Gunar Moschner, a former senior airman who was severely injured while deployed to Southwest Asia, now works with the 325th Mission Support Group at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Using the Air Force's Wounded Warrior Employment Program, Mr. Moschner was able to obtain a job as an Air Force civilian, after he medically separated from the service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jonathan Gibson)
Gunar Moschner, a former senior airman who was severely injured while deployed to Southwest Asia, now works with the 325th Mission Support Group at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Using the Air Force's Wounded Warrior Employment Program, Mr. Moschner was able to obtain a job as an Air Force civilian, after he medically separated from the service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jonathan Gibson)
4/21/2011 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Gunar Moschner knows the pain and anxiety that follows a work-related injury, but he also knows help is available through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program.
Thanks to the program, and his own perseverance, Mr. Moschner is once again serving with the Air Force.
His life today is a long way from where it was Oct. 18, 2004, when he was injured in the line of duty. As a senior airman assigned to Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Mr. Moschner was deployed to Southwest Asia. As he was off-loading cargo from an aircraft, a mechanized roller was activated, and Mr. Moschner's right foot became caught between the wheel and the rail system, basically twisting his leg from the knee down.
"I pretty much lost all of my meniscus (fibrous cartilage within the knee joint), and it severely affected my muscles and ligaments," explained Mr. Moschner.
The injury led to him being medically separated from the Air Force in August 2008. He did not become aware of the Air Force's program for wounded warriors until he was going through the Airman and Family Readiness Center's Transition Assistance Program before separating.
"I didn't realize the enormous help that the military can offer through (the AFW2) program until it was introduced to me during my TAP class," Mr. Moschner said. "I wish I would have known about it during my medical process on my way out of the Air Force. The information, support, assistance, and care they offer should be mandatory knowledge for all wounded Airmen before they get to the separation point."
Upon contacting the AFW2 staff at the Air Force Personnel Center, Mr. Moschner was designated an Air Force wounded warrior, which means a team of professionals ensures he receives support and care, including help seeking employment. He indicated that he wanted to continue his college education, but was also concerned about taking care of his family's finances.
In Mr. Moschner's case, he used the AFW2 Employment Program, which ensures that all combat-related ill, injured and medically separated Airmen receive complete information about special hiring initiatives they may be entitled to receive. Air Force personnel officials established the program to assist Airmen injured in combat, with a 30-percent or higher disability, who wanted to continue working for the service.
"We worked with him to locate suitable employment through the program, but because Pope (AFB) was impacted by BRAC, the base couldn't offer permanent employment," said Scott Hand, an AFW2 benefits and entitlements specialist. "After several months of searching, Gunar expressed a desire to live in Florida. His experience, coupled with his education achievements, put him in a prime position to find employment at several Florida bases. I worked closely with civilian personnel officials to find him the right job at the right place."
Today, Mr. Moschner is serving as a transportation quality assurance evaluator with the 325th Mission Support Group at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Although he cannot perform any impact activities or bend his knee to a full 90-degree angle now, he does not let his physical restrictions get in the way.
"Eventually I will get a full knee transplant," he said. "However, since my body is not currently able to receive a knee transplant, I have to keep up with constant pain."
Because the pain gets worse during winter, he said he appreciates finding work in Florida.
Mr. Moschner's military background as an air transportation specialist armed him with the logistics skill set needed at Tyndall's logistics readiness division.
His supervisor, Michael Young, said he wasn't apprehensive about hiring a wounded warrior and is glad to have Mr. Moschner on his team.
"Gunar's knowledge of the Air Force and how we operate is a plus," Mr. Young said. "On top of that, we were fortunate that Gunar is a 'loggy.' He is very persistent and does not let up in any aspect of his duties, and continually strives to improve his skill sets."
Mr. Moschner is looking toward the future. He has a bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics, and is enrolled in the master's program, with plans to graduate in January 2012.
After that, he said he will start the doctorate program.
Mr. Young said he admires Mr. Moschner's ambition and what it means for the Air Force.
"His personal drive to pursue an advanced degree shows that even with the demands of the job, you can still continue educational goals for personal reasons that also benefit the organization," Mr. Young said.
When he is not studying or working, Mr. Moschner's hobbies include remote-controlled planes, playing drums and photography. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Diana, and their 1-year-old daughter, Nicole.
Even after an injury, Mr. Moschner is still able to serve the Air Force.
Comments
6/16/2011 2:25:49 PM ET Very liberating to read this. And empowering. Honorable that he can continue to serve.
Iris, VA
4/22/2011 5:31:38 PM ET I read it as a story about the AF Wounded Warrior program and was satisfied with the article... Mr. Moschner was just one success story.
LT, New Mexico
4/22/2011 4:13:11 PM ET How about the article's value publicizing the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program? Regardless of whether or not you think there should be a prioritization system for wounded vets, each vet should be afforded the opportunity to continue serving if they desire. This article most definitely highlights the importance of the transition assistance program.
Col Larry Ruggiero USAF retired, Alexandria VA
4/22/2011 10:28:00 AM ET Not to sound heartless but I can not help but wonder why this story? I am sure they all are worth reporting. I just have a hard time feeling sorry for his bad knee when I know Vets with no arms or legs or are blind. They too have to press forward for themselves and their families. I know this really sounds mean but sob, sob, sob.
