About the Program

The Wounded Warrior Program was established to create employment opportunities for veterans within the House of Representatives. These two-year fellowships provide veterans with experience and exposure to broaden career opportunities. Positions are available in congressional Member District Offices nationwide. Wherever possible, those selected for the program will be given the opportunity to transition into full-time employment. However, full-time employment is not guaranteed at the conclusion of the two-year fellowship. 

Applicants must have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, have a 30-percent or greater service-connected disability rating and fewer than 20 years of service. If a fellowship is located within a Representative’s District, the appointment is contingent on the representative’s continuous representation in the U.S. House. In addition to a current resumé, applicants must submit a copy of their DD214 (Page 4) and a VA letter confirming that they have at least a 30-percent service-connected disability rating.

About the Staff

Patricia Orsini, Director

Orsini is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant. She served for more than 30 years, 24 of which were spent on active duty. Orsini worked as an administrator, managing the Reserve Medical Entitlements program, among other Marine Corps programs. Her experience there included creating and managing a "medical hold" program for reservists injured on active duty and assisting in the establishment of the Wounded Warrior Regiment at Quantico, Virginia.

Before joining the Wounded Warrior Program, Orsini served as the Deputy Director of Health Care with the American Legion Legislative Headquarters and worked as a Veterans Service Representative with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia. Her affiliations include the Foreign Joint Services NCO Association, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Women Marines Association, Marine Corps League and the National Italian American Foundation.

Orsini holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Certificate of General Practice from the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia, PA.

Christine Jensen, Assistant Director

Jensen is a Hospital Corpsman Chief in the Navy Reserve. During her more than 20 years in the reserves, she has mobilized three times and been selected for several special active duty positions. In recent years, Jensen has done medical work with the Navy Reserve on humanitarian missions in Surname and Haiti.

Through her work with the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Jensen became a subject matter expert in veterans’ benefits and medical boards.

Jensen has also worked as a nurse at the Veterans Administration and various Navy clinics.