Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Linda M. Springer today announced the opening of the new Veterans' Outreach Office at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. The new office will provide wounded veterans with information on training and civilian employment opportunities within the Federal civil service, as well as other assistance to help ease transition back to civilian life. A similar outreach office has operated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., since last year.

"Thanks to the leadership of President Bush and our partnership with the military, this new veterans' outreach office will help ensure those who sacrificed in the service of our nation will have the tools they need to continue serving in the Federal civilian workforce," Director Springer said. "The individuals who pass through Brooke Army Medical Center represent the finest among us, and we need them now more than ever to bring their talents and skills to the table as Federal civilian workers."

"We are delighted that the Office of Personnel Management is stationing an employee to work with our wounded warriors and their families on the possibility of continued employment with the federal government," said Brig. Gen. James Gilman, the commander of Brooke Army Medical Center. "These military members have served America with distinction, putting their lives on the line and would bring that same level of professionalism as civilian employees."

The Veteran Outreach Center at BAMC will be staffed for two to three days each week by an OPM representative on loan from the Air Force trained to assist wounded veterans find Federal civilian employment opportunities. The Office will provide the following services:

· Working directly with veterans and their families to hear their needs and concerns first-hand;

· Providing information on Federal employment opportunities directly to veterans, and assist with their job search and application process;

· Working directly with Federal agencies to recruit qualified veterans from Brooke, many of whom will possess the competencies Federal agencies need to close mission-critical staffing gaps;

· Promoting www.USAJOBS.gov as the Federal government's one-stop employment information system; and,

· Coordinating outreach activities with the BAMC Employment Transition Assistance program staff.

OPM has already experienced success at the outreach office at Walter Reed. More than 150 military personnel and their families have been counseled directly through the office, and at least 25 have been hired to various positions in the Federal civilian workforce. A third outreach office is expected to open in 2007 at a facility to be determined.