Why I Care So Much about Veteran Hiring

During my 20 years in the Marine Corps, I have traveled all over the world and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2010, I was wounded in Afghanistan by an Improvised Explosive Device. I spent over a year and a half in and out of the hospital recovering so I could return to the Marine Corps and continue to serve. It was hard because I had to find my new normal. My new normal included blindness in one eye, multiple burns on my face and arm along with other injuries. Following my injuries, I stayed in the Marine Corps for another 12 years and was promoted three times to retire at the second highest enlisted rank (Master Sergeant). I served at the highest echelon of the Department of the Navy, was a Congressional Fellow, and lastly served in the Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR). At the WWR I ensured our wounded, ill, and injured marines were properly taken care of. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, I wanted to continue to serve our country and advocate for disabled Veterans like me. SourceAmerica has given me the opportunity to do just that. As the Veteran Policy Analyst, I am working on SourceAmerica’s veteran hiring initiatives and sharing the veteran experience with policy makers. My passion is showing the world what the disabled community can do when we are given the right tools and are empowered by policy. I am so happy to be with an organization that continues to show their commitment to bring stable jobs with competitive pay and advancement potential to the disability community.