July 27, 2006
Media contact: Jeff Schrade 202-224-9093 

[Audio of Senator Craig's comments runs about 3 minutes.  He is introduced by Ken Smith of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation.]

(Washington, DC) The chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs expressed strong support today for a new program which is providing paid training and, so far, 100 percent job placement for combat wounded and disabled veterans.

"These men and women come home, maybe not whole physically, but mentally and physically they can become phenomenally capable and productive citizens, and what you're offering does just that," said Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho). "The Purple Heart Service Foundation does something for America's veterans that is important, necessary and unique."

[See photos taken at the press confence: 2006 - July 27 - Purple Heart Foundation]

Since its training program began last year, the Foundation has trained nearly 100 disabled and combat wounded veterans over the Internet, for jobs in the information industry. The goal is to train and place into jobs several thousand veterans by this time next year, and thousands more in the coming years.

Veterans who qualify for the training receive $11 an hour during the 600-hour educational process ? earning $6,600. Qualifications are simple: A veteran must have a VA assigned disability rating, and a copy of his or her DD-214. A Purple Heart award is not required.

Interested individuals should call the Purple Heart Service Foundation at 1-800-720-9596 or go online at http://www.purpleheartfoundation.org/job_training.asp.

After 15 weeks of training, veterans are able to work at home via the Internet and earn from $15 to $22 an hour. Major companies have been hiring veterans who have completed the program, including HomeDepot, FedEx, JetBlue, and Dell Computer.

The program is accredited by Northern Virginia Community College and has the support of the U.S. Department of Veterans of Affairs.

"I've always understood that government cannot be all things to all people, but when you combine the private sector along with government programs and opportunities, we can be all that we need to be for these young veterans coming home," Craig said.

One veteran, Bill Edwards, was so impressed with the effort he presented a check for $100,000 to the Foundation. Edwards, a former U.S. Marine, was awarded the Purple Heart for combat injuries sustained in Vietnam. He is now the CEO of Mortgage Investors Corporation, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is encouraging other companies to get involved.

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