John Irwin - Graduate

May 30, 2012
Brenda and John Irwin
John Irwin - Graduate

As the Veterans Field Representative for Congressman Frank Pallone in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District, John Irwin spent most days conducting outreach and assisting the district’s veteran constituents with benefits issues. But when a vet with whom Irwin had been working closely went off the grid, he went above and beyond to make things right. “He disappeared,” Irwin says, “so I showed up at his home.”

It turned out the former serviceman was battling a drug addiction and PTSD. But with a little support from Irwin and some good treatment, the veteran soon ended up back on his feet. “Give me a guy whose odds are stacked against him and fighting everything,” Irwin said. “I love the battle of getting through to these guys.”

Commitment like that is typical for Irwin, who once went so far as to bring a veteran’s laundry home to wash it before an important job interview. “We’ve had guys who can’t put food on the table,” he said. “I’m not the kind of guy who can just go home at night knowing he’s hungry while I enjoy a meal with my family.”

Irwin said he inherited a deep sense of patriotism from his aunt and uncle who raised him, and he knew early on that he wanted to serve his country.  “I wanted to do my part,” said Irwin, “so I signed my paperwork between my junior and senior year of high school for a three year contract.” In all, Irwin would serve eight years in the United States Army between 1999 and 2007, three of which were spent at war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Perhaps Irwin’s biggest asset was his ability to establish trust with his veteran constituents, especially those who have been wounded in combat. “It’s a whole different language we use,” said Irwin. “When we’re talking in military terms, they’ll tell me things they won’t tell someone who hasn’t served.”

After successfully completing a 2 year fellowship in the office of Congressman Frank Pallone in April 2014, Irwin decided to return to school to complete his degree in Criminal Justice with a focus in Homeland Security.  He also has plans to launch a veteran owned and operated 501(c)3 non-profit focusing on health and wellness for military personnel, veterans, first responders and their families.