Subject: Disabled veteran interns with VETS as part of the REALifelines Program

Florida's state veterans' program coordinator, Mitch Collier brought this success story to VETS NET's attention.

Thomas Green, a disabled veteran, interned with VETS as part of the REALifelines Program. Vern Leyde, VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment DVOP in St. Petersburg, did an excellent job in assisting and ultimately placing Mike in a great career with the VA.

Details: Thomas, a young soldier in his 20s, was seriously injured in an accident in Iraq and sustained severe injuries. Eventually he was transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for surgery and then rehabilitation. Thomas received a Medical Discharge from the Army.

After completing his rehab, Thomas was selected to participate as an intern with DOL as part of an outreach program called ReaLifelines. He gave presentations about the program to other veterans in California and Georgia.

Thomas returned home to be near his family, as he did not have a clear direction or goal that he wanted to pursue. Vern and Thomas spent a lot of time discussing different alternatives and trying to answer some of the “what ifs." Vern encouraged Thomas to apply for Chapter 31and he has since been found eligible.

About the same time, Vern was contacted by a Vet Center director asking if he knew of any recently separated veterans who had served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan and were awarded the Campaign medal for the Global Fight on Terrorism. They had a new position for a technician who would be traveling throughout several counties in Florida to meet with veterans, their family members and veteran groups to discuss and advise on adjustment back to civilian life and future employment options.

Vern's first thought was of Thomas who had just made some revisions to his resume. The resume was faxed to the Vet Center. The director was very impressed with the resume and scheduled an interview. The interview went well and Thomas was officially hired as a readjustment counseling technician. Thomas has also enrolled to pursue a post secondary education in the evenings using his vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Another example of the great work being done by vet staff all over the various regions! Excellent success story!