Sergeant John Irwin

Like many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, Sergeant John Irwin faced challenges upon returning to civilian life. His transition was complicated by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), disabling conditions that affect one third of recent veterans. He received help from Project Connect, a veterans employment program. Kessler Foundation's grant funding for this program targets veterans with disabilities. SGT. Irwin is one of 80 veterans with disabilities to be placed through Project Connect.  Back in the workplace, he gained experience for his dream job—helping other veterans. Today, this decorated soldier is the Veterans Field Representative for Congressman Pallone's (D-6) office, where he informs veterans of their benefits, directs them to resources, and ensures their needs are met.

 

SGT. Irwin, an infantry squad leader from Toms River, NJ, spent 8 years in the US Army. During his tour in Afghanistan, he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal with “V” (Valor) device. During his tour in Iraq, he sustained a brain injury, which earned him a Purple Heart. He returned home in 2005 after a final tour in Afghanistan.

 

A big part of adjusting to civilian life was overcoming obstacles to finding employment. From his wife, daughter, and two sons, he gained the motivation he needed to find a way to provide for his family. Project Connect provided the opportunity.

 

In 2010, Kessler Foundation awarded a $450,000 Signature Employment Grant to launch Project Connect, a collaborative effort of Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS), Jewish Vocational Services, and Tip of the Arrow Foundation, a volunteer organization staffed mostly by veterans. Through Project Connect, veterans undergo a rigorous vocational assessment to determine their skills and interests. Career counselors may recommend skills training or an internship. Lastly, Project Connect makes connections between veterans and employers who have employment opportunities that closely align with each individual’s abilities and interests.

 

For SGT. Irwin, Project Connect helped him land a job with PRIDE Industries at Joint Base-McGuire/Dix/Lakehurst. Project Connect assisted with interview preparation, discussing potential questions and coaching him on how to keep his answers concise—a common struggle for individuals with brain injury. Hired as service order dispatcher, he successfully applied skills learned in the military. Soon, he was promoted to training instructor, where he trained and provided ongoing support for employees with disabilities. “Once I started working again, my emotions and self image changed,” he declared. “I came to the realization that we all have it in us to overcome our obstacles.”

 

SGT. Irwin is will do everything he can to help a neighbor, or even a perfect stranger. Those who have served, however, will always have a special place in his heart. In addition to his job, he volunteers for Tip of the Arrow, where he helps veterans find treatment programs, financial assistance, and employment. For SGT. Irwin, it’s an opportunity to continue to serve his country.

 

“These men and women are my brothers and sisters who would do anything for me,” SGT. Irwin exclaimed. “That's when I realized that our mission doesn't change. We are warriors and the best our country has to offer. We swear an oath that we will never leave a fallen comrade behind. For me, that does not change when the uniform comes off.”