Archive | Career/Education | Warrior Transition Command

Veteran Uses AW2 Resources to Succeed in Civilian Workforce

Filed under AW2, Career/Education, General, Resources, Soldier Stories, Soldier Story, Veterans Affairs, Warrior Transition Command by jmiller on April 3, 2014 at 12:30 pm {no comments}

By Emily D. Anderson, WTC Communications Division

Leaving the military can be a nerve-racking experience for a wounded, ill and injured Soldier, but Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Veteran Billy Guyton will attest to using the resources the Army offers to successfully transition from the military to the civilian workforce.

Guyton was hired by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the organization that operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment.

“I was looking for a job,” Guyton said. “I told my Advocate, and the next thing I knew I was being contacted by the hiring manager from DeCA.”

Guyton’s AW2 Advocate contacted the AW2 Career and Education Cell in hopes of getting him in the Expedited Referral Process, a process that connects AW2 Veterans with employers who are looking to hire wounded, ill and injured Veterans and have agreed to expedite the hiring process for qualified Veterans.

“Billy’s advocate submitted an issue requesting employment assistance,” said Mullen. “I was the ‘connector’ between Billy and DeCA, because I knew if I could get someone to speak with Billy, they would want to hire him.”

“If a Soldier or Veteran is looking for employment, we ask that they contact their Advocate,” said Vicki Mullen, AW2 Labor Liaison Specialist. “The Advocate will notify us, and we will start the employment process.”

Guyton learned firsthand the process works but it requires the Soldier or Veteran to do their part to help.

“The resume plays a huge part in getting hired,” Mullen said. “Soldiers and Veterans should ensure their resumes contain all of the information required before submitting it for employment.”

“If they have 5-10 years of experience and the federal resume is only a couple of paragraphs they have left out a lot of information,” she added. “Use all resources available to you i.e., ACAP, DOL, Transition Coordinators, etc.”

Guyton, who was recently promoted to a supervisory position, proves success can transfer from the military to the civilian workforce, but recommends a Soldier or Veteran take chances and use the resources available.

“I was an engineer in the military, but I’m working in logistics,” he said. “I’m glad DeCA saw that I had other skills to bring to the table.”

“Just because you are doing one thing in the military it doesn’t require you to do the same job as a civilian,” Guyton added. “Hopefully, Veterans and employers will continue to look beyond the military specialty title and focus on the military skills.”

Visit AW2’s old blog for additional stories on AW2’s career and education services and stories of Soldiers and Veterans successfully finding employment.

The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU). AW2 supports these Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, even into Veteran status. Through the local support of AW2 Advocates, AW2 strives to foster the Soldier’s independence. There are more than 19,000 Soldiers and Veterans currently in AW2.

Did You Know? Meet the WTU Career and Education Readiness Team

Filed under AW2, Career/Education, General, WTC, WTU/WTB by jmiller on February 24, 2014 at 11:30 am {no comments}

By Caitlin Morrison, WTC Communications Division

Do you know how many Cadre are involved in WTU Soldiers’ Career and Education Readiness (CER) activities? Career and Education Readiness activities support wounded, ill and injured Soldiers as they transition, whether they remain in the Army or transition to Veteran status. All Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Soldiers set career goals as part of their Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP). Career and Education Readiness activities provide eligible Soldiers with the skills and knowledge they need to advance toward their career goals. Achieving career goals contributes positively to the rehabilitation and reintegration process, which is why there are so many Interdisciplinary Team members along with the Triad of Care available to support every Soldier.

You may already know that the Triad of Care – Primary Care Manager (PCM), Nurse Case Manager (NCM) and Squad Leader (SL) – coordinates to ensure all members of the WTU team operate synergistically to benefit the Soldier. Nurse Case Managers keep team members up to date on the Soldier’s medical status and physical profile. Squad Leaders coach, teach, mentor and counsel Soldiers on their responsibilities while participating in a CER activity. They also ensure Soldiers are at their places of duty and coordinate with their work site supervisor for assessments.

What you may not know is that in addition to the Triad of Care, each CER-eligible Soldier also works with an interdisciplinary team that includes a Transition Coordinator (TC), Occupational Therapist (OT), Medical Management (M2) and Career Counselor (CC). They may also participate in as external support programs such as the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) and Operation Warfighter (OWF). Interdisciplinary Team members work together and inform one another of important updates and changes to ensure Soldiers have the most productive and successful CER experiences possible:

– Transition Coordinator (TC): ensures the Soldier’s career goals line up with the CTP and helps coordinate CER activities.

– Occupational Therapist – Registered (OTR): completes Phase I goal setting with the Soldier and provides life skills training and goal reassessment throughout the Soldiers’ stay at the WTU.

– Medical Management (M2): works to determine eligibility for CER activities along with the WTU Commander.

– Career Counselor (CC): counsels Soldiers on the logistics of career changes.

Transition professionals at Warrior Transition Command talk about Soldiers experiencing the “fog of recovery”, or the emotional and psychological difficulties that may accompany physical injuries. Soldiers assigned to WTUs are encouraged to develop and strive to meet career goals to ease the fog. This often includes returning to the work force either in a familiar or new work environment. The CER program, with the support of the Interdisciplinary Team, helps Soldiers prepare and plan a career path that will put them on the right track for returning to, or creating, a new normal.

For more information on Career and Education Readiness, visit the Career Planning webpage and the “Meet the WTU Career and Education Readiness Team” fact sheet.

Did You Know? Career and Education Readiness (CER)

Filed under Career/Education, WTC by jmiller on February 10, 2014 at 2:59 pm {no comments}

By Caitlin Morrison, WTC Communications Division

Did you know that Career and Education Readiness (CER) activities support wounded, ill and injured Soldiers’ transition processes, whether they remain in the Army or transition to Veteran status? All Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Soldiers set career goals as part of their Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP). Career and Education Readiness activities are designed to provide eligible Soldiers with the skills and knowledge they need to advance towards these career goals.

You may already know that Soldiers receive a Transition Coordinator (TC) during the in-processing stage. You may also know that the TC is a key resource for Soldiers eligible to participate in CER activities. Transition Coordinators specialize in navigating career and education options based on the Soldier’s individual circumstances.

What you may not know is how many CER options are available to Soldiers. Career and Education Readiness activities may include internships, work site placements, training, professional certificates and education programs (including bachelor’s and master’s degree programs). Soldiers who remain in the Army and choose to pursue a new Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) are directed towards specific internships and training courses that will best provide them the required skills and knowledge for their new MOS. For those who expect to transition out of the Army, there are valuable work experiences and university courses that can set those Soldiers on the right path to achieve their post-transition career goals. The number of programs that the WTUs work with ensures that every Soldier finds a meaningful CER activity.

For more information on Career and Education Readiness, visit the Career Planning webpage and take a look at the Career and Education Readiness fact sheet.

Stay tuned for the next blog post on the Career and Education Readiness team members.

Wounded Soldier Uses Adaptive Reconditioning to Assist Others As He Continues to Serve

Filed under Adaptive Sports, AW2, COAD/COAR, General, Soldier Stories, Warrior Care Month, Warrior Transition Command, WTC, WTU/WTB by jmiller on November 19, 2013 at 4:03 pm {no comments}

By WTC Communications Division

After significant injuries in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Giovanni Pascascio discovered how much more he can still offer the Army while recovering at a WTU.

Army Staff Sgt. Giovanni Pascascio will always remember July 8, 2007. “You kinda remember the day you got blown up.”

During his second deployment to Iraq, a truck full of explosives detonated near his squad’s convoy. Pascascio sustained second and third degree burns over 30 percent of his body, shrapnel wounds to his body and inhalation injuries from the fire.

Pascascio and eleven other Soldiers will compete in the Third Annual Joint Services Warrior Care Month Sitting Volleyball Tournament hosted by the Office of Warrior Care Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Athletes will represent the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command and Department of Veterans Affairs.

“No matter if the Army wins or loses, it is about everyone coming together as a team, competing and celebrating. But I am rooting for the Army all the way,” he said. “I hope Army wins.”

“Sitting volleyball is completely different than regular volleyball. It doesn’t look hard, but when you get out there to play it’s a different story. “You have to use your core a lot and it helps with stability and balance.”

Nearly a month and a half after his injury, he woke up at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

At the Warrior Transition Battalion, Pascascio developed a personalized Comprehensive Transition Plan with short- and long-term goals across six domains of life: physical, social, spiritual, emotional, Family, and career. His journey in meeting his goals included adaptive reconditioning programs, including archery and sitting volleyball. He credits both sports with helping him recover mentally and physically.

“The command at the WTB encouraged me to explore new things,” said Pascascio. “Learning to play sitting volleyball was another challenge that I faced head on.”

After a Physical Evaluation Board found him physically unfit for duty, Pascascio applied for Continuation on Active Duty (COAD) status, a program that allows soldiers meeting certain criteria to continue serving.

He was assigned to the 7^th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany to develop plans for accommodating wounded, ill and injured soldiers at the academy. He mentored many of them, relying heavily on his own recovery experience.

“I know what they’ve been through, and I was able to say I’ve been there. I’ve done that. These guys may not be able to do everything physically, but they can accomplish a lot.” Pascascio said.

Pascascio currently serves at the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), supporting the Army’s most severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans and their Families.

“He serves as the AW2 Advocate Support Branch (ASB) Operations noncommissioned officer in charge and provides additional insight into the Soldiers and Veterans in this program because at one time he was going through this process,” explained Venus Bradley, AW2 ASB Division Chief and Pascascio’s supervisor. “He has been a great contributor and an asset to our team.”

“Pascascio epitomizes what a Soldier and a noncommissioned officer is, and we are fortunate to have him on our team,” said Bradley. “We look forward to supporting him during the tournament in the same way he has and continues to support our severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans.”

Watch the joint services sitting volleyball tournament at http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/3562, and to learn more about Warrior Transition Units or COAD, visit http://www.WTC.army.mil.

Did You Know? Internships for WTU Soldiers

Filed under Benefits, Career/Education, WTC, WTU/WTB by jmiller on November 12, 2013 at 2:34 pm {no comments}

By Amanda Koons, WTC Communications Division

Did you know that internships develop or reinforce skill sets transitioning wounded, ill and injured Soldiers need to prepare for civilian employment? An internship program may support your rehabilitation and integration goals while providing valuable civilian experience. Talk to your Transition Coordinator (TC) to see if an internship is right for you.

There are two approved internship programs for Soldiers in Warrior Transition Units (WTUs):

Department of Defense (DOD) Operation Warfighter (OWF) Non-Paid Federal Internship program
Veterans Affairs (VA) Coming Home to Work (CHTW) Non-Paid Work Experience

Check out some frequently asked questions for Soldiers about participating in an internship:

How will I benefit from participating in an internship?

An unexpected injury or illness may have changed your life plans. An internship may help you see past your injuries to new possibilities within a new military or civilian career. The valuable experience you gain during your internship will enhance your resume and future job search.

How can I get the most out of my internship experience?

Establishing specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) career goals and maintaining motivation will lead to a productive internship. You must be active, aggressive and accountable in meeting goals outlined in your individual Comprehensive Transition Plan.

What results can I expect from participating in an internship?

You can expect numerous results from participating in an internship:

Meaningful activity that assists in wellness
Exploring employment interests
Developing civilian job skills
Reintegrating into the civilian work force
Gaining valuable federal government work experience
Understanding of how military skills are transferable to civilian employment
Building a résumé

What is required before I may participate in an internship?

You must be determined medically ready, which depends on two factors:

A medical management (M2) clearance finding you medically, physically, and emotionally ready to participate in an internship while continuing medical treatment.
A Command clearance concluding that you demonstrate the initiative and self-discipline required to participate in an internship.

You must also have a federal résumé and a completed and signed OWF Approval for Participation form.

May I receive compensation for my internship duties?

No. You may not receive compensation or benefits from the agency as you will continue to be paid by the Army until discharge or return to duty.

Where can I get more information about participating in an internship?

You should work directly with your Transition Coordinator (TC). Your TC will ensure you meet the requirements and all steps necessary to obtain an internship. Download the new “Did You Know?” Internships factsheet from the Career and Employment Readiness section of the WTC website for additional frequently asked questions.

“Did You Know?” Series

Using your feedback, WTC Communications Division identified five topics where wounded, ill or injured Soldiers, Families and Cadre want additional information, particularly around Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) resources, benefits and policies that impact their recovery and transition. We’ll post one blog per week on these five topics throughout our “Did You Know?” blog series during Warrior Care Month:

Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)
Community Support Resources
Internships
Adaptive Reconditioning
Transition Coordinators

Is there another topic you want us to cover in the future? Post a comment here

The Basics of COAD/COAR: An Interview with COL Dickinson

Filed under COAD/COAR, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on March 27, 2013 at 10:19 am {no comments}

Colonel Rick Dickinson, G1 Division Chief and Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO), U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command

By: Tracy Freedman, Warrior Transition Command Stratcom Division
We’ve received several comments from Soldiers asking about the COAD/COAR program. In response, we sat down with COL Rick Dickinson, G1 and Chief Human Capital Officer for the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command, to get answers to your questions.

Q: What does COAD/COAR stand for?

COL Dickinson: COAD is Continuation on Active Duty. COAR is Continuation on Active Reserve. The difference between the two is that COAD is for active component Soldiers and COAR is for reserve component Soldiers.

Q: What is the COAD/COAR program?

COL Dickinson: The COAD/COAR is an option for Soldiers who have been found unfit for duty due to a wound, illness, or injury that may make them unable to do their previous job in the Army. For example, an infantry Soldier who was hurt down-range by an IED and unfortunately loss part of his or her leg. The Soldier is no longer fit for duty as an infantry Soldier, but the Soldier could apply for the COAD program and continue to serve in the Army in another capacity if he meets all of the qualifications.

Q: What is the application process like?

COL Dickinson: It’s a little bit of a lengthy process. Most Soldiers who come into COAD/COAR are graduates of the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP). While they are in the WCTP and are interested in continuing to serve in the Army, they should communicate that with their Triad of Care and their Triad of Leadership. It’s important that their Nurse Case Manager, doctor, Squad Leader, and Company Commander all understand that the Soldier has a desire to continue to serve [in the Army]. The Triad of Care and the Triad of Leadership will walk the Soldier through the application process. It’s important for Soldiers to know that applications require the endorsement from the First Colonel (06) in the chain of command—most usually that will be the hospital Commander. Sometimes, Soldiers prefer to use their former line unit Commander for that approval because of familiarity.

Q: What are the specific eligibility requirements for COAD/COAR?

COL Dickinson: COAD applies to officers on active duty list or regular Army enlisted Soldiers or Soldiers in the Active Guard Reserve. They have to have at least 15, but no more than 20 years of active federal service, they must be qualified in a critical skill or shortage MOS, and their disability must have resulted from combat or terrorism.

The requirements for COAR are very similar. Soldiers must have at least 15, but less than 20 years of service, qualify in a critical skill or shortage MOS, and their disability must have resulted from combat or terrorism.

There are exceptions to those rules, but the more exceptions you have in your application, the longer it takes [to process], and more scrutiny is placed on those applications.

The thing we’re working on now is the disparity between how enlisted Soldiers and officers in COAD are treated. Right now we have officers who routinely stay beyond 20 years. For enlisted Soldiers, the max is 20 years. We’re trying to give enlisted Soldiers a more equal footing, so if they are more senior NCOs, they can continue to serve 24, 26, and up to 30 years.

Q: What type of jobs do these Soldiers do if they are considered unfit for duty?

COL Dickinson: Sometimes the [COAD/COAR] Soldiers will do jobs that are just as ordinary as the job of any other Soldier. More than likely, they are not going to do what they did before, but having said that, we do have several Soldiers who are COAD who have deployed back down range.

A lot of [COAD/COAR] Soldiers have more administrative roles. We have to be very cognizant that these Soldiers have some sort of severe injury (amputees, burns, etc.), so these Soldiers have to be in a place where they can get healthcare if they need it. Also, we don’t want to put a strain on their bodies more than they’ve already had. Especially with prosthetic devices, you don’t want to put them in an environment that’s too austere or dirty because the prosthetics are very technically complex devices and we don’t want to damage them. I hate to use the word “desk-job”, but administrative jobs… are what they do for day-to-day work.

Q: What are the transition options for Soldiers who don’t qualify for COAD/COAR?

COL Dickinson: Unfortunately, not all Soldiers who apply for COAD/COAR will get accepted. We have approximately 300-350 COAD/COAR Soldiers in the Army. Not all of them are at the Warrior Transition Command. Some are out in the force.

If a Soldier applies, but is not accepted, it’s not the end of the world. As much as we’d like to keep them all, we just don’t have a place, because it does require a current job opening that meets the Soldier’s skill set. They can transition [out of the Army] like any other Soldier. We have a lot of former Soldiers that are now working as civilians throughout the DOD. My bottom line to them is to apply and seek other opportunities. If you don’t get accepted, there are a lot of other options out there.

For more information about COAD/COAR and other transition options, visit http://www.wtc.army.mil/soldier/transition_options.html.

Infantryman Turned Recruiter: Disability Hiring Coordinator Wants to Hire You

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on March 20, 2013 at 3:42 pm {no comments}

The following post was written by Robert Montez, the disability hiring coordinator for Headquarters Medical Command, Fort Sam, Houston. He is also a wounded Soldier who was hired by the Department of the Army under the Schedule A hiring authority.

Though not specifically for Veterans, the Schedule A authority for people with disabilities, 5 CFR 213.3102(u), is an excepted authority that agencies can use to appoint eligible Veterans who have a severe physical, psychological, or intellectual disability. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx.

SFC Robert Montez receives his second Purple Heart and second Bronze Star for Valor alongside his Family.

I served as an Infantryman from 1997-2011, working my way up the ranks from Private to Sergeant First Class. My deployment to Afghanistan in 2009 changed my life. I was shot in the shoulder on August 18, 2009, and then hit by two road side bombs — one on August 23, 2009 and the other one on October 21, 2009. I tried my best to stay with my men, but it just wasn’t possible.

Now, I recruit for the Department of the Army.

Who I’m Recruiting

As a Department of the Army civilian recruiter, I am looking for candidates that have a targeted disability and are able to obtain a Schedule A letter. What I do is help candidates with a Schedule A letter find jobs in the Army as civilian employees in one of our many hospitals or clinics Army wide. Jobs that we offer range from doctors, nurses, human resource professionals, and chefs — basically any job that makes a hospital run and function is what we are looking for. I know that we offer a broad range of jobs, and the reason for this is because every installation’s needs are different. What one base in Germany may need at any given time is going to be different than the needs of a base in Maryland. Still interested?

How to Apply

Visit www.civlianmedicaljobs.com and click the link that says Jobs for People with Disabilities
Upload your resume and your Schedule A letter
Wait for an email from me for next steps
Once you receive my response, go to USA jobs and start looking for jobs you qualify for
Apply for that position on USA jobs LINK to: https://www.usajobs.gov/
Send me an email notifying me of the jobs you applied for and why you think you are a good fit for that position (include the job number, job title, and location in your email)

With all this information, I will then call and email that specific installation and inform them about the person that just applied for one of their job postings. I will inform them that this is a Schedule A candidate, and he or she meet needs for that job. Then, it’s up to the specific installation to bring the applicant in for an interview.

Please note that there is a GS-civilian hiring freeze, but we are still actively recruiting new talent for current openings and for additional openings that are expected when the hiring freeze ends.

If you have any questions about our program, please let me know in the comments section below this blog. I really look forward to working with you!

Soldiers Rebuild Futures through Career Transformation

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 27, 2012 at 2:19 pm {no comments}

Operation Warfighter candidate SSG Kimberly Webster (left) works with a colleague to provide customer service in the Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
SSG Kimberly Webster recovered at the Brooke Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Battalion (BAMC-WTB) after suffering nerve damage to her right knee, leg, and foot from an injury while deployed in Iraq. After her injury, she recalls facing “the challenge of finding something completely new” after working in Army aviation for 23 years. It wasn’t until she learned of Operation Warfighter (OWF) that she became optimistic about her professional future.

As a federal internship program designed to place servicemembers in supportive work settings outside of the hospital environment, OWF seeks to positively impact this population while they seek to join the civilian workforce. The program encourages several strategies for success including resume building, exploring employment interests, developing job skills, and gaining valuable federal government work experience in order to increase employment readiness during their recovery.

Due to the support she received through OWF and WTB Transition Coordinator Zach Gant, SSG Webster is now completing an internship with the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS).

“OWF helped me rehabilitate. It was good to get back to working with a team and into a daily routine,” she said. “After six months, I know what to expect every day. I know there’s a workplace where I belong.”

Transition Coordinators like Gant support recovering Soldiers at 29 WTUs and nine Community-Based WTUs (CBWTUs) nationwide. They work with OWF to help employers at federal agencies and private sector organizations connect with wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers from all services who anticipate transitioning out of the military soon. In the Army, each Soldier recovering in a WTU develops career goals through their personalized Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP).

“The Soldiers with a plan, and who are working toward it, are the ones who are successful after they leave the WTU,” said Gant.

SSG Claudia Mendez, another Soldier healing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Warrior Transition Battalion (JBLM-WTB), encourages Soldiers to take a chance. With a background in the military medical field, she has now learned that she “loves customer service and being around people,” after working in the installation’s Defense Military Pay Office through OWF.

“You can’t limit yourself to what you’ve always known,” she said. “So many doors can open in your favor.”

For more information about employment opportunities for wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, visit the Army Warrior Transition Command (WTC) website at www.WTC.army.mil.

No Cost, On-Line Training at Syracuse University for Post 9-11 Veterans and Soldiers

Filed under Career/Education, General, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 23, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

1LT Bryan Upham, Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Unit, prepares for his professional future.

By Luann Georgia, WTC Stratcom
The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University, a member of the Community Support Network*, is offering a “Veterans Technology Program” to post-9/11 Veterans and Soldiers with a minimum of a high school diploma. The program is a non-credit, certificate program that is offered at no cost. There are four certificate programs to select from. Each course is delivered online, which enables students to participate from any location and at a time that is convenient to their schedule.

The program is designed to help post-9/11 Soldiers and Veterans create development plans which are specific to individual skill sets, interests, and goals, as well as gain understanding of and insight into the corporate culture of global companies. Program participants learn to effectively prepare for and execute job searches, as well as resume and cover letter writing. The technical aspects of the Veterans Technology Program allow participants to focus on a specific concentration of their choice and, where applicable, acquire industry certification.

For additional information about the program and instructions on how to apply, log onto: http://get-vet.syr.edu

*Community Support Network has a variety of providers on the WTC and AW2 website that are available to assist in the career transition process. These supporters are actively engaged in helping the wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans and Family members. They offer opportunities on training, education, apprenticeships, certification and more.

Jon Zagami Proves Disabled Veterans Add Value in the Workplace

Filed under Career/Education, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 21, 2012 at 8:00 am {no comments}

Jon Zagami, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), demonstrates his leadership abilities and unique skill set in the workplace as a disabled Veteran.

By Alli Kartachak, WTC Stratcom
Jon Zagami’s story is one that serves as a model for employers. As a Veteran living with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), he can recall a time when he laid in a hospital bed and wondered if he would ever walk again.

Today, Zagami is a leader on his team at Caterpillar Financial, working on the company’s most difficult portfolio. He motivates his peers, demonstrates hard work, and gets results. But in looking back to a time when he was searching for a job, Zagami says he worried about how to convey to employers that he could add value to the workplace despite his injuries.

“One of the biggest questions in my mind was, how am I going to explain to people that I left the Army because of injuries?” he said. “And you know, looking at it from an employer’s perspective, I understand that it sounds scary, and a lot of questions arise.”

Although he lives with PTSD, TBI, and physical injuries, Zagami felt that he should give no reason for his employer to feel that he was different from others, so he turned down accommodation offers and opted to not use crutches at work.

“I don’t want any reason to prove to other people that I’m different,” he said. “I just want to come in here, and I want a chance to excel.”

And he does. David Michael, Zagami’s supervisor, says that Zagami comes to work every day and performs at an exceptionally high level, acting as a model employee to his fellow colleagues.

“People look to Jon for direction, and he has a way of motivating those around him toward accomplishing difficult tasks,” he said. “A lot of our customers are having challenging or difficult financial times, and he’s able to calmly work with them and make them feel good about the solutions we are offering.”

Zagami says that his ability to work on the most stressful projects while keeping calm and focused is due to his perspective on life.

“I’m lucky that I have an opportunity to work with the most difficult portfolio that we have. I enjoy it every single day,” he said. “While it stresses some people out, I can keep a smile on my face and say this is not that bad, because I know how bad it really can be.”

Zagami demonstrates leadership and motivation in the workplace, and his actions are telling of his appreciation for his job. He thinks that employers should take the opportunity to hire Veterans for their unique skill set and experience.

“If I had the ability to hire someone who had worn the uniform over a peer with the same education level, or the same experience, it’s a no-brainer to me. I know that this person’s been tried.”

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