July 2012
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New York Sponsors Wounded Warrior as He Looks to the Future

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As he deliberates on the possibilities of commercial real estate as his "next adventure," Seattle resident and US Army Sergeant Owen Lauerman was treated to a preview of our profession at the recent BOMA International Convention through a collaboration between BOMA/NY, which covered his convention costs, and BOMA Seattle, which will continue to mentor him.

On leave recuperating from IED-inflicted brain and spinal injuries he received while serving on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, "Owen was an inspiration to us all," said BOMA/NY’s Executive Director Bobbi McGowan, CAE, who was instrumental in facilitating the sponsorship. "He soldiered through his pains with admirable optimism and attended key education sessions, shadowed BOMA/NY Board Member Mitchell Grant of RXR Realty, and even made it to the Middle Atlantic Regional Conference meetings and TOBY Awards Banquet."

Owen, who is a munitions expert, came to BOMA/NY’s attention through its desire to support the troops in their search for re-employment and transition to civilian life. Through BOMA/NY’s relationships with several key veteran support groups, including the Wounded Warriors Project, Owen was identified—he had once had worked in residential real estate. BOMA/NY then seized on the opportunity and established connections with BOMA Seattle, which "openly embraced the concept," said Bobbi.

Veterans often excel in the corporate world and are known for being both loyal employees and for bringing with them excellent technical skills. Yet almost one in three, or 29 percent of the younger veterans returning from war cannot find employment, according to a May 2012 article in The Washington Post.

The Seattle resident, who will continue his recovery there, recently wrote BOMA/NY’s leadership to thank them for opening up a new world beyond that of the armed services. "Thank you all for sponsoring me at the conference and introducing me around," he emailed. "I’m sure I made some connections that will help me as I decide if my next adventure will be in commercial real estate. I appreciate it and will keep in touch with you all."

"And we hope he does," added BOMA/NY President Louis J. Mantia. "BOMA New York’s door is always open to Owen and others who have provided such a vital service to our nation."