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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Posted
May 26 2009, 01:22 PM
by
BusyBee
Filed under: blind, Guide Dogs, blinded, soldiers, instructor, life-changing independence, training customized for each veteran, blast from improvised explosive device, training exercise, brain trauma, counselor for blind and visually impaired veterans, Fort Bragg, demolition training, newfound confidence, bond, IED, becoming an advocate for the blind and disabled, Guide Dogs of the Desert, missing driving