Login

PVA Employees Continue to Serve

Who better would know and understand the priorities and needs of a veteran than someone who has fought alongside them? Not only are the leaders and other employees of Paralyzed Veterans of America veterans, some even serve currently, as in the case of Blake Ortner, senior associate legislative director for Government Relations.

Lt. Col. Ortner was deployed to Iraq in June—his third tour of duty with the Virginia Army National Guard while a PVA employee. Blake will serve as the second in command of a brigade of the 29th Infantry Division. His unit will be assigned to the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. His current deployment will last approximately one year.

“In the short term (Ortner’s deployment) is a loss to the legislative staff, because he’s an integral part of the team and an outstanding advocate for PVA and its members,” said Carl Blake, national legislative director. “But he will return a greater resource because he will have a greater understanding of this generation of veterans and their needs and concerns.”

Ortner served two tours previously, in Afghanistan from July 2004 to July 2005 and in Bosnia from September 2001 to May 2002. He has worked for PVA for more than 15 years.

By serving his country as well as his comrades, Ortner lends an invaluable perspective to the organization, and helps us help veterans across America.

A Blue Star Service Banner lets people know that someone in a home or organization is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.