FORT BELVOIR, Va. (May 30, 2012) -- Lt. Col. Carolyn E. Fota was progressing through her career when she was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that required extensive medical care, treatment and rehabilitation which led to her assignment to the Fort Belvoir Warrior Transition Unit (WTU).

"My life and career took a huge turn in another direction and I thought any possibility for further education, training or career opportunities would not be open to me," Folta said. "But that's when the WTU rehabilitation staff, chain of command, and Soldier Family Activity Center (SFAC) encouraged to me to submit my resume to the Operation Warfighter (OWF) Program"

Operation Warfighter is a Federal internship program for wounded, ill, and injured Service members. The main objective of OWF is to place Service members in supportive work settings that positively impact their recuperation. The program represents a great opportunity for transitioning service members to augment their employment readiness by building their resumes, exploring employment interests, developing job skills, benefiting from on-the-job training opportunities, gaining valuable Federal government work experience and building self-confidence.

"I was very fortunate, a lot of government organizations and agencies really stood up to the plate and wanted me to intern with them," Folta said. "I decided to intern with the Department of Interior, Office of the Inspector General Contracting Office in Reston, Va., after an interview with the contracting staff. I thought it would be a good match because I have always been interested in contracting and business management. The entire staff has been outstanding. I have been given extensive training, opportunities for education, professional coaching, a very supportive atmosphere, and great friends."

Kimberly Triplett, Director, Procurement Division, Office of the Inspector General, Department of the Interior, also shared "our human resources office provided information on the OWF program and we knew as an organization that we needed to get involved, develop an internship program, and offer the opportunity of that program to an OWF intern.