In this episode
E110: How To Thrive As A Disabled Veteran
Ben Keen is a Veteran of the US Army who served from 1999 – 2008. He served as a communication expert providing the critical voice and data network to the commanders on the battlefield.
Ben completed several combat deployments including being a member of the historic 101 st Airborne Division
(Air Assault) in 2003 during the initial invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Ben moved to Pittsburgh, PA at the end of 2007 and found work in the IT field.
Ben is currently employed at American Eagle Outfitters as a member of their IT department as a Senior Systems
Administrator.
In 2019, Ben was paired with his medical alert service dog, Bolt. Bolt is a blue, bi-color female German Shepard who was raised and trained by the staff of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs; a Florida- based 501c(3) who provides highly trained medical alert service dogs to disabled Veterans and First
Responders.
Ben is a resident of South Park, Pa where he lives with his wife, their 9-month-old son, 3 cats and Bolt.
He serves as a member of the board of directors for two Pittsburgh-based Veteran service organizations,
Operation Troop Appreciation and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Trust. He is also an official
ambassador for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Ben has been recognized for his dedication to Veterans and their families by been named the 2016
American Staffing Association Nation Employee of the Year for his work on helping Veterans find
meaningful deployment. He has also been featured in numerous local and national publications
including Time.com and Pittsburgh-based radio and newspapers.
In his spare time, Ben enjoys taking photos as well is an avid cigar smoker. It is his goal that by sharing
his story; he can help other Veterans and their families know they are not alone through their transition
from the military and beyond.
