ARTICLE: Blind Double Amp Marine Re-enlists

[stonecutter]

Blind Double Amputee Marine Re-enlists

By Scott Huddleston - Express-News
Web Posted: 04/08/2010 12:00 CDT

After all he's been through, the only real regret Marine Cpl. Matthew Bradford says he has now is not being able to return to combat duty in Iraq.

But Wednesday, Bradford, 23, made Marine Corps history, becoming the first blind double amputee to re-enlist. In keeping with service tradition, Bradford was honorably discharged and allowed to say a few words as a civilian before re-enlisting.

“Sign me up, sir!” he told Lt. Col. David Barnes, who administered the oath of enlistment, extending Bradford's military career by another four years.

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[ann58]

What a fantastic story!!

[ann-]

Apr 13, 2010 13:21:37 GMT -7 ann58 said:

What a fantastic story!!

yes.... 'but' ... am wondering what role he will play in the Marines.

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... He's learned to read Braille and works on a computer with the aid of special software. Friday, he received a promotion to corporal, based on leadership...

...He said he hopes to help wounded Marines cope with anger, depression and other demons that can fester if there's not someone around to provide strong peer mentoring.

Sounds like an administrative / morale / inspiration type job. I imagine that his having gone through it would give him the cred he needs to inspire wounded back to work.