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Former soldier continues his service at Army Materiel Command and Military Severely Wounded Joint Operations Center (MJOC)
By Christine Vilar
Military.com Staff Writer
“Being wounded may close some doors, but it opens just as many, if not more.” Good words of advice that certainly ring true for someone like Steve Clark, a man who has had many doors open for him after earning a Purple Heart in Iraq over one year ago. Clark is dedicated to helping wounded soldiers get back on their feet, and give them the same opportunities he had when he left the service. As a committee member of the Military Severely Wounded Joint Operations Center (MJOC), he continues his service to the military community by making sure that the needs of wounded veterans are fulfilled.
Clark began his career in the U.S. Army right after September 11, 2001. The tragic events of that day were the motivation for his enlistment. “I was one of those patriotic guys that needed to get in there and be a part of the action,” says Clark. Stationed first in Babenhausen, Germany where he served as a Field Artillery Soldier, Clark was eventually deployed to Iraq in March 2003. Six month later, he was wounded in action -- an injury that led to the loss of his right arm.
At Walter Reed Medical Center, Clark began his recovery and also started the process of reintegrating into civilian life. He discovered a close-knit community of veterans that were undergoing the same arduous transition process. “These guys get to become your friends, since they go through the same experiences,” says Clark. “When you leave, it's almost like graduation -- it's not easy.”
After nearly a year of recovery, Clark got an offer to work for Army Materiel Command's “Always a Soldier” Program. “I was having lunch with my DAV (Disabled American Veterans) representative, and he had heard about the program from a recruiter at the Army Materiel Command. He suggested that I give her a call since they had openings,” says Clark. After an interview with Clark over lunch, Army Materiel Command realized it was a good match.
Now the program manager for Always a Soldier, Clark is in the thick of the action. “We sit down with a soldier and offer them a job while they're going through their rehabilitation. It gives them something to look forward to,” says Clark. “They're shown that the Army still wants and needs them, since we feel they still have a lot to offer.” Clark also serves as an advisor on several JOC committees.
Clark continues to be an active member of the Walter Reed veteran community. He volunteers every Friday as a bartender at Fran O'Brien's Stadium Steak House in Washington DC's Capital Hilton. The steak house also hosts free dinners for Walter Reed patients and their immediate families. “Soldiers are picked up, given a great meal, and an opportunity to get out of the hospital,” says Clark. “It's a social atmosphere. It's festive.” Volunteering at Fran O'Brien's not only keeps Clark connected with the veteran community, it gives him a chance to do some recruiting for Army Materiel Command. “I get to talk to the soldiers and gauge where they are in their recovery -- and at the right moment I approach them with the opportunity of working with us.”
Getting involved is another good piece of advice that Clark gives troops that are wounded in battle. “Stay in the fight. That's what I tell the guys and gals. Initiatives like Always a Soldier and MJOC give them that chance,” says Clark. “You might not be able to stay in the Army, but it's the next best thing.”
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