Injured Iraq veterans getting jobs help

"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."

Many of the injured are considering returning to school. Some want to figure out a way to continue working on a team with a defined mission. Many don't want to be tied to a desk job.

One of those is Lance Cpl. Chris Hahn, a husky marine from Loveland, Colo. He lost part of his leg in an accident in Iraq. But he's determined not to let that slow him down. He will be fitted with a prosthetic, he says, and will be able to run with anybody. His goal is to become a police officer. "After Iraq, I need excitement," he says.

Last month, Hahn attended a job fair with the catchy title, "Hiring Heroes," at Walter Reed in Washington. Organized by the Defense Applicant Assistance Office (DAAO), it gave injured vets the opportunity to meet some 30 government agencies and private companies.

"We have real jobs," says Karen Hannah, a human resources specialist with DAAO. "Some are temporary while the service members rehab, and others are permanent."

A double amputee, Staff Sgt. Joe Beimfohr is talking to the Department of Veterans Affairs. He's thinking about going back to college. But he can also see himself working for the VA, helping other injured service members. As he sits in the wheelchair, he looks down and asks, "Who could do the work better?"

Such a work ethic is appealing to many potential employers. "Companies are very enthusiastic about vets. They recognize the qualities of today's veterans — their flexibility, mission-orientation, teamwork and their ability to overcome obstacles on the job," says Offutt.

One firm that's set up a booth is the real estate network RE/MAX, manned by Bill Gailbraith, a retired marine colonel. The Manassas, Va., man says he's interested in recruiting service members since they're accustomed to a disciplined life. Out of 41 troops interviewed, four were "definite" referrals. "They are not looking for sympathy. They want respect for who they are," Gailbraith says.

Gailbraith is also typical of another part of the process: He had four tours in Vietnam and "suffered the pangs" of coming back to the United States at a time when the nation was deeply divided. Now, he and other Vietnam veterans are in a position to give jobs and referrals to the wounded soldiers. "The Vietnam vets are making sure if a decision is to be made, it is going the right way," he says.