th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Most people fly to Las Vegas, but Dale [my Husband] and I took Amtrak to Las Vegas!  It was a very interesting trip, leaving early in the morning, and arriving late Tuesday night.  Most of the trip was by train, but over five hours was on the bus which was extremely exhausting.  However, it was an adventure, and if you are wondering, yes, we flew back home. 

The convention was held at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas which has been totally renovated with restaurants and shops.  Some of the cool new features of the Golden Nugget are the aquariums and the slide through the shark tank!  For those of you who are not familiar with Las Vegas, down town is the Old Fremont Street which is now covered and is a huge light show at night.

The convention kicked off with opening remarks by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki and other dignitaries from the state of Nevada.  The Secretary commented on the progress that has been made throughout his administration during the past two and ½ years including service claims, benefits, homeless veterans, and the role of women veterans.  He was very charismatic and enthusiastic as he spoke with bold straight forward remarks, and I was very proud to be a woman veteran of the United States Navy. After all of the fabulous speakers, the National BVA president, Dr. Roy Kekahuna called roll for all of the delegates representing each state and region and the convention was in full swing.

There were many sessions, research information, and vendors to keep each one of us very busy.  I attended the Father Carroll luncheon and Dr. Greg Goodrich was the key note speaker.  Gayle Watson also gave a very interesting and informative session about the role of the VA Blind Rehabilitation Centers, which was received with great enthusiasm.

One of the many highlights for me was meeting new veterans, reconnecting with many WBRC Alumni, and visiting the Hospitality suite. The Northern California BVA chapter was well represented by President Felipe Flores and other board members.  It was a great convention and very worthwhile to attend.  Next year the BVA convention will be held in Galveston, Texas.  If you would like more information about the National convention please visit the following web site: BVA.org


CLICK HERE for a LINK to Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs Eric K. Shinseki’s BVA Convention Opening Remarks


CLICK HERE for a LINK to BVA.org

Guest Post By: Anita Stone, VRT
WBRC Living Skills Instructor
BVA Life Time Member, Northern California Chapter