Require US businesses to hire wounded warriors

The Wounded Warrior Mentor Program was initially organized to match volunteer mentors to wounded warriors. Several members of the West Point class of 1958 founded the program when it became apparent that many wounded warriors needed more attention than the Army could provide. The program includes Walter Reed, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Ft. Meade, Ft. Belvoir, Ft. Gordon and other areas. 

Since its informal founding in 2004, the wounded warrior program has made considerable strides in enlisting the help of our government, individuals, and corporations, for our wounded warriors.

{mosads}Corporations such as The Inova Health System, Proctor and Gamble, Oracle, and Turner Construction have generously provided much needed assistance to help our wounded warrior’s transition back into non-military life and, in some cases, to rebuild lives shattered by injuries sustained while in the service of our country.

If any entity is falling down in their effort to provide the help needed by these young men and women, it is our own government. 

On Nov. 9, 2009, President Obama signed an Executive Order that emphasizes the hiring of veterans and disabled veterans. This Executive Order encourages Federal Agencies to hire veterans and disabled veterans by giving them preference points in the OMB hiring process. 

The key word is “encourages.” 

That word needs to be changed to “requires.”

The House of Representatives has established a fellowship program to provide employment opportunities within the House of Representatives on a two-year basis. 

Positions are available in Congressional Member district offices nationwide. Wherever possible, those selected for the program will be given the opportunity to transition into full-time employment. 

However, full-time employment is not guaranteed at the conclusion of the two-year fellowship. Why is it not guaranteed? Why is it that our Congressional representatives do not exert their influence on the special interest groups who seek and (possibly too often) are given favors from these same representatives?

It does not matter whether you consider the wars these young men and women were injured in as just or unjust. You must realize that each of them believed that they were serving our country. 

They believed that theirs was an effort to help build a better world. 

Harrisville, N.H.