Recently I had an annual experience that makes me so proud to be part of the veteran small business movement and veterans taking care of veterans. I had the pleasure of attending the sixth annual “Operation Jump Start” at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA.

Operation Jump Start is organized by the Federal CIO Council, 1105 Government Information Group, AFCEA-Bethesda, MD chapter, AFFIRM, and ACT-IAC, in other words everyone involved in information technology in Washington, D.C. It was also sponsored by our community with the likes of NaVOBA member John Moliere of Standard Communications. 

The purpose of the event is to show support for our wounded warriors from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as they transition to civilian careers. The event gives wounded warriors an opportunity to network with members of the IT community who provide employment and internship opportunities with the largest to the smallest firms in IT. The wounded warriors come away with job opportunities and contacts.

The price of admission is a donation to support the warriors as they “Jump Start” their civilian careers. Many people bring clothes appropriate of job interviews as well as gift cards for stores and restaurants near Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Medical Center.  You would not believe all the clothes and gift cards!

I had the pleasure of spending part of the evening with a young soldier who lost part of his face and is suffering from traumatic brain injury. He is lucky as he has a wonderful wife and family to support his rehabilitation. Many are not so fortunate.

His goal when he is discharged from the Army is to go back home to Phoenix, AZ.  He has some basic computer skills, but more importantly, he has a remarkable spirit, in spite of his disabilities. By the end of the evening there were two businesses that have operations in Phoenix and promised him an interview. He will make it!

Events like this really make me proud to be part of the brotherhood of veterans taking care of veterans.

God Bless our active duty troops and especially our wounded warriors!

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