“I’m empowered knowing I’m ABLE to do anything I want to do.”
Paralyzed Veterans of America member and U.S. Army veteran Preston Curry has long been committed to serving other veterans. This commitment includes holding leadership positions with PVA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the Chesterfield County’s Disability Services Board, and advocating on behalf of veterans with disabilities on Capitol Hill.
In May 2019, Preston started working with Veterans Career Program Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Allison Borden to determine what kind of paid employment would be best for him and his family. Given his volunteer leadership roles, he was not sure if full-time employment or part-time employment would be the best option. Preston was also not sure which industry or type of opportunities would be a good fit. He had held several jobs since his injury in 1995, but he did not find them to be fulfilling.
Preston spent time working with Allison refining his resume, interview skills, and other aspects of the employment process. They worked together to identify opportunities that fit his interests and would be meaningful, including determining that a part-time position would be best at this point.
In January 2020, Preston applied for a position as an Administrative Assistant with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education — a role that would allow him to follow his passion for supporting other veterans.
In early March he interviewed for the position and received an offer shortly thereafter, with a start date of March 16, 2020. DVS has since transitioned to “work from home” but onboarded Preston and another new employee on the promised start date.