Blind Special Forces Officer

• The 18-year Army veteran and father of one is an executive officer at the 7th Special Forces Group's headquarters company in Fort Bragg, N.C. Unit commander Col. Sean Mulholland insists that Castro remains in the elite group because of his talents. "We don't treat (Castro) as a public affairs or a recruiting tool," Mulholland said.
  
  
  

  Gerry Broome, AP

• Castro uses a cane to navigate a sidewalk at Ft. Bragg. Eye injuries are the third most-common in Iraq, behind post traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries. Since the war began, more than 100 service members have been blinded, and 247 more have lost sight in one eye. Only two other blind officers serve in the active-duty Army.
  
  
  

  Gerry Broome, AP

• Castro prays before breakfast in Fort Bragg. In September 2006, just after relieving other paratroopers atop a house in Youssifiyah, Iraq, Castro came under mortar fire. Shrapnel ripped through his body, breaking his arm and shoulder and causing severe injury to the right side of his face. He now wears a prosthetic right eye.
  
  
  

  Gerry Broome, AP

• Castro runs alongside Spc. Robert Garner, left, while holding a tether with Sgt. Zane Platt for guidance during morning physical training June 25. He's run two marathons in the last two years and said he wants to compete in the Ironman triathlon. He also aims to graduate from an advanced Army course that teaches captains how to lead troops and plan operations.
  
  
  

  Gerry Broome, AP

• Sgt. 1st Class Dexter Durrante, who is also blind, jokes with Castro at a spin class for wounded warriors in Fayetteville, N.C., June 18. Castro is well regarded among his colleagues for his drive and enthusiasm. "What I am most impressed with," Mulholland said, "is his determination to continue to serve his country after all that he's been through."
  
  
  

  Gerry Broome, AP

• Although Castro still requires some assistance, he asks for no special favors. "I want to be treated the same way as other officers," Castro said. "I don't want them to take pity over me or give me something I've not earned." Source: AP
  
  
  

  Gerry Broome, AP