The Photograph: GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES FIRST WOUNDED VETERANS NOW AT WORK IN VDOT PROGRAM

GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES FIRST WOUNDED VETERANS NOW AT WORK IN VDOT PROGRAM

~ First of its kind program places disabled vets in two-year VDOT internships ~

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that two former U.S. Marines who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom have been hired as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Wounded Veteran Internship Program. The program is open primarily to veterans of U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan . Veterans who cannot or do not wish to return to jobs they had before serving in these conflicts may apply for the internships, which can last up to two years.

Purple Heart recipient and former Sergeant Chad C. Ellinger started his new position as a security and technology specialist in VDOT's Staunton District on March 5th. Ellinger's responsibilities include information technology, security, telecommunications, and records management. Former Corporal Jason L. Weaver began as an engineer technician in the Fredericksburg District March 7th. Weaver will assist in all phases of asphalt, soil, aggregate, and concrete materials testing and sampling.

"We are proud to welcome our returning veterans home from war with new opportunities in the Commonwealth of Virginia ," said Governor Kaine. "This program is the first of its kind for a state department of transportation, and serves as a model to other DOTs throughout the country."

Veterans in the program can compete for permanent VDOT positions, jobs in the private sector, or other government agencies. VDOT's Civil Rights Division is promoting the program to businesses and industries that work with the agency, enabling veterans to have broader choices in their job search.

Both veterans received numerous medals and awards for their service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ellinger has an associate's degree in business management from Blue Ridge Community College and volunteers for a number of local organizations. Weaver graduated from King George High School in 2001.

The Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Wounded Veteran Internship Program was launched in September 2006. The first veterans joined the agency in March of the following year.

The program is designed for veterans who find they are not suited physically or emotionally to a former job, or because the job is no longer available.

The program allows veterans to revamp old job skills or develop new ones. VDOT attempts to locate the internships close to where the veterans are receiving rehabilitation or now live.

The program is the only one of its kind among departments of transportation across the country. It is expected to serve as a model for other states.

The Federal Highway Administration is providing grant money and is partnering with VDOT in the program.

Wounds can be physical or psychological. The internship is expected to serve primarily veterans of U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but will not be limited to veterans of those operations.

A number of veteran service-related organizations are working with VDOT in implementing the program.

Internships last from six months to two years, depending on the needs of the veterans and the VDOT office where they are placed. Veterans are compensated at an hourly rate determined by the skill sets involved and the particular position.

Placement depends upon the veteran's aptitudes and interests, and could be in one areas such as: