By Sarah Greer, WTC Stratcom
For wounded warriors who separate from the service, finding gainful employment is a vital next step. It’s not just about the paycheck and health care, though—it’s about contributing to an organization, finding professional fulfillment, and building a better life for themselves and their Families.
For the next two days, AW2 is hosting the 2011 Wounded Warrior Federal Employment Conference, in coordination with other service wounded warrior programs. For two days, federal agency officials will learn about the importance of hiring wounded warriors and the skills they bring to any organization. They’ll also learn about the resources they can use to place qualified Veterans in open positions and to ensure a successful result once the Veterans starts working–resources like special hiring authorities, Veterans preference, Operation Warfighter internships, non-paid work experience, and accommodations.
On the second day, local wounded warriors from all branches of the military will also have the opportunity to network with the officials attending the conference.
AW2 is here to help severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers find their path to independence. And this conference is one more example of the way AW2 paves the way for wounded warriors to succeed.
Check back to the AW2 blog over the next two days for more information about the conference. We’ll keep you posted on the updates from keynote speakers, including several Assistant Secretaries and AW2 Veteran Alvin Shell, who is now working at the Department of Homeland Security.
What a great resource for injured and wounded veterans. I can’t imagine the obstacles they must face, and they deserve to have a chance to contribute.