In 1970 — just two years into his military career — then-Sergeant Klein contracted an eye disease, which eventually blinded him. The Air Force gave Klein an honorable medical discharge, and sent him home.
Klein does not believe a disability such as blindness should disqualify someone from serving in the military, but it does. To be in any branch of the military, one must meet fitness standards and seek a medical waiver — which is not guaranteed — for any disability.
On a day of remembrance, Klein took a moment to talk about those he believes the military has forgotten.