Meridian Army veteran returns to Iraq after losing both eyes in 2006 blast

Meridian residents marked Veterans Day this week by reflecting on the long-term impacts of military service. Among those honored is Joe Bogart, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq during 2006. His team was assigned to patrol roads at low speeds to detect roadside bombs. On their final scheduled mission of that deployment, they struck a secondary explosive device.

Bogart described the impact of the blast as throwing him into his Blue Force Tracker device map. The collision caused blunt force trauma to his left eye and resulted in fractures to his face and nose. Shrapnel penetrated his eye protection and destroyed his right eye. The combination of injuries left him completely blind. He recalled hearing his driver call out over the radio that the lieutenant was hurt while his gunner signaled nearby.

Christine Bogart, Joe’s wife, learned of his condition about a week after the incident when visitors knocked on their front door. She stood at the threshold and asked for immediate answers before allowing them into the home. The visitors informed her that he had been wounded and lost an eye but was alive. The military later recommended medical retirement for Joe, a decision he rejected.

Bogart stated he did not accept the recommendation to leave the service. He and his wife discussed his desire to remain in the Army for some time before his injury. Christine recalled that he repeatedly expressed his intent to stay in the military after being wounded. He underwent numerous surgeries and completed required training to regain his physical capability. He was eventually cleared to return to active service.

Upon returning to duty, Bogart carried a pistol and an American flag on his artificial eye. He viewed these items as symbols of his strength and reminders of his purpose. He described the feeling of being approved for return to service as relief. He stated that the experience allowed him to prove he could still perform his duties effectively. He noted that the return demonstrated that a blind person could handle any scenario just as well as others.

Bogart was back on the ground in Iraq by August 2008. He continued his service following his recovery and return to deployment. His story serves as a local example of the continued sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces.