America's Heroes at Work Success Story

Emer Zapanta is no stranger to sacrifice and service. Before his discharge from the U.S. Army in 2009, he served two tours of duty in Iraq. It was during his second deployment that he was wounded by incoming mortar rounds and rockets. Zapanta was thrown into a glass window and nearly bled to death from a brachial artery laceration. He suffered permanent nerve damage and lost the use of his left hand, and he narrowly escaped being blinded by lacerations just a few centimeters from his eye. The blow also caused a concussion, or mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Zapanta received a Purple Heart medal and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. "I had planned to stay in the Army for 24 years," he says, "but God had other plans."

While he recovered from his injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Zapanta learned about employment opportunities with the federal government. He connected with Operation Warfighter, a temporary assignment/internship program developed by the Department of Defense for transitioning Service Members. Operation Warfighter helped Zapanta secure an information technology (IT) internship at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) where his duties involved assisting project managers with IT acquisitions. He also performed software and hardware installations and attended information assurance training.

Zapanta's internship ultimately led to a full time position with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Today, he works as a program management executioner officer in the Enterprise Services Directorate where he performs contract administration, security program management, cost analysis, and database and invoice validation.

Zapanta maintains that his "strong faith in Jesus Christ" has played a significant role in his transition. He also credits his understanding supervisors as well as reasonable workplace accommodations with helping him succeed on the job. His specific supports include a one-handed computer keyboard, two monitors, a blue-tooth head set and a flexible schedule that allows him to attend medical appointments. His managers also understand that a five to ten minute walk away from his desk can help Zapanta keep his stress levels in check.

Zapanta is a strong supporter of education on Veterans' workplace issues. In particular, he believes in educating businesses on the unique needs of Veteran employees with "invisible" wounds of war - TBI and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

While wounded warriors do not necessarily need special treatment, Zapanta encourages managers to make them feel welcome and respected in the workplace. Some may need help with task management, and supervisors can assist by checking in with the wounded warrior frequently, providing encouragement and promoting teamwork. He also suggests assigning wounded warriors their own special projects that capitalize on their talents and abilities and add value to the office as a whole. This will enhance their sense of integration and contribution.

However, Zapanta acknowledges that wounded warriors also have a role to play in their own success. "Open communication is key," he says. "I would recommend that Veterans be open with their supervisors about the things they need to be productive and successful on the job."

For additional workplace success stories and information on promising practices for accommodating employees with TBI or PTSD, visit www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov.