Injured Iraq veterans getting jobs help
Camp Williams program aids return to civilian life
Here, at this National Guard base outside Salt Lake City, he's waiting for the Army to decide if he's medically fit to remain in the service. While he's waiting, he's getting briefed on job prospects in the civilian world.
At least four contractors want to interview the Idaho guardsman for jobs. Most are offering "top dollar." And at least two universities are likely to give Jubeck, who was an engineering student before serving in Iraq, incentives to return to school.
"That's the scoop," says Rob Brazell of Return to Work Inc., a nonprofit organization that has started working with disabled veterans such as Jubeck.
Return to Work is part of an unprecedented effort to help wounded troops make the transition to the workplace.
Places such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center are holding job fairs. Specialists in the jobs market, such as Monster.com, are pitching in. Vietnam veterans, most of whom had no help like this, are trying to ensure that this generation of injured soldiers gets better treatment. And there is a dedicated group of people, such as Brazell, who are intent on helping other people.
"Whereas transition services in the 1970s were fairly limited, today we recognize that we have a lifetime commitment beyond (Veteran Affairs) healthcare and education benefits to broader assistance in job training and placement that contribute significantly to improved opportunities when veterans return to civilian life," says William Offutt, director of the HireVetsFirst campaign at the U.S. Department of Labor. "This time, we're going to get this right."
As of last November, the survival rate for those injured in combat was 90 percent, the highest ever, reports Military.com. But 6 percent of wounded U.S. troops have lost a limb, double the rate of past wars, according to the Website, which quoted Maj. Gen. George Weightman, then commander of the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. (He is now commanding general of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed.)
For those who have been injured, it can mean a major change in career plans if the Army decides they can't continue in uniform.
"Guys get wounded, and all of a sudden, they are faced with a loss: It's producing a lot of stress, change, and a lot of problems," says Walter Penk, a consultant in New Braunfels, Texas, who has long worked on veterans issues. "The wounded warrior faces a major readjustment, and it's important that employers be aware of their struggles."
Comments
- 16 killed in Somalia 9:23 a.m.
- Mass funeral for massacre victims 9:22 a.m.
- Obama: 'Africa not separate' 9:20 a.m.
- Former cop seeks parole 9:17 a.m.
- 5 hurt in latest Pamplona bull run 8:49 a.m.
- Delay in Jackson guardianship case 8:47 a.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- Man spots his stolen car
- LDS seminary principal arrested
193 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
137 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
129 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
79 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
75 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
It should come as no surprise that American and British casualties have...
Millsap will be an average player in Portland. Roy runs that team and the...
I had to re-read the article after reading these posts. I didn't read...
Many people obviously love Brother Pratt, but my heart goes out to his...
Why does inacceptable behavior become justifiable under the guise of...
I hope I am not speaking too quickly, but in the about ten comments I have...
It is ZION for your information---- for now anyway. Secede?? Why should we...
We could pull out of this recession by extending the Bush tax cuts that are...
| 9:21 a.m. July 10, 2009 I'm not surprised to hear that Sen Bennett is...
It ain't over till the fat lady gets the red dress.


You can be the first to comment on this story.