'A huge challenge' ; Families of wounded soldiers struggle, too (9/14/04)

'A huge challenge' ; Families of wounded soldiers struggle, too
GRPR000020040917e09e00004
Nation / World
Stephen Manning / The Associated Press
799 Words
14 September 2004
The Grand Rapids Press
All Editions
A9
English
Copyright (c) 2004 Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON -- Heather Pepper pulls a cigarette out of her husband's pack, lights it and takes a drag to get it burning.

"Here, honey," she says, holding it in front of Staff Sgt. Jason Pepper, 27, and moving an ashtray to a spot near him on the table. His face and his blank eyes turn toward her, his hand groping the air to find hers.

Blinded four months ago by a roadside explosion in Iraq, Pepper is almost completely dependent on his wife. She helps him bathe, dress and eat. When he walks, he throws his hands over her shoulders, shuffling along behind her.

She has become his eyes.

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