Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Matt Sullivan served in the United States Army as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division; he planned on a long career with the Army. He had just completed a year’s deployment in Afghanistan and he and his unit were on foot patrol heading home. The weather was bad and the helicopter couldn’t pick them up so they walked to a Forward Operating Base to ride out with another unit. During their walk, an Improvised Explosive Device went off, claiming his right leg.

At Balboa Naval Medical Center, Matt focused solely on his therapy. As Matt neared his release, he began to think “what next?” He participated in an internship with Naval Air Systems Command prior to his discharge. He began pursuing a degree and then connected with one of the Wounded Warrior coordinators at the Human Resources Service Center in San Diego. They worked with him on his resume, and building a strong application package while learning about employment options – such as registering his resume with the new Defense Outplacement Referral System (DORS). Later, Matt was linked with a job and now works as a records room supervisor, helping to implement the electronic Official Personnel Folders (eOPF) effort.

Matt says that now there are many more resources available to Wounded Warriors than were available in past years. “DORS offers the Wounded Warriors a tremendous network and advantage to getting their information out. DORS will link them to hiring managers and HR professionals all across the country -- there is
no better way.”

Recognizing the angst of preparing resumes and leaving the service, Matt assures Wounded Warriors that there is support available to help them relate their military experience and skills to civilian careers. “And, for vets who want to continue to serve … with a purpose … federal civilian service is a great way to accomplish it.”