A POW’s Story of Perseverance and Now Blindness

To some, Cecil’s motto, “Freedom is not free, it is fought for” may seem trite, but Cecil lives this motto every day. His perseverance as a POW, commitment to country, and recent blindness serve as strong examples for veterans adjusting to sight loss – there is life after blindness.

When Corporal Cecil Phipps was finally set free after 1,004 days as a Prisoner of War in Korea, he was 23 years old but barely weighed 75 pounds because his captors mostly fed him small amounts of millet for three years.  Once he arrived back home, Cecil got a job, got married, and adjusted to civilian life. But he was silently battling the memories of his time as a POW. After 25 years, he finally spoke about it.

Now, Cecil is battling sight loss. However, he continues to persevere and help others by sharing his story.

Donate today to help BVA continue to serve veterans like Cecil, who serve as a model of perseverance and inspiration to all of us. 

BVA provides critical programs and services to those blinded in combat and those who lost their sight after they came home due to age-related conditions. Educational programs, advocacy, recreational rehabilitation, peer-inspired self-reliance, and claims assistance are just a few of the resources provided to blind and low vision veterans, their families, and caregivers. When you donate, you are providing the veterans with dignity, independence, and self-worth.

Learn more about Cecil, how he overcame being a Prisoner of War, and how he reintegrated into civilian life.

Credit: Rami Hyun, Project Soldier

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