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.
Additional information on the Wounded Vet program can be found at: www.virginiadot.org/jobs/WoundedVetProgram.asp. For downloadable photos of the first two veterans hired for this program, goto www.virginiadot.org/images/vets.jpg.
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