Anthony Enck - Fellow

Anthony Enck's first day of recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, was September 11, 2001. The tragic events of that day affirmed his decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Almost ten years later to the day, Enck began his fellowship with the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Program in the Langhorne, Pennsylvania, office of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. 

In the intervening years, Enck served in the U.S. invasion of Iraq with the historical 5th Marine Regiment, ultimately participating in the battle for Baghdad. He returned to Iraq two more times before completing his 4 years of active duty with the Corps.

After completing his required training in the Department of Veterans Affair’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Enck decided to move back to Pennsylvania from Ohio. Before he left his counselor told him about the Wounded Warrior Program.  Enck applied and was selected.  

In his position, Enck works as a Veterans Case Worker. He assists veterans with their disability claims and provides input to the Congressman’s advisory council addressing legislative matters that pertain to veterans.  A typical day will include 15 cases in various stages along with outreach events.  

Enck's passion for assisting veterans that drove him to complete a training course that earned him a Service Officer Accreditation from the Pennsylvania Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans’ Affairs.  “One of the biggest challenges in this job is the volume of work and the time constraints," he said.

Enck knows that there are many programs for veterans, but sometimes veterans' spouses need help as well.  One of his most rewarding experiences thus far involved a 92-year-old widow of a veteran in desperate need of financial help. Enck was able to prepare a claim for pension benefits which greatly improved her quality of life. “It is rewarding to know you are having that kind of impact in someone’s life,” he said.

Enck would like to eventually go to law school to expand his ability to continue advocating for veterans who need assistance and proper representation. "I wish I could hear all of their stories," he said. "There are so many veterans in dire straits.”