VA, Walter Reed Sign Training Pact

Military Medicine, Summer 2005

Leaders of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center signed an agreement in early June giving severely injured service members practical help landing civilian jobs.

"Our newest generation of combat heroes deserves the best this nation can offer," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "But what they want is a helping hand, not a hand-out."

Under the "Vet IT" agreement signed by Nicholson and the Walter Reed commander. Army MG. Kenneth L. Farmer Jr., VA will offer vocational training and temporary jobs at its Washington headquarters to service members recovering at the Army facility from traumatic injuries.

More than 30 Walter Reed patients have already received similar on-the-job experience at VA headquarters since a test of the program began in September 2004. So far, 15 have been hired permanently by VA.

"As VA enters its 75th anniversary year, I'm proud that our new Vet IT program continues our long tradition of helping disabled veterans through vocational training and educational benefits," said secretary Nicholson.

Reference: Budahn, Phil, "VA, Walter Reed Sign Training Pact", VANEWS-L@WWW.LISTSERVE.VA.GOV