Wounded soldier is new poster boy for Operation Welcome Home

[unhappycamper]

Wounded soldier is new poster boy for Operation Welcome Home
By Rob Hotakainen | McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Saturday, July 31, 2010

WASHINGTON — Lance Iunker needed plenty of help after fighting in the Iraq war.

On Sept. 10, 2007, the 22-year-old Californian was riding in a truck that went through a guardrail and fell off a 50-foot overpass, killing seven of his buddies and injuring 11. Iunker broke his back and crushed his chest and face. One of his ears was completely ripped off and had to be reattached by a plastic surgeon. It took 70 staples to put his head back together.

Nearly three years later, Iunker has emerged as a poster boy of sorts for a unique program called Operation Welcome Home.

It aims to link the 30,000 soldiers who return to California each year with veterans who can help them readjust to civilian life. So far, more than 300 veterans have been hired as part of the $20 million project.

Officially launched last month, it's the brainchild of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Iunker and California officials are hoping it becomes a national model.

[w8liftinglady]

1. i hope more veteran-driven programs are initiated.

I believe a veteran driven program will be what helps my son,in the end.Not some government driven,multipaper,hurry-up and wait program...but an informal meeting where people can be honest...and finally get some of their experiences out in the open...confidentially...with guys who truly understand.