NOD News
Wounded Warriors Meet with Lawmakers to Discuss Career Support
WASHINGTON, DC, September 2010 – Veterans with NOD’s Wounded Warrior Careers demonstration project traveled from North Carolina and Colorado to share their stories with members of Congress, including Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representative Jim Moran (D-VA). While each veteran’s story is unique, they all reflect the crucial role that education, training and jobs play in a successful transition home – and the importance of intensive career supports like those offered by the NOD program.
During his yearlong tour in Iraq, US Army Sergeant (Retired) Shane P. Rumley was involved in over 900 combat missions, including more than a dozen firefights, regular casualty evacuations, and at least four improvised explosive device hits to his vehicle. Upon returning to Ft. Carson in Colorado, SGT Rumley was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Following medical retirement in November 2008, Shane thought his only option was to work as a night security guard. NOD has helped him to develop a career plan and pursue his college education in engineering. Shane is currently enrolled in the Colorado School of Mines under the GI Bill.
US Army Staff Sergeant (Retired) Timothy M. Squires was a National Guard Soldier who was called to duty from his job as a North Carolina State Trooper. In 2003, while in theater he was involved in an accident that caused Traumatic Brain Injury and paralysis to his lower extremities. NOD has assisted both Timothy and his wife Agnes with enrollment into a local community college; she is seeking her degree and certification to become a Pharmacist. He is writing a book, running a resale business, and planning to be involved in volunteer activities.
US Army Staff Sergeant (Retired) James A. Williams suffered serious injury to his arm and back and received a Traumatic Brain Injury during airborne training. After three years of deployments and rehabilitation he was separated from the Army as a disabled veteran. NOD has assisted both James and his wife Jennifer in their career planning and they are both enrolled in school. Jennifer has already completed her Associates Degree in Early Education. James is in school for Counseling and Coaching and is working in his community as a sports coach to prepare for this career.
NOD is grateful to those lawmakers who met with these veterans, including Senators Barbara Boxer, Richard Burr, Roland Burris, Richard Durbin, Tom Harkin, Jack Reed, and Patty Murray, and Representative Jim Moran and thank them for their commitment to make sure more veterans and their families return home to careers.
NOD extends a special thanks to Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Michael Bennet, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Kay Hagan and Representatives Jim Moran, Patrick Kennedy, Jim Langevin, Mike McIntyre, and Larry Kissell for their support.
Congressman Moran, a major proponent of the Wounded Warrior Careers program, meets with NOD Vice President Rick Stark, Jennifer and James Williams, and Timothy and Agnes Squires. Congressman Moran’s district, which includes the Pentagon, has the highest concentration of military activity of any district.
Senator Bennet greets veteran Timothy Squires, as Shane Rumley looks on.
As a former school superintendent, Senator Bennet – here with veterans from Colorado and North Carolina and their spouses – took a keen interest in the veterans’ educational progress..
Senator Inouye, who heads the Senate Appropriations Committee, has pledged his support for the Wounded Warrior Career program. He is pictured (center) with James and Jennifer Williams and Agnes and Timothy Squires.
The veterans and their wives in front of the US Capitol.
Senator Barbara Boxer poses with Shane Rumley, Agnes and Timothy Squires, Rick Stark, and Jennifer and James Williams.
Agnes and Timothy Squires met Illinois Senators Roland Burris (left) and Richard Durbin (right).
