By Cpl. Ryan L. Tomlinson
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq Pfc. Kyle D. Alders, 19, a scout with Charlie Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, , assisted the members of the world’s blind community by taking part in the invention of PAC-MATE , a handheld device used by the blind to type e-mails, read books and scan items. The PAC-MATE can also provide the blind with directions using GPS.
“It gave me a sense of pride to know I could help the blind be able to complete things on their own without assistance from others,” said Alders.
The Marine from West Palm Beach, Fla., became part of the project before his 16th birthday. His grandfather, Brad Davis, became a technician for a corporation that specialized in technology for the blind. One day, Alder’s grandfather brought home a new device called the PAC-MATE, which would change the course of Alders’ life.
The PAC-MATE is a handheld device used by the blind to type e-mails, read books and scan items. Additionally, because it uses a Global Positioning Device, the PAC-MATE can provide the blind with directions. When his grandfather brought the device home from work, Alders pointed out flaws and suggested solutions.
“The first thing I suggested was the scanning system, and then I suggested an eight-button keyboard with braille lettering,” said Alders. “Originally, I was just interested in it because I wanted to help. I made a couple of suggestions and it became one of the top-ten-used technologies by the blind.”
Alders worked on other projects with the corporation to help the blind until graduating high school and joining the Marine Corps in the summer of 2007 out of his love to serve others.
“I love being in the Marine Corps and enjoy the guys I work with,” he said. “I have a sense of helping people out. I know whenever they need someone to deploy, I will always volunteer.”
Alders is currently serving his first tour in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since deploying, he has enjoyed every moment to its fullest.
“Alders is a reliable Marine. I know that if I need him to take care of something, it’s going to get done with him around,” said Lance Cpl. Allen A. Janis, 21, a scout team leader from Foster, R.I., with Charlie Company. “He’s a smart kid, and I’m glad I was able to get to know him.”
When not patrolling through the western Al Anbar province, Alders can always be found with a deck of cards in his hand practicing card tricks or the next group to defeat in a game of spades.
Alders plans to leave the Marine Corps someday and study psychology in college. He also has dreams of opening his own restaurant.
“I’m a type of guy that when I like something, I overkill it,” said Alders. “You only live once and enjoy the small things once.”-30-
