Internships help wounded soldiers transition

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Internships help wounded soldiers transition
By John Milburn - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jun 12, 2008 6:50:45 EDT

FORT RILEY, Kan. — Late last year, 1st Lt. Erik Stewart’s engineering battalion was on patrol in Afghanistan, clearing roadside bombs, when one exploded. His injuries prevented heavy work or even donning standard Army equipment, and he returned to the U.S.

While healing at Fort Riley, he volunteered for a new program that places wounded soldiers in unpaid internships with local businesses. He began working with small animals at the nearby Milford Nature Center.

“Maybe this could open up an opportunity for me when I get out,” Stewart said. “This kind of gets me in the door and seeing how the state of Kansas works on the natural resources and wildlife side.”

Launched this spring, the Warrior Internship Network allows soldiers wounded in Afghanistan or Iraq to learn new skills and prepare for life after the Army. Fort Riley officials say similar programs could show up soon at other posts.

Between 15,000 and 16,000 soldiers are stationed at Fort Riley, and about 450 wounded soldiers are on post at any given time.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_wounded_interns_061108/