Charles Voccio (right) embraces James Hawkins of RedHawk IT (left) after Hawkins presented Voccio a check for $5000 during the Wounded Warrior Support Initiative luncheon at American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge on April 28.
WOODBRIDGE, VA – Tears sprang to Chuck Voccio’s eyes Thursday as he accepted a $5,000 check on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Support Initiative from RedHawk IT Solutions LLC owner James Hawkins. “It means what I’m doing is becoming successful,” said Voccio. The presentation came during a RedHawk IT sponsored luncheon that honored the Nation’s Wounded Warriors and announced a May 26 job fair for them at American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge.
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Voccio and his wife, Helen, began the Wounded Warrior Support Initiative in 2004. “This is our 66th event,” he said of the April 28 luncheon, “since the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit moved from Walter Reed to Fort Belvoir in July 2008. More than 25 soldiers from the WTU and representatives from 16 companies attended last month’s event. “Even after all the adversity we’ve faced or have faced, we still have that one basic need in our lives,” said James Hawkins, who is a Service Disabled Veteran and Retired Army Service Member himself, “and that is a need to feel that we are a viable, contributing part of society.” Hawkins told the wounded warriors that they have skills that would greatly enhance any of the companies represented at the luncheon. “I am confident that together we can make a difference in people’s lives because in today’s society, unlike in any other time in history, we are not so much limited by our disabilities but by our dreams and aspirations,” said Hawkins, who urged the wounded warriors to “become who you want. Do what you want.”
Keynote speaker Sgt. Major Jeffrey Seidel, senior enlisted advisor, Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, described himself as a country boy from Wisconsin who joined the Army at 17. In his current role, he travels the world, talking and listening to soldiers. “How do you take a vet, how do you take a soldier, how do you take one of these heroes and give them something that makes them feel that their time, their service to the country was worthwhile?” he asked. Seidel said those who join the military do not do so for glory. “It’s humbling to see what the American public will do for their Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines,” he noted. “They are our treasure. Today, we’re here to marry them up with a future job.” Post 364 Ladies Auxiliary member Dianne Cabot said the May 26 job fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and added: “Each of our corporate sponsors will be able to be present and discuss their company and the various positions that are available to you with their company.” [/read]