nastyleg
04-11-2010, 09:46 PM
Blind Gilbert veteran is inspiration to many
GILBERT, Ariz. — Tom Hicks is a former Army paratrooper and military police officer. He's also a third-degree black belt in karate and teaches classes in Gilbert.
And he's legally blind.
The 43-year-old married father of seven says getting involved in martial arts was his way of protecting his family and a way to become more aware of his surroundings.
He says people can take advantage of you if you're blind, and he wanted a place to fit in.
The chief executive office of the Foundation for Blind Children, Marc Ashton, says Hicks has helped show the world that there are no obstacles for those with vision loss.
Hicks lost his eyesight 13 years ago while in the Army due to a hereditary disease that causes the retina to deteriorate.
http://www.ktar.com/index.php?nid=6&sid=1282933
GILBERT, Ariz. — Tom Hicks is a former Army paratrooper and military police officer. He's also a third-degree black belt in karate and teaches classes in Gilbert.
And he's legally blind.
The 43-year-old married father of seven says getting involved in martial arts was his way of protecting his family and a way to become more aware of his surroundings.
He says people can take advantage of you if you're blind, and he wanted a place to fit in.
The chief executive office of the Foundation for Blind Children, Marc Ashton, says Hicks has helped show the world that there are no obstacles for those with vision loss.
Hicks lost his eyesight 13 years ago while in the Army due to a hereditary disease that causes the retina to deteriorate.
http://www.ktar.com/index.php?nid=6&sid=1282933