Commentaries

National Disability Employment Awareness: Vets say support program is worthwhile cause

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jimenez
  • 10th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
October marks the 69th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Observance and this month, we celebrate the contributions those with disabilities bring to the workforce.
 
Despite the positive attributes people with disabilities have to offer, many still struggle to find employment that empowers and recognizes their skills.

Luckily, a multitude of organizations exist to do just that, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, established in 2002. The WWP works with numerous organizations to provide wounded warriors with educational and employment opportunities and successfully transition to civilian life.

I recently interviewed two wounded warriors, retired Sgt.1st Class Jesus Guerra and retired Sgt. Chris Anderson. They both said the WWP was a crucial component in helping them regain their confidence and become active in their communities again.

Guerra learned about WWP two years ago while struggling financially, he said. Although he had a bachelor's degree, he needed help finding a career.

The WWP's resume writing program helped Guerra find that career and a sense of empowerment, he said. He's now a veteran's employment specialist, finding the right jobs for other veterans in need.

Anderson was medically discharged after suffering injuries. With WWP's support, he's now an employment counselor with Operation Traumatic Brain Injury Freedom, an outreach program for veterans who have suffered similar injuries. 

Both veterans say they have a new outlook on life and look forward to going to work.   They also say they can't stress enough how empowered they feel after finding a new motivation in their lives, supported by WWP. T

The WWP is one of 20 organizations able to target different aspects of life needed to make this sometimes difficult transition.

Anderson used to see himself as a disabled member of society who suffered from depression and settled for small achievements, he said. Through the support he received from WWP, he regained confidence and realized his injury wasn't something that would hold him back any longer. 

"The hardest part is reaching out to admit you might need help," he said. "Once that obstacle is overcome, your potential is endless," he said.

Meeting these wounded warriors made me realize that if I were in a similar situation, were I was injured while serving my country, that there are support programs staffed by those who not only sympathize, but who can empathize and provide assistance.  

Their story of these and any wounded warrior overcoming adversity with the help of the WWP is very empowering; Guerra and Anderson have seen the worst part of battle but they've turned their lives around and are returning the favor to other veterans.

I hope all Academy Airmen take a moment to reflect on the value of the WWP and similar programs, and recognize the achievements of those in our workforce who have struggled with and overcame their own disabilities. 

Commentaries - Articles

National Disability Employment Awareness: Vets say support program is worthwhile cause

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jimenez
  • 10th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
October marks the 69th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Observance and this month, we celebrate the contributions those with disabilities bring to the workforce.
 
Despite the positive attributes people with disabilities have to offer, many still struggle to find employment that empowers and recognizes their skills.

Luckily, a multitude of organizations exist to do just that, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, established in 2002. The WWP works with numerous organizations to provide wounded warriors with educational and employment opportunities and successfully transition to civilian life.

I recently interviewed two wounded warriors, retired Sgt.1st Class Jesus Guerra and retired Sgt. Chris Anderson. They both said the WWP was a crucial component in helping them regain their confidence and become active in their communities again.

Guerra learned about WWP two years ago while struggling financially, he said. Although he had a bachelor's degree, he needed help finding a career.

The WWP's resume writing program helped Guerra find that career and a sense of empowerment, he said. He's now a veteran's employment specialist, finding the right jobs for other veterans in need.

Anderson was medically discharged after suffering injuries. With WWP's support, he's now an employment counselor with Operation Traumatic Brain Injury Freedom, an outreach program for veterans who have suffered similar injuries. 

Both veterans say they have a new outlook on life and look forward to going to work.   They also say they can't stress enough how empowered they feel after finding a new motivation in their lives, supported by WWP. T

The WWP is one of 20 organizations able to target different aspects of life needed to make this sometimes difficult transition.

Anderson used to see himself as a disabled member of society who suffered from depression and settled for small achievements, he said. Through the support he received from WWP, he regained confidence and realized his injury wasn't something that would hold him back any longer. 

"The hardest part is reaching out to admit you might need help," he said. "Once that obstacle is overcome, your potential is endless," he said.

Meeting these wounded warriors made me realize that if I were in a similar situation, were I was injured while serving my country, that there are support programs staffed by those who not only sympathize, but who can empathize and provide assistance.  

Their story of these and any wounded warrior overcoming adversity with the help of the WWP is very empowering; Guerra and Anderson have seen the worst part of battle but they've turned their lives around and are returning the favor to other veterans.

I hope all Academy Airmen take a moment to reflect on the value of the WWP and similar programs, and recognize the achievements of those in our workforce who have struggled with and overcame their own disabilities.