Boasting a distinguished 28-year career in the military, retired Colonel Bill Martin is no stranger to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a medical task force commander in Iraq, Martin managed several hospitals and clinics and was responsible for health care for all civilian detainees.

When Martin returned from Iraq in May 2006, he was eager to secure a civilian job related to military programs. So he felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to join consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton (Booz Allen).

When he began his position with Booz Allen, Martin was assigned to handle compensation claims for traumatically injured veterans. However, it wasn't long before the nature of the work began triggering symptoms of PTSD. Martin's symptoms included sleepless nights, anger, becoming withdrawn around others and difficulty focusing at work. While Booz Allen offered to rotate Martin through other assignments in the firm, he elected to leave the company to explore opportunities that would distance him from the work he felt was triggering his symptoms.

It was the manner in which Bill openly worked with Booz Allen that distinguishes his story as a positive model for others to follow. When Martin left Booz Allen, he was open and expressive about the challenges he faced and the time he required to make a mental transition into his post-military career-something he didn't realize he would require.

After taking a few months off, Martin felt ready to approach a former Booz Allen colleague about returning to work for the firm under different circumstances. Since his previous work related to severely injured soldiers had triggered his PTSD, Booz Allen worked closely with him to identify a position that would best leverage his experience and expertise without causing flashbacks.

Today, Martin is thriving in his new role, and he fully recognizes the importance of meaningful work as a crucial ingredient for successful PTSD treatment. He admits that his bouts with PTSD surface as flashbacks when he is not fully engaged in an activity. Thankfully, his work can serve as a helpful diversion since an important project allows him to focus and draw his memories away from Iraq. He acknowledges that support and advocacy from his co-workers have played a key role in his recovery since having the opportunity to openly discuss his feelings and experiences with people he can trust is vitally important.

Martin is sharing his employment story to inspire other wounded, ill and injured veterans to seek employment, and to help reduce the stigma associated with PTSD. His advice for others suffering from combat stress is to take ownership of the condition and not allow it to affect one's ability to transition from the military into civilian life.

"You have to get the treatment you need," says Martin. "So be candid with your employer about your symptoms and create a partnership where you can share with them your skill set and strengths. Armed with that knowledge, your employer can do the best they can to find a job that fits you and makes you successful."