by KYW's Ian Bush

A new congressional initiative is designed to give hope -- and jobs -- to wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The local arm of the program kicked off at the Philadelphia Vietnam War Veterans memorial.

Disabled and injured vets can apply for two-year fellowships as "Wounded Warriors," working for members of Congress.There's funding for 50 jobs now -- a far cry from the 30,000-plus wounded so far.

But congressman Bob Brady (D-Pa.) expects the cash flow to grow once word of its success gets out:

"We have men and women as we speak right now that are giving their lives and some limbs and their health for our safety, for myself, for my family, and my grandchildren.  And we can't treat them the way our Vietnam vets came back -- the way they were treated."

Officials say it's an investment in the military -- setting the example of support on return so the best and brightest keep signing up to serve.