Blind Iraq Veteran taking Walk for Vision

Moorhead man who lost sight in Iraq War to take part in Walk for Vision

By: Helmut Schmidt,
INFORUM
April 26, 2012
MOORHEAD -


Eric Marts made it a point to take care of the soldiers he led in battle in Iraq, even as repeated roadside blasts were robbing him of his eyesight.

Now blind, the 50-year-old former Army National Guard master sergeant is still helping others, hoping to give people in the same situation – whether veterans or lifelong civilians – the same advantages.

Marts plans to walk with his guide dog, “Corporal” Deacon, at North Dakota State University on Saturday in the Fargo version of “Walk for Vision,” the main fundraiser for the North Dakota Association of the Blind.

“I’m pretty blessed,” Marts says matter-of-factly.

After all, the Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs helped get him the training and the technology to make a life without sight more navigable, as well as his big, friendly English Labrador guide dog.

He wants to be part of the walk to raise money so that those without his support system can go to camps and get the same sort of help to ease their way through the world.

“So I guess that’s a good cause,” Marts said.
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