 Hi, this is Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Juan Garcia. Today, our military is drawing down from the longest sustained combat operation in American history. After nearly 15 years of a breakneck operational tempo, our nation has welcomed our warriors, our heroes, home. The incredible advances made in medical treatment and defense technology have been historic. Warriors who, in any previous conflict, would have come back home in flag-draped coffins now come home alive, ready to work, ready to lead, and ready to serve their communities. These wounded warriors possess skills, experience, and talent that businesses demand and need. They're well-trained, they understand teamwork, and they work with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds. They're agile, they're adaptable, proven leaders. These dedicated Americans have triumphed over adversity, displayed incomparable resilience, and are ready to take on the opportunity to produce quality work for business and industry. They're agile, adaptable, and proven leaders. These dedicated Americans have triumphed over adversity, displayed incomparable resilience, and are ready to take on the opportunity to produce quality work for business and industry. The Department of the Navy is dedicated to providing support for wounded warriors and veterans. Annually, veterans make up about 50% of all our new hires, and 18% to 20% are wounded warriors. But despite the Department of the Navy's broad efforts, unemployment among wounded warriors and disabled veterans remains double the national average. The Department of the Navy invites business and industry to join us to help our wounded warriors reintegrate into our communities, to work and serve their communities as they serve the nation. And the vehicle for bringing these forces together is the annual Wounded Warrior Hiring Support Conference. This year's is set for May 19 and 20 in San Antonio, Texas, a place I know personally to be one of the most patriotic communities in the country. The annual Wounded Warrior and Veteran Hiring Support Conference brings together government, military, and industry leaders who are committed to hiring and supporting wounded warriors in the workplace. It also provides a forum for wounded warriors and veterans and their families, pursuing career development and long-term employment. This conference links skilled and talented, ready-to-work wounded warriors with business and industry partners. The conference is hosted by my office and is co-hosted by the US Naval Air Systems Command, US Naval Sea Systems Command, US Space Naval Warfare Systems Command, and the Office of Civilian Human Resources. This year, the USO has joined this team and is lending their support to assist our patriots to find meaningful career opportunities. We'll see you in San Antonio on May 19 and 20. And for more information, visit www.hireavet.navy.mil.