red, white, and blue star with initials B V A

As Memorial Day approaches, we at the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) remember with solemnity and gratitude the thousands of brave men and women who have willingly made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of the freedoms we continue to enjoy. We include parents, spouses, children, and friends of the fallen in that heartfelt gratitude for their sacrifice, the magnitude of which can never be overstated or exaggerated.

Ironically, it is these sacrifices that now make it possible for us to spend Memorial Day as the first unofficial day of summer at outdoor cookouts, movie theaters, shopping malls, or simply relaxing at home with thoughts focused exclusively on our personal enjoyment and entertainment.

Although my fellow veterans at BVA were able to return home without rendering the ultimate sacrifice, many of them have sacrificed more than enough, losing their precious eyesight on the battlefield, or later because of their service. I am sure they would sacrifice even more now if called upon to do so.

One of our early BVA members, a true hero of our organization and an embodiment of the spirit of sacrifice we celebrate on Memorial Day, is Robert A. “Bob” Bottenberg. Although Bob passed away this past March at age 98, his life came close to ending in April 1945 when he was hit and critically wounded by German mortar fire, an encounter that immediately robbed him of all his sight.

Prior to his war injuries, Bob witnessed firsthand the unimaginable horrors of World War II in some of the fiercest battles of the U.S. Army’s European Theater of Operations. Instead of returning home embittered and downcast about the future and a new disability with which to cope, Bob told a close friend that he would simply have to start over. This he did, rebuilding his life by earning Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees, launching a successful career in Human Resources, sustaining a marriage for 70 years, and raising three daughters.

If that all were not enough, Bob was unwavering in his loyalty, commitment, and dedication to his fellow blinded veterans, employing BVA as his own beacon of light in challenging times. He helped the organization get off the ground during its formative years of the 1940s and 50s—and was perhaps the individual most responsible for a Congressional charter granted in 1958 while serving as BVA National President. The charter is still in effect today.

As a blinded veteran who refused to be defined by his disability, Bob’s life is an emblem of hope to his fellow veterans who pursue similar goals but who need the additional assistance and support BVA can offer them. In honor of Bob and his legacy, would you stand beside us at BVA as we remember his example of service and sacrifice this upcoming weekend? Please consider donating to BVA here in any amount you possibly can. It would mean so very much to those who, like Bob Bottenberg, have been willing to sacrifice unconditionally for the freedoms of all Americans.

With sincere gratitude,

 

Donald D. Overton, Jr.

Executive Director

Blinded Veterans Association