Reichert setting up office in Buckley

A liaison to Congressman Dave Reichert will be present every Wednesday in the Buckley Multi-Purpose Center beginning Aug. 5.

Manning the desk is injured war veteran Zach Guill, who holds the title of Wounded Warrior Fellow. He specializes in veteran’s affairs, but will respond to all issues coming his way and relay constituents’ concerns to Reichert.

“I am absolutely ecstatic about Buckley being a part of offering this service to the Plateau area and beyond,” Buckley Mayor Pat Johnson said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the people in south King County and Pierce County to have a sounding board and a direct link to a Congressman.”

Guill will be in the Buckley office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Multi-Purpose Center is at 811 Main St.

Guill’s job in the Army made him the perfect candidate for a job as a police officer, a secret service agent or a U.S. Marshal, but an injury in Iraq changed that.

It was December 2006 and Guill, a sergeant, was in Iraq on his third deployment. While he was on duty an improvised explosive device exploded and severely damaged his back and his right leg.

After a medical discharge, the Washington native returned to his home state and found it difficult to get a job.

He could no longer follow his dream and become a U.S marshal or an agent because running was impossible. The former airborne infantryman, who now walks with a cane, worked surveillance in a small casino to make ends meet.

Guill, 28, was thrilled to discover the House of Representative’s Wounded Warrior Program. It is a relatively new program, designed to provide opportunities for wounded veterans of the Gulf military campaigns.

“I was shocked,” he said. “It had never even crossed my mind that these programs would exist.”

To comment on this story view it at www.courierherald.com. Reach John Leggett at jleggett@courierherald.com or 360-802-8207.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.