Jorge Zapata, from Maryville, Tennessee, served 4 years as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps. During two combat tours to Iraq, his duties included base fortification, breaching, IED neutralization, and demolition. During his last tour, injuries required that he be medically evacuated to the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.

After his wounds stabilized, Sergeant Zapata began working with the Balboa Career Center on the Coming Home to Work program. "In the Career Center, I worked with service members that were transitioning into civilian life," says Jorge. "I helped them build their resumes and establish solid goals for their new life. Some of them, like me, wanted to continue in the Marines, but our injuries kept us from performing our jobs overseas."

In 2007, Jorge met Duane Hardesty, Northrop Grumman Operation IMPACT Champion, during one of Duane’s multiple trips to Balboa Medical Center. Jorge was very impressed with Operation IMPACT and says it seemed like a great way to continue serving his country.

Jorge was hired in September 2008 by Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector. Today he is a Laser Technician in Apopka, Florida. "I enjoy my position as a Laser Technician and I am glad to work for a company that offers a large variety of opportunities and a good education," says Jorge. "I completed general education courses in Tennessee, and I plan to continue here in Florida in Spring semester of 2009."