2nd annual wounded warrior hiring and support conference minutes

2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference – 9-10 November 2011 – Vienna, Va. Conference Summary

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Overview Sponsor: The Honorable Juan M. Garcia, III, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserved Affairs (ASN M&RA) Host: Vice Admiral Kevin M. McCoy, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Theme: “Hiring Our Nation’s Heroes.” Goal: To convene prominent government, military, industry leaders and their human resource professionals who are committed to hiring and supporting Wounded Warriors. To provide a unique opportunity to learn best practices from many successful organizations on how to recruit, hire, train and retain Wounded Warriors. Background: There are currently over 12,000 wounded, ill or injured service members transitioning out of the military on any given month. Many are seeking civilian employment. But for some, reintegration into the civilian workforce in the face of the current economic downturn poses a significant challenge. In addition to weeks, months or years of recovery, they face the potential of unemployment. On average, one in four new wounded warriors join the unemployment rolls every day. We have a moral obligation to support our nation’s heroes and assist them in finding meaningful careers so that they may continue to serve our nation. The Department of the Navy (DoN) is dedicated to hiring our wounded warriors and supporting them in the workplace. In 2010, the ASN M&RA established the DoN Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Initiative that aims to coordinate wounded warrior employment effort and ultimately increase wounded warrior employability by ensuring they have access to education, training and employment opportunities. NAVSEA has successfully developed and executed an enterprise-wide initiative to attract, recruit and retain disabled service members through their Wounded Warrior Program. NAVSEA and ASN M&RA continue to share their best practices across Department of Defense (DoD). As a result, several other U.S. Navy Systems Commands and the Office of Civilian Human Resources now have vibrant Wounded Warrior employment and education initiatives. They have partnered with other Services and federal agencies to leverage resources and continue to collaborate with the private sector in their efforts to support military families. Attendees: Close to 800 attendees from all military branches, government and private industry convened together to learn and share best practices and innovative ways to successfully recruit, hire, train and retain our Wounded Warriors. Conference: There were 12 plenary keynote speakers that provided perspectives on the value of hiring wounded warriors. Over 75 breakout session speakers in 25 unique sessions repeated twice gave attendees the tools and resources needed to recruit, hire, train and retain wounded warriors in the civilian workplace. In addition, there were 45 exhibits on display. The conference also recognized the following for their outstanding contributions to the DoN and for improving the lives of wounded Marines, Sailors and their families: Ms. Karen Stang, Northrop Grumman Operation IMPACT and Network of Champions; Ms. Patricia D'Amico, Human Resource Service Center, Northeast and the Computer Electronic Accommodation Program.

2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference – 9-10 November 2011 – Vienna, Va. Conference Summary

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Resources from the Plenary Session:

The Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) – The Office of Service Member Affairs is a voice for military personnel and their families. They recognize that military personnel and their families have special financial challenges and often pose unique risks. They will provide financial education, monitor complaints from military families and respond to those complaints by the CFPB and other agencies, and it will see that state and federal coordinate their activities to improve consumer protection measures. www.Consumerfinance.gov

Joining Forces – It is part of a national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support that have earned. The motto is everyone can do something; you should do what you do best. The three pillars are: Employment, Education & Wellness. www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces

Hero Health Hire (H3) – The mission of H3 is to function as a coalition of healthcare industry leaders with the common goal of arranging for Wounded Warriors to obtain and maintain positions within our organizations that are well-suited to their skills and will present professional, financial and personal stability for them and their families in the future. To serve as a role model for other industries. www.herohealthhire.com

The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed unprecedented resources to end homeless for veterans and put a roof over their head.

o If you see a homeless person, ask them if they are a veteran. If the answer is yes, please call the hotline 1-877-424-3838 and help a homeless veteran get off the street and on with their lives.

~ For specific keynote summaries, please see the attached minutes that follow. ~

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/

http://www.herohealthhire.com/

2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference – 9-10 November 2011 – Vienna, Va. Minutes for Day 1 ~ Wednesday, 9 November 2011

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7:45 a.m. Call to Order and Welcome Remarks by Hon. Juan Garcia, Assistant Secretary of the

Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Recognition of distinguished guests

Summary: Ten years into this war, one of the cornerstones will be the stunning breakthroughs made in combat medicine. We are bringing the troops home alive. The challenge is how to reintegrate the Wounded Warrior. Complicating this is the fact that not all of the Wounded Warriors’ injuries are visible (i.e., Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)) which is approximately 20%. The key to successful reintegration of the Wounded Warrior is a job – gainful employment. This conference is committed to hiring and supporting Wounded Warriors. The legacy question is: what did we do to successfully reintegrate the Wounded Warrior? Despite a challenging economic environment, we want to say to the returning Wounded Warrior, if you want work, we have a job for you. The transition is not just to hire Wounded Warriors, but also to focus on their retention. 8:10 a.m. VADM Kevin McCoy, USN, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command Summary: The focus of this conference is primarily about growing the network of those who hire Wounded Warriors (military, civilian and private sector). At the end of this conference, we want to be able to say that any Wounded Warrior who wants a job, will have a job. We are offering Wounded Warriors not just a job, but a career. We have come to recognize that we must match jobs to the person, not necessarily the person to the job. A common theme that has emerged is that much of the healing process for the Wounded Warrior is being a part of a team and feeling part of a larger cause. We have also come to understand the power of partnerships – when the Wounded Warrior leaves the military they want to go home. By partnering with others (i.e., Army Materiel Command (AMC)) the opportunities for the Wounded Warrior are spread across the country and often , the Wounded Warrior is able to find a job close to home. MATES is our retention program which stands for: MATES – Mentors, Assist, Train to Excel and Support program. The goal of this program is to successfully retain our Wounded Warriors that have been hired. The objectives are:

- Support career progression - Foster social networking - Early detection and resolution of issues - Increase job satisfaction - Increase productivity

NAVSEA’s lessons learned are that: - Traditional civilian hiring practices don’t work for Wounded Warriors

- Matching the job to the Wounded Warrior, not the warrior to the job is more successful - It takes a high touch to make these hires - Organizations must have goals and accountability - Need to find the Wounded Warrior and pull them into the hiring system - Outreach means reaching out!


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NAVSEA’s FY 12 Focus is to: 1) Grow the network (next target to partner with is Air Force Materiel Command) 2) Continue the MATES program with the focus on mentoring and retention of Wounded Warriors in

our workforce 3) Hire-Hire-Hire Take away messages are: 1) You have to have goals and accountability 2) The Command/organizations has to commit to hiring Wounded Warriors 3) You cannot start with the job, you have to start with the Wounded Warrior 8:30 a.m. General James F. Amos, USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps Summary: I am a strong advocate for hiring the Wounded Warrior. The goal is to introduce us to today’s Wounded Warrior. Wounded Warriors are divided into two groups – 1) severely wounded and 2) those that are being patched up. Either way, the Wounded Warrior leaves the theater early. If severely wounded, the last thing they may see before waking up in Bethesda is a doctor about to perform a procedure. The less severely wounded leave the theater kicking and screaming because they do not want to leave the team. What does this mean to industry? The Wounded Warrior is motivated and loyal. They want to work and stay on the team. The sense of having been kicked off of the team, due to injury, has a significant impact on them. The team is the most important thing. They are dedicated and loyal to the team. The recurring theme here is teamwork. The Wounded Warrior has intense loyalty and understands the value of being a part of the team. Wounded Warriors receive world-class medical care to repair their injuries but this care cannot put into the brain the sense of self worth and that there is life after the medical challenges have been overcome. Industry needs to recognize that the Wounded Warrior is trained to adapt and overcome in uncertainty and they are good candidates for employment. “Give them a chance and they will knock your socks off.” SgtMaj Micheal Barrett, USMC, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Summary: The character of a Wounded Warrior – they are not done living, not done giving, and they are absolutely selfless. They are employable and ready. They understand sacrifice, know how to overcome challenges, are of the highest moral character, and they live life to the fullest. They have a sense of duty, sacrifice to the organization that hires them, and they are energetic.

9:00 a.m. Mrs. Holly Petraeus, Assistant Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office

of Service Member Affairs

Summary: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a 21st century agency making financial markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans. They educate, enforce federal laws, and study best practices. Their goal is to empower consumers to take more control of their financial lives. The Office of Service Member Affairs is a voice for military personnel and their families. They recognize that military personnel and their families have special financial challenges and often pose unique risks. They will provide financial education, monitor complaints from military families and respond to those complaints by the CFPB and other agencies. It will also see that state and federal


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coordinate their activities to improve consumer protection measures. Some of the current issues for the Office of Service Member Affairs include:

1) Home ownership (some of the states hit hardest have large numbers of military families there); HAP is not a viable option for new applicants;

2) Military education benefits & for profit colleges (i.e. understanding loans offered by for profit colleges);

3) Military spouse employment

Visit website www.Consumerfinance.gov

9:30 a.m. Hon. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy

Summary: “The willingness with which our young people are willing to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” – George Washington Wounded Warriors have specialized skills and the ability to learn new skills quickly. They can add to the already impressive list of candidates for employment because they have overcome the adversity of being wounded. They are wounded – not damaged. They have commitment and are dedicated. The USN is in a position to address some of the challenges of the Wounded Warrior by providing opportunities for employment. USN FY10-11 hired well over 1,000 veterans with a 30% or greater disability rating. The USN has streamlined the Wounded Warrior hiring process. The unemployment rate is higher for veterans than non veterans. The President has issued the following 3 Executive Orders aimed at reducing the time it takes for a veteran to find a job: 1 - Establishment of a veteran’s job bank 2 - Veterans Gold Card – an online career support service to help veterans find work 3 - Tax credit for business who hire Wounded Warriors The first ever Carrier Classic (regular season basketball game – Michigan State vs. North Carolina) will be held on Veteran’s Day (11/11/11) aboard the USS Carl Vinson. This provides an opportunity to show the professionalism, confidence and skills of service men/women who serve across all of our military. It is also a chance to put a spotlight on the Navy’s carriers. Wounded Warriors have strengthened our country and they will strengthen your business.

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/


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10:00 a.m. CAPT Brad Cooper, USN, Executive Director, Joining Forces, The White House, Office of the First Lady

Summary: The Joining Forces Office established 6 months ago. It is part of a national initiative to

mobilize all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and

support that have earned. Our motto is, “Everyone can do something; you should do what you do

best.” Joining Forces 3 pillars are: Employment, Education and Wellness. As a result of the current

nationwide public awareness campaign encouraging people who want to make a difference for our

veterans and their families, companies are stepping up to the plate. Examples include: Simply Hired (an

IT company) came up with 500,000 jobs and deposited in the veteran’s job bank, Google (an IT

company) is offering every company in the USA the opportunity to take jobs available today and affix a

veteran’s commitment to it and they will be an additional deposit in the veteran’s job bank. The

challenge is to hire / train 100,000 veteran’s and their spouses by the end of 2013.

Steve Caldeira, President/CEO, International Franchise Association

Summary: We are committed to hiring our nations Wounded Warriors. International Franchise

Association recognizes that Wounded Warriors have tremendous talent to offer. They have a proven

track record in franchising. In fact, today there are 66,000 veteran owned and operated franchise

businesses.

4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks by Leadership in the Grand Ballroom

Conference Day 1 Adjourns

Mr. Brian Persons, Executive Director, Naval Sea Systems Command

Summary: Reflecting back to the last conference, we asked ourselves how do we do this? Since then,

we have learned a lot and there is still a lot of heavy lifting to do. This conference is different. We are

doing the necessary work to find our Wounded Warriors careers. Today, when we walk away, we can

see that the network is starting to be formed; people are talking to each other. We need to continue

talking and sharing. We are building the railroad and it is starting to work. Keep building the network.

RADM John Clarke Orzalli, Vice Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

Summary: The energy and enthusiasm felt here today drains you physically and emotionally. Reflecting

back on a slide VADM McCoy shared this morning (NAVSEA locations only and then NAVSEA locations

partnered with the Army Materiel Command chart). The goal is by the end of tomorrow, to fill in the

white spaces and have partnerships in every state of the country. Wounded Warriors want to go home,

and we want to be able to say we’ve got you covered. Let’s not let the Wounded Warriors fall through

the cracks.

2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference – 9-10 November 2011 – Vienna, Va. Minutes for Day 2 ~ Thursday, 10 November 2011

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7:45 a.m. Call to Order and Welcome by VADM Kevin McCoy, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command Recognition of distinguished guests

Summary: The one word that comes to mind when comparing the first to the second conference is energy. We can see a movement developing. The dots are starting to be connected. We can feel the energy and it is gaining momentum. Yesterday’s breakout sessions were about finding and successfully recruiting Wounded Warriors --Today’s breakout sessions are about training, internships and apprenticeships. Let’s keep the energy and productivity going. Let’s get much more formal and connected. 8:00 a.m. Major General Elder Granger, M.D. U.S. Army (retired), Founder and President, The

5Ps, Honorary Chairman for Hero Health Hire Summary: The mission of Hero Health Hire (H3) is to function as a coalition of healthcare industry leaders with the common goal of arranging for Wounded Warriors to obtain and maintain positions within our organizations. H3 is trying to recruit veterans into the health care industry. These are positions that are well-suited to their skills and will present professional, financial and personal stability for them and their families into the future. We want H3 to serve as a role model for other industries to do as we have and take the lead for their industry. Hero Health Hire is a gathering place where business leaders, government officials, and concerned citizens can learn, share information and commit to helping our nation’s disabled veterans find and retain meaningful employment. Visit website www.hereohealthhire.com.

8:15 a.m. John Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Wounded Warrior Care and

Transition Policy

Summary: We are here to help those who have done more than most. Wounded Warriors are going through a difficult transition to get back to normal. The transition is difficult for our Wounded Warriors, even more so today than in 1970. Today Wounded Warriors face higher unemployment rates, negligible income prospects, and in some cases less hope. In 1970 many Wounded Warriors left service with only the basic skills to get work. They did not have the tools needed and did not know how to showcase skills. Eventually they found work. In those days, most companies were run by people who had served in the military (Korea or WW II) and they really understood what wounded veterans could do. In 1980, 59% of companies were led by veterans; in 2006, 80% were led by veterans and today, companies led by veterans are only 2-4%. The unemployment rate for veterans today is at 12% ; closer to 21% for those between the ages of 19-24. The question we must ask ourselves is, “How do we have the best trained and educated men and women collecting unemployment checks instead of paychecks?” We are not maximizing our veteran human capital assets. Those in this room understand what it means to add a veteran to the DNA of a corporation. When veterans are added to the problem solving processes in organizations, good things happen.

http://www.hereohealthhire.com/


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There needs to be a paradigm shift in this country; things need to change. The office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy has the following initiatives:

1) Offers a free transition assistance program webinar for our veterans. (This started in April 2011.) Topics covered include: landing an interview, and how to dress for success. To date there have been 3,000 registrants for this 1 hour webinar. 2) Manages Operation Warfighter which puts recovering service men and women in internships to help them learn a skill set outside of what they did in the military. 3) Will launch a new initiative, partnering with Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor, which will offer high touch and a personalized approach to help prepare the Wounded Warrior, while still on active duty, for life after their service. 4) Preview of something we are working on – hiring managers mean well but don’t often understand the needs of a Wounded Warrior. We need to give them the tools/roadmap to understand how to view a military resume. We need to establish way to exchange best practices and will be holding another conference to share what companies are doing - “the real nitty-gritty” about what the workplace needs are for a physically disabled veteran. We want people to go back with solutions and not just a bag of materials. More information on this to come in the December timeframe. We all want the headlines to change. We all want to see the Wounded Warrior on main street not sleeping on the street. We are not there yet, but we can get there if we work together. 8:30 a.m. Brigadier General Darryl A. Williams, Assistant Surgeon General of Warrior Care and

Transition and Commander of the Warrior Transition Command, U.S. Army Summary: Warrior Transition has three priorities:

1. Training our cadre to help them with a new normal 2. Education to create resiliency models 3. Jobs & careers for non-medical attendants who help the people who are helping the warriors

The “Wounds of War” are:

Visible wounds – amputation, burned body Invisible wounds – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

PTSD & TBI = 66% US Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Veterans have skills to offer including:

Small-unit leadership

Well educated

Technical skills

Disciplined

Teamwork


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Work well under pressure

Possess character & integrity What Wounded Warriors (and their families) need:

Employment

Education

Access to health care

Wounded Warriors need help accessing education, employment and health care. The best solutions are local. Here is what can be done to assist:

Help connect programs and services to Wounded Warrior and their families

Organize information on community resources and support services

Help eliminate the stigmas associated with seeking and receiving help The strength of our nation is our Army, The strength of our Army is our soldiers, The strength of our soldiers, is our families, That is what makes the US Army strong. 8:50 a.m. Awards Ceremony presented by:

Hon. Juan Garcia, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs VADM Kevin McCoy, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command VADM David Architzel, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command

Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Award presented for outstanding commitment and achievement in Wounded Warrior hiring and reintegration practices. The award recognizes an organization or an individual’s efforts in executing the President’s guidance to do “everything in our power to assist [Veterans] in re-entering civilian life and finding employment.” Recipient: Computer Electronic Accommodation Program (CAP) Department of the Navy Meritorious Public Service Award presented to private citizens and/or organizations for outstanding voluntary contributions to the mission and best interests of the DON. They are designed to provide formal recognition for individuals or groups who are not employed by the DON, or who were not so employed during the period for which a public service award is recommended. DON Public Service Award is awarded for significant contributions with substantial impact upon a specific activity or geographical location. Recipient: Ms. Karen Stang (Northrup Grumman Operation IMPACT and Network of Champions)


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Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award are awarded to civilian employees in the federal government for meritorious service or contributions resulting in high value or benefits for the DON. DON honorary awards provide a way to recognize an employee’s overall value to an organization and accomplishment should be significant and have far reaching impact. Recipient: Patricia D’Amico (Human Resource Service Center, Northeast) 9:15 a.m. VADM David Architzel, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command Summary: In FY 2011, NAVAIR hired 154 disabled veterans into a variety of positions. NAVAIR’s Wounded Warrior Recruitment Program is an internship program that provides training opportunities to any veteran with a 30% or greater disability rating. There are two programs:

Active Duty Intern Program (ADIP)

Naval Acquisition Development Program for Wounded Warriors (NADP-WW) Success will continue to grow as we educate our hiring managers. Hiring managers need to understand a Wounded Warrior resume. Recommended reading: Once a Warrior – Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home. Charles Hoge, M.D. December 6, 2011 NAVAIR will be hosting a Wounded Warrior Career Day at the Patuxent River Air Museum. “A man who is good enough to shed blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. More than that no man is entitled to, and less than that no man shall have.” Theodore Roosevelt 9:15 a.m. Major Justin Constantine, USMC, Department of Justice Summary: Personal observations:

Personally experienced a mental transition to accepting being disabled.

Wounded Warriors should focus on what you can do and succeed.

Wounded Warriors know what other Wounded Warriors need and should be encouraged to be a part of the mentoring process.

Each Wounded Warrior needs a personal touch and individual attention. This is lacking in the system overall.

Be reminded and aware that there are numerous obstacles for the Wounded Warrior. As a hiring manager:

Pay personal attention to the Wounded Warrior.

Be aware and encourage other HR folks – recognize that the Wounded Warrior is still a person.


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Hiring multiple Wounded Warriors at the same time is helpful to the Wounded Warrior. They will be able to help each other and not feel like they are the only one and singled out.

If you can only hire one Wounded Warrior, make sure that he/she knows who the other veterans are in the organization so that there is someone there who can relate to them.

Mentoring programs in the office are useful. Informal programs are especially good. Hiring Wounded Warriors should be a national priority. We need to get everyone across the country talking. Great strides have been made, but we still have a long way to go. 9:30 a.m. Hon. John U. Sepúlveda, Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and

Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Summary: The reintegration of the Wounded Warrior into a full and productive life is a battle we intend to win. Victory is possible with the help of families, friends and employers. We can never do enough to honor our service members, especially the Wounded Warriors. The key is finding a job and launching a career. The Department of Veterans Affairs has committed unprecedented resources to end homelessness for veterans and put a roof over their heads. Challenge : If you see a homeless person, ask them if they are a veteran. If the answer is yes, please call the hotline 1-877-424-3838 and help a homeless person get off the street and on with their lives. Recognize that veterans have a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork. However, they have a barrier of translating skills from the battlefield into English/ civilian speak that can be understood by hiring managers or human resources professionals. The question we must ask is, “how do we translate battlefield skills into a resume that will be competitive in the marketplace?” The Department of Veterans Affairs website offers a military skills translator and skills assessments that aide in building a resume and also identifies jobs available that are a best match to that resume at VA. Online technology is not enough. That technology needs to be combined with difficult cultures that are available and populated primarily by veterans who provide assistance in preparing for an interview. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a record of accomplishment which we are proud of, but is still a long way to go. You can help Veterans Affair by: 1) Giving us ideas and recommendations 2) Give your local VA a push (let them know they are not doing enough or they need to do things differently) “When our fellow citizens commit themselves to shed blood for us, that binds our fates with theirs in a way nothing else can. And in the end, caring for those who have given their fullest measure of devotion – and for their families – is a matter of honor – as a nation and as a people.” President Obama


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9:50 a.m. Keynote Speaker – Michele Jones, Special Assistant and Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) and the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness)

Summary: How can we serve those who serve? 1% serve while 99% reap the benefits. My

responsibility is the accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. Servicemen/women

are like angels – you don’t see them but you know they are there.

There are 3 categories for serving – God, country and family.

Military members, Wounded Warriors included, carry the five Ls – loyalty, leadership, liberty, life,

legacy.

I want to leave you with three thoughts:

1. When someone asks why hire a veteran, I tell them because they have good bones:

a. Back bone – hard working and loyal

b. Wish bone – have hopes and dreams

c. Funny bone – have humor

d. Tail bone – will be there until the job is done

2. Ms. Jones carries a girl doll with her as a reminder – “ it doesn’t matter to me to know who I am

holding it just matters that I am.”

3. Why hire a veteran? – Think of the wish bone. In order to make a wish you have to have a wand

with a mirror on one side. Consider that whatever I wish for you will also come back to me.

Wishes do come true.

4:00 p.m. Wrap Up Forum in Grand Ballroom and Closing Remarks by Leadership

Musical entertainment provided by the United States Navy Band

Conference Day 2 Adjourns

Summary:

RADM John Clarke Orzalli, Vice Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

We have met our goal to fill up the map, thereby increasing our network.

CDR Stephen Tomlin, USN, Naval Sea Systems Command – Question and Answer

Over the past two days, you have heard from government, military and the private sector. The goal of

the conference was to provide you with the tools to recruit, hire, train and retain Wounded Warriors.

What knocked your socks off?


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A member of the audience stated that the K9 stray dogs have been sent to prisons to be trained by

prisoners for a year. This demonstrates that prisoners can be productive and the end result is a trained

K9 that can help a Wounded Warrior.

Another audience member commented that the breakout session featuring service organizations (i.e.

American Legion, Semper Fi Fund, Navy Safe Harbor Foundations and USA Cares) was beneficial. It

allows you as an employer to think about what they can do for you. For example, if you are hiring

Veterans and a potential Wounded Warrior candidate needs to travel to an interview, but does not have

the funds to do so. You now know that there are service organizations that may be able to assist you in

your recruiting, hiring and retaining efforts.

Other audience comments that were made were:

Monetary donations are appreciated, but other assets to include time, suggestions and creativity are

also appreciated to make job fairs and other Wounded Warrior hiring events successful.

Consider an outreach effort to reach out to Wounded Warriors who are presently incarcerated.

Closing remarks offered by VADM Kevin McCoy, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command

Thanks for a first class event. Let’s keep the dialogue going and let’s continue to connect the dots.

There is a lot of “stuff” that still needs to happen. Stay focused on hiring. We now have a network of

government and private sector organizations. Let’s get to work.

Closing remarks offered by Hon. Juan Garcia, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and

Reserve Affairs

Over the past two days, including the breakout sessions, we have heard from 90 speakers. What

happened in the last 48 hours? We filled in the map. We recognized that Wounded Warriors have

strengthened America by their service and they will strengthen a company who decides to hire them the

same way. We heard best practices, heard from subject matter experts in breakouts session, heard

from exhibitors, heard from human resources experts, heard about private sector initiatives, heard

about mentorships, and opportunities to celebrate our Wounded Warriors.

In closing, our legacy issue - a key issue that will define our time here and will define our generation.

What did we do to reintegrate our Wounded Warriors? The key to success is finding a job for our

Wounded Warriors. Let’s continue the movement and come full circle in doing everything possible to

reintegrate the Wounded Warrior.