Blind Veterans Run Army Ten-Miler in Rain With Meta AI Glasses
Meta and Lighthouse Guild sponsored an eight-runner team at the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C., on October 11, including three blind U.S. Army veterans who wore Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses. The race went ahead in heavy rain, and the event was used to highlight Meta's commitment to give free Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to every blind veteran in America.
- Meta and Lighthouse Guild sponsored an eight-runner team at the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C., on October 11.
- Blind veterans Roosevelt Morring, Rob Sanchas and Shawntina Gibson wore Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses during the race.
- Meta has committed to provide free Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to every blind veteran in America.
- More than 130,000 American veterans are legally blind and eligible, according to the release.
- Thomas Panek earlier became the first blind person to complete a half marathon wearing Meta AI glasses, at the NYC Half.
A team of eight at the Army Ten-Miler
According to the announcement, Meta and Lighthouse Guild, a nonprofit that provides care, community and technology to the blind and low-vision community, teamed up to bring wearable AI and accessibility to the Army Ten-Miler. The race is known to carry on rain or shine, and took place on Sunday, October 11.
The two organizations sponsored a team of 8 runners. Among them were blind U.S. Army veterans Roosevelt Morring, Rob Sanchas and Shawntina Gibson, along with Lighthouse Guild President and CEO Thomas Panek. Panek was guided by Kelly Ingham, Meta's Vice President of AI Wearables and Research Partnerships.
Each of the blind runners on the team received a pair of Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses to enhance the race experience. They were also guided by human guides from Achilles International.
Free glasses for blind veterans
The race served as a backdrop for Meta's commitment to provide free Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to every blind veteran in America. According to the release, more than 130,000 American veterans are legally blind and are eligible.
The initiative is designed to give veterans access to AI-powered technology that can assist with:
- reading documents
- identifying and describing surroundings
- navigating environments
- completing everyday tasks
- accessing information
The organizations say the aim is to help remove barriers in everyday life. The team ran alongside thousands of active-duty service members, veterans and civilian runners, which the release describes as a demonstration of how technology, human connection and community can create greater independence for people who are blind or have vision loss.
Voices from the course
Panek said: "These veterans defended our freedom. They shouldn't have to give up any of their own freedom when they lose their sight." He added that Lighthouse Guild's job is to make sure veterans are empowered to use the glasses to their best abilities.
Panek has prior experience with the technology. Earlier this year, according to the release, he became the first blind person to complete a half marathon wearing Meta AI glasses, at the NYC Half.
Ingham said: "Technology is only useful if it reaches the people who need it, and that's why Meta is donating Meta AI glasses at no cost to blind veterans across the country."
Sanchas, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the team, said: "Being out there at the Army Ten-Miler with other veterans using the Meta AI glasses was pretty incredible, and I hope more blind veterans realize there's still so much out there for us to do."
What it means for blind veterans
For eligible veterans, the announcement points to access to AI glasses at no cost, with Lighthouse Guild supporting them in learning to use the devices. The release does not detail how veterans can apply or when the glasses will be distributed, so those who are interested will need to look for further information from Meta or Lighthouse Guild.
