Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Jeffrey Mittman has a unique talent for transforming personal trials into paths for others. Based in Indianapolis, this veteran has taken on various roles, including those of an Army serviceman, a survivor, a leader, and, most recently, a member of the U.S. Ability Committee.
The committee, located in Virginia, is an independent federal agency that focuses on creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.
A Unique Transition Program
Mittman’s journey includes more than 20 years of Army service. Unfortunately, a life-altering event changed everything for him when he lost his sight. As an infantry soldier since 1989, he also completed four combat tours across the U.S., Germany, and South Korea.
He recounted a traumatic experience during his last tour, where he served as an advisor to Iraqi forces. “On July 7, 2005, we were ambushed and hit by an improvised explosive device,” Mittman shared. That incident knocked him unconscious, and he awoke a month later in Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., unable to see, talk, or walk.
Struggles and Recovery
His recovery was a five-year ordeal, filled with numerous hospital visits and around 40 surgeries. It was during this time that he faced a painful reality. “When I was injured, it didn’t release my duties as a husband and father,” he mentioned. “I knew I had to adapt. My military career was over, and I had to chart a new course.”
Mittman began to connect with other veterans who had lost their vision through a rehabilitation program. In 2019, he became CEO of Bosma Enterprises in Indianapolis, focusing on creating job opportunities for blind or visually impaired individuals. This program supports around 2,500 disabled veterans.
A Bright Future Ahead
In August 2025, President Trump appointed Mittman to the U.S. Ability Committee. According to VA statistics, over 65% of veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries due to explosions experience visual impairments. Hearing problems also rank as the most common issues faced among veterans.
Mittman is an advocate for accommodating visually impaired workers and emphasizes the importance of teleworking options and mental health support. Bosma Enterprises offers a 24/7 support system for employees, allowing them to speak with someone outside their immediate work environment.
As he looks to the future, Mittman believes that enhancing the program can yield even more opportunities and resources for those with disabilities. “I think it’s crucial to have supportive outlets for people who might not realize the impact they can have on their careers,” he said.
Mittman hopes his experiences will help others navigate their transitions into the private sector successfully. “As the program evolves, we’ll see growing opportunities—a chance for training and resources for people with vision or severe disabilities,” he concluded.
