Army Hosts Conference to Educate Federal Agencies About Hiring Wounded Warriors In Coordination with Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Other Federal Agencies
PDF version of this press release
February 17, 2011
Alexandria, VA—The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is hosting the 2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference on February 23-24 to encourage federal agencies to hire wounded warriors. AW2 is coordinating closely with the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and other federal agencies on this event. This conference will educate agency human resource managers, Equal Employment Opportunity disability program managers, and veterans employment program managers about the resources available to place qualified veterans in open positions. Attendees will also learn about the variety of injuries facing today's military personnel and the resources available to support and accommodate veterans once they begin working.
"Wounded, ill and injured servicemembers across the Armed Forces are highly-trained, skilled professionals and want to continue contributing to our society as productive citizens after they separate from the military," said Brig. Gen. Darryl Williams, commander of the Warrior Transition Command, which oversees the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program. "The leadership, discipline, teamwork and technical skills they developed during their service translate well to positions throughout the federal workforce, and we hope this conference will be a catalyst to increase employment of wounded veterans by federal agencies."
Attendees will learn about special federal hiring authorities for veterans and people with disabilities, programs to give veterans practical work experience, and resources to provide physical accommodations to their work site. Presenters will also discuss how hiring wounded warriors supports President Obama's Executive Orders (EOs) related to the federal employment of wounded warriors, including:
- EO 13518: Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government
- EO 13548: Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
"I received a 100% disability rating from the VA [Department of Veterans Affairs]," said retired Capt. Alvin E. Shell, Jr., who now serves in a management position at the Department of Homeland Security. Capt. Shell sustained severe burns during his service in Iraq, and he battles chronic pain and limited range of motion in his right hand. "I could sit home and draw my pension, but that isn't how I was built—I have a lot more to offer my country." Capt. Shell will speak at the event to share his experience transitioning from the military to the federal workforce.
Wounded warriors located in the national capital region who are looking for employment will participate in a networking session with federal officials on Thursday, February 24.
WHO: |
2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference |
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SPEAKERS: |
High-level officials from the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Labor and the Office of Personnel Management. Highlights include:
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WHEN: |
February 23-24, 2011 |
WHERE: |
Fort Belvoir Officers' Club, Building 20, 5500 Schulz Circle, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060 |
WTC is a major subordinate command under the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM). WTC's mission is to develop, coordinate and integrate the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) for wounded, ill and injured soldiers, veterans and their families. For more information on WTC, visit the new WTC website, www.WTC.army.mil. Since 2004, the Army has also offered the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), which provides personalized, local support to severely wounded warriors. More information on AW2 is available at www.WTC.army.mil/AW2.