Local Injured Solider Can't Find Work...Is This Common?

A concerned wife of a brave soldier wrote us at "Connie and Curtis" about her military husband's injury and how he is being turned away from work positions.

You can read about her family's struggle.

"Dear Connie and Curtis,

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

I spoke with your representative on the phone this past Wednesday, and was told that Sunday night would be the best time to send this.

I know that you are always in support of those who need it, as well as thankful to soldiers for their sacrifice.

I found this letter on my computer Wednesday morning. My husband wrote this after another failed interview Tuesday, and I think that it should be shared. I believe this letter was written out of frustration, but it is very touching.

He has been on many interviews, and is always turned down either because he is still in the military or because he was injured overseas and they view him as a liability. I was hoping that you could help me by sharing this attached letter on the air or on your website, at least to bring awareness during this holiday season that there are veterans out there struggling. He has submitted his resume to countless companies in hopes of finding work, and is turned away nearly every time.

When he has gotten as far as an interview, and a few times he has been accepted to go for their required physicals. Even withholding his injury information, he is turned down when they see is on pain management. He is then required to give an explanation, and the information about his injuries are then told. He was hit by an IED during deployment, and has had neck surgery and almost two years of physical therapy, but is now recovered besides the pain management from the lasting side effects.

He does not qualify for anything other than partial VA disability, yet not able to be hired because of his injuries. He has obtained a specific note from his physician stating that he has no restrictions and is fine to do whatever the jobs entail, but apparently this is not acceptable for the "veteran friendly companies" that he is speaking of.

He is told that he doesn't even have enough experience to drive a semi local or over the road. The last thing he wants to do is be away from us, but is willing to do what he needs to provide for us. We have young teenage boys, ages 13 and 14 that need him home as often as he can be. I work, but I just don't bring in enough to make up for what he can't.

It breaks my heart to see such a proud and hard working man to feel that his sacrifices for our country just wasn't enough.

He joined the military to serve our country and for a better life for his family, yet it has seemed to have the opposite effect because he did not return in perfect condition.

By sharing this letter and asking if other veterans are receiving the same responses from companies, I think it would help shed some light to others going through similar struggles, and hopefully get through to some of the companies that are turning our soldiers away from work.

You can read her husband's resume here. After reviewing it, this man is more than capable in many areas of expertise.

"Dear “Veteran Friendly, Hiring Companies”,I am not only a soldier, but a veteran of war. As a Combat Engineer, I have spent the past six years serving our military in efforts to keep peace and our country free. I spent four years active duty army, with one of those years deployed to Afghanistan. During that year of deployment, I was hit by an IED causing neck injuries to the extent of surgery and a few years of physical therapy and limitations on my physical abilities. Still, I consider myself luckier than some of my friends who never returned. I am proud to say that although I am on pain management, I am back to full strength. I am now in the National Guard and they have cleared me for another deployment if I am called up for service. I have years of working experience in heavy equipment operating and truck driving. I am ready, willing, and able to work, and in need to support my family. I am asking you, as a “Veteran Friendly Company” for a brief explanation on why I am not considered “physically able” to work for your company. Let me please first explain my qualifications that I have written on my resume that you passed by.

Summary of Skills & Qualifications

Professional experience in supervising a crew of twenty or more employees.
Active United States Government security clearance; experienced security supervisor.
Class “A” Commercial driver’s license; over ten thousand hours of Commercial driving experience.
Experienced heavy equipment operator; over five thousand hours of experience.
Ability to respond quickly to difficult decisions in high stress situations.
Proficient in Microsoft Office including: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Associates Degree in General Studies

Professional Qualifications

Training and Supervising

Coordinated, supervised, and instructed work assignments of groups of up to twenty personnel.
Conducted monthly evaluations which increased work performance by 20%.
Experienced in supervising maintenance and construction activities.
Presented slide shows and clarified training aids to educate subordinate personnel.
Supervised teams of construction and demolition crews, prepared construction procedure schedules, served as liaison with supported units, and planned construction operations.
Demolitions expert, coordinated work teams using knowledge of location and level of charge, writes orders, and crosschecks material requirements.
Appointed member of City Planning Commission; responsibilities of creating and amending city ordinances in cooperation with other appointed members.
Elected Village Trustee; overseeing city functions, decision making, and budget amendments.

Security

Assembled a security control point in a stressful hostile environment to decrease suspicious activities.
Secured and managed highly sensitive equipment; endeavors led to 100% accountability.
Directed controlled personnel in a protected structure ensuring detainment.
Developed and enforced a successful security plan; efforts led to a secure facility.

I would also like to add that I was honored to receive the following medals/recognitions during my military career so far:

Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star

Army Commendation Medal

NATO Medal

Army Good Conduct Medal

USAF Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon

Combat Action Badge

Sharpshooter

Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar

Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver wheeled Vehicle(s) Clasp

I have served in a designated imminent danger pay area and I have completed my first full term of service with honorable discharge.

I have passed my DOT physical without hesitation and passed the state of Michigan exam for my tanker endorsement. I also have a signed statement from my doctor that although I am on pain management, I am cleared to work with no restrictions.

It seems that most of the “Veteran Friendly” companies that are hiring do not deem me qualified or fit to work. I am writing this letter to ask why? Why is it that I am cleared to deploy and fight for your freedom, but not work for your company to earn an honest paycheck upon returning home? Why do you fly the American flag in front of your company and post your bulletin boards and advertisements on roadsides and the internet that you hire Veterans if you have no intention to do so? I am speaking of our basic companies that we all recognize. This ranges from delivering packages to working for charity organizations. I am qualified to take a bullet for you or get hit by an IED right now, but not bring a package to a door for delivery? Just a brief explanation will do please. Please explain to my children why Christmas isn’t going to be very much this year because I can’t find a job. Please explain to my wife why we are on constant payment arrangements for our utility companies and begging for a few more days to pay because I was injured during deployment and unable to find work. And please, please explain to me why I am not worthy of working for your company or what else I have to do to become eligible. I’m sure you have hired people for a lot less experience and sacrifice. I am not looking for a hand out, I am looking for work to keep my home and to keep the heat and electric on. I think that in itself deserves some respect. I have come home from deployment and active duty service to no company willing to hire me because although I am cleared by multiple physicians from my deployment injuries, I am nothing but a liability in your eyes. Yes, I am on pain management medication, but if you were hit by a bomb in a war, there would be physical side effects to manage as well and given the circumstances, I’m sure you would expect your explanation of that medication to be sufficient. Again, please, I am just looking for a brief explanation as to why I can’t find employment. Happy Thanksgiving, I pray that you give thanks for your freedom and pray for the deployed soldiers that are in for a discouraging surprise that no job will be waiting for them upon coming home, and their only option will be to leave their families again in effort to find work. Thank you for your time and Happy Holidays."

It's sad enough that this happened to this family;is this happening a lot?