I just looked up the Marine Corp eyesight requirements -- they aren't terribly strict, especially for enlisted personnel. This kids must have had exceptionally bad eyesight. My understanding is that getting Lasik/radial keratotomy automatically disqualifies you from military service, unless you secure a medical waiver. My impression is that your eyesight needs to improve damn-near perfect as a result of Lasik for them to grant you the waiver, if your eyesight was disqualifying before.
Either way, it took incredible courage for him to go fight in the capacity he did, without the support that would be involved with serving in our military.
I have seen plenty of Marines with glasses...They probably had waivers.
The military isn't giving out too many waivers these days. Between downsizing the force and a lousy job market for young people, there's no need for them. People are lined up around the block to enlist and the military is turning away more than they sign up.