Raoul Rodriguez served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army working with Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems. Assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, GA, Rodriguez bravely served on two tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Like many other service members who have witnessed acts of war, Rodriguez's deployments have left him experiencing symptoms of chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Rodriguez was on notice for another deployment when he received an offer of employment from technology corporation, Raytheon Company. The position would enable him to continue working in a similar role to his position in the military while allowing him to receive treatment for his PTSD. Rodriguez accepted the Raytheon position and for the past two years has been employed as a Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS) training manager. The job has enabled him to leverage his leadership experience and teamwork skills developed in the military.

For Rodriguez, the greatest challenge related to his PTSD is a loss of focus. Having assignments that are varied with different tasks keeps him engaged and helps him concentrate. Rodriguez attributes much of his success to the environment and overall culture of a company like Raytheon. He likens Raytheons approach to a quote he learned in the militarythe Non-Commissioned Officers' vow to "take care of our own." Rodriguez proudly considers the attitude at Raytheon to be exactly the same as the Armed Forces', where managers adopt a mentoring role and take care of their staff by e-mailing them, checking on them and dealing with issues as they arise.

The nature of Rodriguez's work, along with the culture that Raytheon has strived to develop, allows him to manage his PTSD in an environment where his skills and experience are respected and valued. He attributes his employment success to the management tactics employed by his supervisor. "My manager is understanding and regularly communicates with me," says Rodriquez, "which helps avoid any conflict or confrontation, both of which could trigger issues with PTSD."

Rodriguez has some advice for companies considering job candidates with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other combat-related conditions. "People need to understand that PTSD isn't an excuse not to work, and that the employee and the company need to do their part to make the job work for both parties."