Pelosi, Hoyer, Brady Announce Appointment of Director of House Wounded Warrior Program

The Wounded Warrior Program was established at the direction of Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer and Chairman Brady with the goal of employing as many as 50 veterans to work with Members of Congress, Committee and Leadership offices, and in support services.

'This unique initiative will allow the House to replicate the successful efforts taken by the Defense Department in placing wounded veterans in good, quality jobs,' said Pelosi, Hoyer and Brady.  'As director of this program, Sergeant Orsini will bring these extraordinary public servants into Congressional service, and we know she will make this remarkable endeavor a great success for the taxpayers, the U.S. House, and these American heroes.'

'Sergeant Orsini understands the needs of wounded warriors, and understands that many veterans want to continue to serve their country,' House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard said.  'Our country has invested in these men and women, and their skills and leadership qualities will translate well into Congressional service.'

'I'm excited to oversee this wonderful program, which will find jobs for wounded warriors at a time when they most need the support of the nation they fought for -- when they return from war,' Orsini said.

Pelosi, Hoyer and Brady directed Beard to develop the program in a letter dated November 7, 2007: 'From our visits with our wounded military over the past several years, we are well aware that these service men and women possess a wide range of valuable skills and experiences, as well as enthusiasm for hard work, which would be enormously valuable to any employer,' the lawmakers wrote.

Although the final elements of the program are being formulated and more details will be forthcoming, qualified applicants will undergo an initial interview process and, if accepted as a wounded warrior 'fellow,' will have the opportunity to work in various capacities throughout the House with the goal of attaining full-time employment.

Those wounded warriors interested in learning more about the program's details as they emerge can request additional information at the CAO's Web site: http://cao.house.gov.

*  *  *

Biography of Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Patricia Orsini

Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Patricia Orsini has spent most of her career supporting her fellow Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen, by helping them return to civilian life and find jobs when they are injured and disabled.

As the director of the House's Wounded Warrior Program, Orsini will continue to answer the call to service, helping to establish and supervise the House's new program aimed at finding wounded veterans jobs working in the House.

She has served more than 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps in a variety of positions, including assisting active duty and reserve Marines with medical benefits. After retiring from active duty in 2002, she worked for the American Legion as deputy director for health care services and for the Veterans Administration as a service representative.

In 2004, Patricia was re-called to active duty in support Operation Iraqi Freedom at Quantico with the Marine for Life Injured Support Program. The goal of the program was to create and manage a 'medical hold' process to assist injured reservists. Last year, she helped establish the Wounded Warrior Regiment within the Marine Corps.

Throughout her career, Orsini has played a unique and emotional role, she said, in taking care of the nation's veterans.  She has escorted the bodies of fallen Marines in airplanes bound for home and played the bugle at many of her comrades' funerals. 'Those are the times when I've had the most empathy for the dedication our veterans have to our country,' she said.