Zachary Guill, 28, enjoys using his experiences to help people. Being able to personally relate to a veteran’s stories and issues facing military families is a big plus during Guill’s day-to-day activities.

Guill’s job, working as a liaison for constituents in the Island office of Rep. Dave Reichert, the congressional representative for the 8th district, came about by chance.

Last winter, Guill, a former Army sergeant who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, was one of nine wounded veterans to find work through the Wounded Warrior Project. The federally funded program helps members of the various military branches who are retired due to injuries find work. The program hopes to help up to 25 wounded veterans find work this year.

Guill, who was injured in a roadside bomb attack during his second tour in Iraq, said the most satisfying part of the job is being able to help people.

“I considered when I was in the Army I was helping people, but now I’m helping people individually,” said Guill. His duties vary, from making visits to Fort Lewis or McChord Air Force Base, to shining light on specific bills which can impact people’s lives in the Northwest. Often in his journeys, Guill said he has found that people are much more open and willing to work with him once they discover he has been in similar situations as a member of the Army.

“You understand where they are coming from,” he said.

Guill said he would like to see the Wounded Warrior program grow to the point where everyone who has been injured while serving has the option of joining. Personally, Guill said his goal is to keep learning and to find new ways to help people.

For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.