UPDATE: VA To Cover Prosthetic Eye Stolen From Veteran

What started as a frustrating news story about a vehicle larceny turned into a positive on this week, and we've got another update to share. 

WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning has been able to connect with the local veteran whose prosthetic eye was stolen from inside his vehicle, along with some prescription medications.

After hearing more about the story this past Tuesday when Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol joined us - and that the eye would cost $2,000 to replace -  our listeners were driven to dip into their own wallets and give money to help cover the cost of a new one. Before we went off the air, $1,800 had been pledged. The following morning we raised the remaining $200 bucks to get us to our goal.

The veteran - who wishes to remain anonymous - joined us briefly on the air after hearing we had taken up a collection on his behalf. He explained he was doing some work and had taken the eye out because it was getting irritated the day it was stolen. As it turns out, he said, the Veterans Administration is going to cover the cost of replacing the device. He will, though, incur some travel expenses, having to go back and forth to Rochester a few times to meet with specialists for the replacement.

So, after raising the $2,000 to pay for a new eye, we didn't know what to do with it. We tossed around a few ideas - including donating the money directly to the Veterans Administration - but felt that those who donated did so with the belief that their money would pay for a new ocular device. So we called them all back. We offered to return their money. Or, we could just give it to this local military hero.

Amazingly, everyone one of them said, 'Give him the money.'

On behalf of all of us at WIBX 950, a sincere Thank You to all who supported this effort. And, a very special Thank You to our military servicemen and women who sacrifice so much for us.