50 'Wounded Warriors' to get gov't jobs

By DAVID GAMBACORTA
Philadelphia Daily News

gambacd@phillynews.com 215-854-5994

Many know they face long, arduous battles as they recover from devastating physical wounds and psychological trauma.

But plenty of wounded vets have struggled with another unexpected challenge since they've returned home: finding a job.

A group of congressional leaders, however, believes it has the answer.

U.S. Reps. Bob Brady, Allyson Schwartz and Christopher Carney will gather today at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Front and Spruce streets to announce the local kickoff of the Wounded Warrior Program, a two-year initiative that will give wounded and disabled Iraq and Afghanistan vets fellowships in congressional offices.

"We're going to put 50 of our men and women back into the workforce," Brady said.

"They're over there protecting our families, so we have to make sure that when they come back, they have a place to work."

Brady said disabled vets who participate in the program will have opportunities to get permanent, full-time jobs in congressional offices.

"We're not going to turn our backs on these veterans," he said.

Brady hopes additional funding will be allocated for the Wounded Warrior Program and ultimately will allow hundreds of wounded veterans to find government work.

"The mood and mindset of this country is different. People want to see our veterans taken care of."

Carney, a Democrat who represents the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, became the first congressman to participate in the program last month when James E. Dougherty IV joined his office. Dougherty was paralyzed from the waist down when he was hurt in Iraq.

"It's worked out tremendously," said Carney, a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve.

"James runs the gamut - he does case work for us, prepares me for meetings and puts in a full week of work. He's an able young man who still wants to contribute."

Brady and Carney said they were disturbed by reports over the years about Iraq and Afghanistan vets who have struggled to get adequate care and services after returning home.

Brady said he was particularly touched by a story in last week's Daily News about Kevin McCloskey, a Mayfair soldier who lost his legs in Afghanistan last month.

"How could you in good conscience not do something for guys like that?" Brady said.

For more information on the program, visit http://cao.house.gov/wwp-about. shtml.

Meanwhile, the Battleship New Jersey will host a career fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday in Camden aimed at finding jobs for returning troops, veterans and service members. More than 300 troops and veterans are expected to attend the event. For more information, visit http://www.recruitmilitary.com/ or call 1-888-226-0841.) *

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