How WWP's Warriors To Work Program Helped Injured Veteran Bill Jones Regain Independence
Wounded veteran Bill Jones talks about how he overcame the challenges of a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder to regain independence through the Wounded Warrior Project® Warriors to Work® program.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Dec. 5, 2016) – The transition from service member to civilian can be an uncertain one – particularly if a warrior does not have an airtight plan for post-military employment. Many find themselves in the final months of their military careers with lingering questions about continuing education, civilian employment options, or entrepreneurship.
As awareness of the challenges faced by transitioning military members increases, so has the realization that effective programs must be in place to make the journey as comfortable as possible. To help bridge the gap between these warriors and civilian employers, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) developed the Warriors to Work® program.
The veteran employment program offers support and career guidance to wounded warriors as they make their way into the civilian workforce. In addition to helping veterans map out a career blueprint with attainable goals, Warriors to Work specialists can show them how to effectively highlight their military-honed skill sets in resumes, which are then shared with local employers and veteran-supportive national organizations.
Warriors to Work Regional Director Michael Loubert said the program creates a reliable and beneficial partnership that connects wounded warriors and potential employers waiting to welcome them into their ranks.
“Warriors love the hands-on approach, career guidance for resume writing and review, networking assistance, and interview preparation,” he said. “Employers enjoy that the career counseling team can deliver results. They appreciate the proactive approach for the long-term success of the warriors and family members we connect them with.”
Warriors to Work is more than just a source of manpower for organizations looking to add veterans to the team. It is a source of information and education, allowing potential employers to learn about combat-related injuries and reasonable accommodations and develop a long-lasting relationship throughout employment.
“Hiring veterans in the civilian workforce gives organizations highly coachable team players with specialized skill sets, who are an asset to any team,” Michael said. “We help companies build their military hiring programs to identify qualified candidates. Employers see program specialists as teammates they can continually confide in.”
Warriors can access beneficial Warriors to Work guides online, including financial planning assistance and tips on managing expectations when attending civilian job fairs. When a warrior connects with a program specialist, more in-depth help is available.
“Veterans can get involved with the program from multiple sources,” Michael said. “They can request information from Wounded Warrior Project staff members, other veterans service organizations, or through referrals from places like Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Regional Warriors to Work specialists allow warriors to receive assistance with building their professional brands wherever they reside. With the assistance of program specialists, transitioning service members can effectively translate their skills and work ethic to civilian opportunities. All Warriors to Work services are offered completely free of charge to wounded veterans and employers.
Contact: Rob Louis – Public Relations
Email: RLouis@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.627.0432
About Wounded Warrior Project
We Connect, Serve, and Empower
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.