Guide dogs, handlers visit RAF Mildenhall as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  It was literally a case of the blind leading the blind when two guide dogs visited RAF Mildenhall with their handlers Oct. 14 at the base theater as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The dogs, Edward and Opal, visited here with Graham and Sandra Waspe, to raise awareness on guide dogs and people with disabilities.

Mr. Waspe is blind in one eye, has limited vision in the other and has had Edward as his guide dog since 2004. However, Edward developed severe glaucoma and had to have both eyes removed.

Opal is now Edward's guide dog as well as Mr. Waspe's.

She is Edward's official replacement, and aids Mr. Waspe with day-to-day tasks, guiding him safely around town.

Mr. Waspe and his wife have spent the last six years traveling around Suffolk, lecturing and introducing people to their guide dogs. Mrs. Waspe has been a guide dog volunteer for the past 42 years, raising awareness and money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

"It costs about £50,000 to train and keep a guide dog from when it's first born to when it finishes its work as a guide dog," she said.

Children had the opportunity to experience what it's like to be blind or partially-sighted. They closed their eyes and either held onto a special walking stick or Sandra's arm as she guided them around, carefully explaining guide dog commands.

"It's good for children to do this," Mrs. Waspe said. "It makes them more aware of people with disabilities, and more empathetic. "

Dustin Sommer, 14, son of Daniel Sommer, 488th Intelligence Squadron, and wife Becci, attended and said he enjoyed petting both dogs and walking with them.

"I've seen [guide dogs] before, but haven't ever seen them up close," Sommer said. "I thought they were cool; they can work and help people who wouldn't be able to get about without them. Edward will bump into chairs when he walks if you don't guide him because he can't see. But I helped him walk around, and that was cool.

"Next time I see somebody with a [guide dog], I'll understand it more, and know what they are really doing," he added.