Maximizing the Benefits You’ve Earned: How One Veteran Made It Work
By Shatora Magna, Public Affairs Specialist
By staying engaged, paying attention to VA communications, and using available resources, Lamonte Jones turned opportunity into a lasting career and overall wellness improvement.
At 18 years old, Lamonte Jones raised his right hand and joined the United States Marine Corps, committing to serve his country without fully knowing where that path would lead.
Years later, like many Veterans, Jones found himself navigating the transition back to civilian life, searching for direction and opportunity.
“I always wanted to get back into government service,” he said. “I just didn’t know how to get there.”
For years, he applied for jobs with no success. Despite having the qualifications, something wasn’t clicking.
Then came a simple but pivotal shift: he started paying attention.
“I heard through the grapevine about resources,” Jones said. “And I decided to act on it.”
That decision led him to speak with his VA provider, obtain a Schedule A letter, and enroll in the CWT program, where he began working closely with Disabilities Program Manager Katti Sorboro.
“She pushed buttons for me that I couldn’t have pushed myself,” Jones said.
Within a short time, he was connected with an opportunity and preparing for an interview that would change everything.
“They called me and said, ‘They want you. Can you interview tomorrow?’” he recalled. “I had to be ready.”
He was.
“I walked in confident. Nobody can sell me better than I can sell myself.”
He got the job and never looked back.
"I helped place Lamonte into a GS 6 position maybe a decade ago and he is now a GS 12, for the past decade he contacts me once a year to just say thank you for helping me get here and updates me on his world. As clinical providers we often hear the negative before the positive, seeing the impact and hearing from him each year, it is really reaffirming and just heartwarming. I am happy he was willing to represent the program" Katti Sorboro said.
Today, Jones works in federal contracting on multimillion-dollar projects. Beyond employment, he has continued to engage in VA programs that support his overall well-being, including Whole Health services, MOVE! weight management, and wellness activities like Tai Chi.
“They helped me get back on track, not just with work, but with life,” he said.
Now, he’s committed to helping other Veterans do the same.
“Every time I see a Veteran, I ask them—what are you doing for care? Are you aware of what’s available to you?”
He emphasizes that one of the biggest barriers isn’t access, it’s awareness.
His message is clear:
“Be encouraged. Stay the course. Use every resource available.”
Because for Jones, everything changed the moment he did.
For information on Vocational Rehabilitation Services, contact VHACLEVocational@va.gov,