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Joining the Boxing Crowd
(l-r) Veterans Anthony Dunlap, Eddie Claudio, Joseph L. Cavanna, Jeffrey Steele and Robert Douglin
Sunday, April 2, 2017
The bell rang and the long awaited boxing championship between Thurman vs. Garcia got underway at the Brooklyn Barclays Center last month and former USMC boxer Jeffrey Steele was there with his Veteran friends cheering along with the crowd for this sold-out event.
Steele who gradually lost his sight from glaucoma and diabetes is sometimes sincerely asked why he would want to go to a boxing match when he can’t see the fight? Steele explains, “Hey, it wasn’t that long ago when boxing was only heard on the radio and few complained as long as they could be in a comfortable chair and be with their family and friends.”
When asked how he enjoyed the evening, Steele said, “Hey, it was great! We get a chance to meet and socialize before the fight and the Vets I hang out with are the best, they always give me an update during the fight especially when the crowd cheers.”
Steele expressed his gratitude for the kindness and support he has received over the years from his Veteran friends, “I can’t say it enough, these guys mean the world to me.” Steele said that he navigates safely with his white cane thanks to the vision loss training he received at VA West Haven Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center and the ongoing medical and vision care follow-up he receives at VA NY Harbor Healthcare System.
Steele wants all vision loss Veterans to know, especially the young Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans that, “I continue to have the love of my family and friends and have meaningful experiences everyday despite my vision loss.”
Steele added, “I’ve been interest in boxing for a long time. Some people think that it’s all about trying to hurt your opponent but it’s really about what strategy the boxer is using to win points.” Hence, the match ended with Thurman earning a split-decision point victory over Garcia. Steele and his Veteran friends will be back at Barclays soon for another boxing championship. He said, “Hey Veterans, New York has always been a great boxing town, so come out and join the crowd at Barclays!”
