Mayor Todd Gloria has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to create an unprecedented initiative. This collaboration aims to develop career opportunities for military veterans within the San Diego local government, reflective of the city's commitment to its military community, per the City of San Diego. It also marks the creation of a new military and veteran-relations position within the City of San Diego.
The position will go to a post-9/11 veteran with a service-connected disability. Their primary responsibility will be to enhance career opportunities, consolidate partnerships with local military installations, and veteran service organizations, and bridge the gap between the veteran and military community and the City of San Diego's services and programs.
The collaboration mirrors WWP's successful endeavors in Washington D.C., creating hundreds of veteran employment opportunities on Capitol Hill through fellowships and the Warrior Advocate Leaders program. This initiative contributes to WWP's long history in the San Diego community, remaining a vital support for wounded warriors recovering at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) for nearly two decades.
Expressing excitement about the partnership, WWP's CEO, LTG Mike Linnington, US Army (ret), stated that the collaboration with the City of San Diego will empower wounded warriors to gain valuable experience in the Mayor's Office while providing service to the military and veteran community. This partnership resonates with WWP's vision to nurture the most successful generation of wounded service members in the United States.
The selected individual will work within the Human Resources Department, closely aligning efforts with the City's Department of Government Affairs, the Mayor's community engagement team, local military installations, veteran service organizations, and other community partners. San Diego's Chief Operating Officer, Eric Dargan, who also served in the US Army, conveyed his optimism that this collaboration will inspire more veterans to consider a career in the City of San Diego. This initiative is a step forward in supporting veterans and creating a robust pathway for successful employment in public service.
