[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 49 (Friday, March 26, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

  Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of H.J. Res. 80, which was 
received from the House and is at the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the joint resolution by 
title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 80) recognizing and honoring 
     the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary of 
     representing blinded veterans and their families.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the joint 
resolution.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today I ask our colleagues to support a 
joint resolution honoring and recognizing the Blinded Veterans 
Association for its 65 years of dedication to blinded veterans, and 
their families.
  On March 28, 1945, during the closing stages of World War II, a group 
of nearly 100 blinded veterans were recuperating at the Old Farms Army 
Convalescent Hospital near Avon, Connecticut. These men discussed the 
challenges they had faced and those they were yet to experience, and 
decided to form an organization with the express purpose of helping 
other fellow blinded veterans. It was on that day that the Blinded 
Veterans Association was born.
  The war-blinded population is one with unique needs and as such, 
requires specialized care and support. BVA has filled an essential 
role, serving as an ardent advocate and engaging in outreach efforts, 
to ensure these men and women regain independence and confidence, and 
experience a smooth transition into civilian life.
  After 65 years of service, BVA continues to actively contribute to 
the betterment of blinded veterans' lives. BVA conducts two programs 
that help to reintegrate newly blinded veterans of our current wars 
back into their communities. The Field Service Program strategically 
places legally blind veteran representatives in different geographical 
areas, to ensure newly blinded veterans are aware of what health care 
services they qualify for, and are equipped with the necessary skills 
and tools to deal with life after sight loss. Operation Peer Support 
links returning blinded OEF/OIF veterans with blinded veterans of 
previous wars who faced similar challenges, thereby providing role 
models and necessary support. BVA further supports this important 
community by offering academic scholarships each year to a limited 
number of blinded veteran dependents.
  Blinded veterans have sacrificed much for this nation and deserve the 
best care and support. As their voice, BVA has helped Congress ensure 
we are doing everything within our reach to assist these brave men and 
women as they adapt to a new life after service.
  Mr. President, I urge passage of this joint resolution honoring BVA 
on its 65th anniversary of advocacy on behalf of blinded veterans, on 
March 28, 2010.
  Mr. KAUFMAN. I ask unanimous consent the joint resolution be read 
three times and passed, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or 
debate, and any statements be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 80) was ordered to a third reading, 
was read the third time, and passed.
  The preamble was agreed to.

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