Looking Back at BVA’s 62nd

The lengthy account and numerous photos detailing the proceedings of the BVA 62nd National Convention in the Summer 2007 BVA Bulletin may not have captured all of the memorable moments. Here are a few additional memories of the convention week.

Leisa Friedman of Viewfinder, left, and Elena King of Optelec display and explain new technology to BRS personnel and blinded vets such as Skip Sharpe.

Ronnie Anderson, left, and Roy Young, right, Greater Houston Regional Group, accept the Gold Gavel Award from Larry Belote for having the largest total increase in members for FY 2007.

Top, right, Convention chairman Jim Harper and Christina Hitchcock spent the better part of a year in planning and hammering out details for the five-day BVA gathering.

One well-known 62nd National Convention family brought four generations to Albuquerque: Great grandparents Larry and Elena Martinez, grandmother Renee Johnson, left, Mom Dawna Johnson, and 7-year-old Sierra.

Debbie Telles, daughter of Convention Chairman Jim Harper, and New Mexico Regional Group Vice President Bob Baca were always available to convention attendees with questions or needs for assistance.

Emily Fox, left, and Sharon Traynor typify the support provided to blinded veterans by family members and friends attending national conventions. Emily spent much of her week as a convention volunteer.

Larry Belote, left, presents Braille flag to ABC News Reporter and Father Carroll Luncheon speaker Bob Woodruff. The flag was provided as a gift to Woodruff from the Kansas Braille Transcription Institute.

Operation Peer Support participant Manuel Rivas and sister, Gloria, at dinner sponsored by National Industries for the Blind.

During a flurry of activity in the room housing Silent Auction merchandise, BVA Auxiliary members June Flick, left, and Dorothy Boothman escape for a short break.

Left to right, a Northern Arizona Regional Group contingency consisting of Karen Oswald, Norene Spar and Mike Kanitsch will co-chair next year’s 63rd National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

National Industries for the Blind Director Jim Gibbons. NIB conducted workshops for Operation Peer Support participants and hosted a dinner for them and their families.

Convention regulars who never miss, Ted and Charlotte Noddin of the Oregon Columbia Regional Group.