Blind veteran honors fellow Marines with motorcycle ride

MARSEILLES, Ill. (WLS) -- A Marine wounded in Afghanistan took an emotional road trip with the help of some local motorcycle riders. Evin Bodle is blind after a mortar attack. His recent journey started at the Hines VA Blind Center and went to a small town in LaSalle County.

It's about a 75-mile journey from Chicago, but this motorcycle trip to Marseilles is about helping a wounded Marine.

"Veterans helping veterans is basically what we do," said John Bartosiewicz of the American Vets Motorcycle Riders Association.

Bodle, a veteran of the Marines, is blind after an attack in Afghanistan two years ago this month. That attack has led Bodle to Marseilles to visit the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial.

"We asked him if he wanted to come out here to the wall because he does have a battle buddy here, a fellow Marine," said Bartosiewicz.

Bodle can no longer see Daniel L. Linnabary, no longer talk to him, but he can touch his name. Linnabary's name is etched on the wall after the mortar attack that day. This moment, this place, is emotional for all present.

"It's a beautiful place," said Tom Russell of the Canaryville Veterans Riders Association. "Unfortunately, it's one of those places."

One of those places where, like Bodle, we remember those who have died serving our country. With help, Linnabary's name is transferred to paper. Through it all, these vets support Bodle and know he will endure.

"He's got some obstacles in front of him," said Russell. "It's just adapt and overcome. He's doing a hell of a job."

Afterward, they shot a few pictures and did something Bodle enjoys: riding a motorcycle as he continues his journey down the road to recovery.