| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Brenda Waters (276) 669-9999 bristolinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Michelle Earl 276-669-9901 |
BRIS- April 17, 2007 |
VDOT's Bristol District hires its first employee through Wounded Veteran Internship Program; Jamie Kinser employed at VDOT's Tazewell Residency
TAZEWELL, Va. - The Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Bristol District recently hired Jamie Kinser through a new internship program for veterans of U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
VDOT’s Wounded Veteran Internship Program was launched in September 2006, with the first veterans joining the agency’s Staunton and Fredericksburg districts in March. VDOT has four wounded veterans in the internship program, with another six prospective interns in various stages of the hiring process. The program is designed for veterans who find they are not suited physically or emotionally to a former job, or because the job is no longer available.
Kinser, 22, was a Sergeant in the United States Army’s 101st Airborne for four years and served two tours of duty in Iraq from July 2003 until February 2004 and from September 2005 until September 2006.
He is working with the residency’s permit specialist on subdivision and permit work and commercial entrances. Kinser, a Tazewell County native, is also attending Southwest Community College where he is working toward a degree in pre-pharmacy.
“I really appreciate this opportunity with VDOT. Before I heard about the internship program, I was having a difficult time finding a job with my qualifications,” Kinser said. “VDOT gave me a chance to learn new skills.”
The program allows veterans to revamp old job skills or develop new ones. VDOT attempts to locate the internships close to where the veterans are receiving rehabilitation or live. The program is the only one of its kind among departments of transportation across the country. It is expected to serve as a model for other states.
For more information on the program, visit www.virginiadot.org/jobs/WoundedVetProgram.asp.(END)
Mr. Kinser does not wish to be involved in any follow-up interviews. We respect his wishes and are offering this news release for your use.
VDOT’s Wounded Veteran Internship Program was launched in September 2006, with the first veterans joining the agency’s Staunton and Fredericksburg districts in March. VDOT has four wounded veterans in the internship program, with another six prospective interns in various stages of the hiring process. The program is designed for veterans who find they are not suited physically or emotionally to a former job, or because the job is no longer available.
Kinser, 22, was a Sergeant in the United States Army’s 101st Airborne for four years and served two tours of duty in Iraq from July 2003 until February 2004 and from September 2005 until September 2006.
He is working with the residency’s permit specialist on subdivision and permit work and commercial entrances. Kinser, a Tazewell County native, is also attending Southwest Community College where he is working toward a degree in pre-pharmacy.
“I really appreciate this opportunity with VDOT. Before I heard about the internship program, I was having a difficult time finding a job with my qualifications,” Kinser said. “VDOT gave me a chance to learn new skills.”
The program allows veterans to revamp old job skills or develop new ones. VDOT attempts to locate the internships close to where the veterans are receiving rehabilitation or live. The program is the only one of its kind among departments of transportation across the country. It is expected to serve as a model for other states.
For more information on the program, visit www.virginiadot.org/jobs/WoundedVetProgram.asp.(END)
Mr. Kinser does not wish to be involved in any follow-up interviews. We respect his wishes and are offering this news release for your use.
Page last modified: April 30, 2007
