Sean Johnson - Fellow

Apr 8, 2013
Congressman Gosar and Sean Johnson
Sean Johnson - Fellow

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Sean Johnson made a decision to enlist in the U.S. Marines.  After an injury forced him to be medically discharged, Johnson was determined to fight his way back to active duty. Once healed, it took him four years to secure a reenlistment, and he went on to serve his country and the Corps as a military policeman from December to October 2012. Then, from March 2010 to July 2010, Johnson completed a deployment to Afghanistan with a security company.

Johnson learned about the House Wounded Warrior Program in an email he received from the Wounded Warrior Regiment. He applied and was selected for a fellowship with Congressman Paul Gosar to work as a Veterans Case Worker in the 4th District of Arizona. 

Johnson began his fellowship in January 2013. His duties include conducting outreach in the community and assisting local veterans who have been waiting years to receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Johnson is also working closely with the Congressman to keep open a nearby PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) group that serves Vietnam Veterans and to establish more groups for local veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom are dealing with the emotional scars of war.

Transitioning from the military to a civilian desk job has been a challenge, but Johnson finds the work extremely rewarding. He enjoys assisting veterans, especially those who require urgent help.

Recently, Johnson answered a plea for help from a suicidal veteran. By talking to him on the phone for 45 minutes, and then ensuring that the veteran obtained desperately needed benefits, Johnson gave the veteran hope and the income he needed to provide for his family.  “The day after the phone call, the veteran came by the office to meet me and thank me for caring,” Johnson said.  “I felt great all day knowing I made a difference in his life.” 

Johnson would like to continue working as a congressional case worker when his fellowship ends. Ultimately, however, he'd like to work in law enforcement. He is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice.