Inspired, enlightened and informed – that’s the impact Sean Locker has on those who know and work with him. Now add 300 more people who use similar terms in describing their encounter with Sean.

The NSWCD technical specialist – wounded while on duty as a Marine in Iraq – impacted the packed house at the Aegis Training and Readiness Center with his riveting account of military duty in the war torn country followed by his injury, rehabilitation and transition to federal service where his knowledge and experience as a warfighter is crucial to the development of technological solutions for today’s warfighters.

Locker thanked Asymmetric Defense Department Head John Lysher ‘‘for being so proactive” in hiring wounded veterans. He also thanked the military for his rehabilitation and the advanced prosthetic devices he utilizes. The archery, hunting and fishing enthusiast uses a special prosthetic for bow hunting.

‘‘I’m inspired,” said Margie Stevens, a member of NSWC Dahlgren. ‘‘Sean’s ‘boots-on-the-ground’ perspective is reality. He has been there (in theater) but is now here testing and certifying systems and helping us all connect what we do to the needs of warfighters deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and out in the fleet.”

While engaged in civil affairs work to open schools, restore sanitation systems and helping to stand up the local Iraqi police departments, Locker was severely injured by a suicide bomber that attacked his four-vehicle convoy.

Locker lost his left arm and took shrapnel in his face, becoming completely blind in his right eye as a result of the 2005 vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Iraq where he served with the 5th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Detachment 2, Team 2 Area of Responsibility.

‘‘My goal is to make sure that every American, disabled or otherwise, recognizes Dahlgren as a premier research and development facility, a workplace where all people are treated with dignity and respect – and that definitely includes our disabled Americans,” said NSWCD Commander Capt. Sheila Patterson in her welcoming remarks. ‘‘We value each individual and strive to do everything we can to provide opportunities for everyone to reach their full personal and professional potential.”

As he convalesced at Walter Reed hospital, Locker entered the Operation Warfighter program, reporting to NSWCD’s Asymmetric Defense Department with another injured warrior – Army Medic Tony Mervyn – in 2006.

‘‘Sean and Tony were immediately able to convert their military knowledge to help bridge the gap between military and civilian mission perspectives, enhancing our overall understanding and translation of operational requirements,” said Lysher. ‘‘From a warfighter’s vantage point they continue to help us make more accurate evaluations and assessments of urgently needed technology solutions.”

Locker informed the audience about programs such as: Project Healing Waters, which provides opportunities for disabled vets to go fly fishing; the Yellow Ribbon Fund that offers wounded veterans a variety of services from mentoring and internship opportunities to hunting and fishing treks; and the Wounded Warrior Project that features skiing and rock climbing trips as well as innovative new approaches to helping wounded warriors.

‘‘The disabled do the same things, only differently,” according to comments made in a Walter Reed Army Medical Center video the audience watched.

The video showed disabled vets engaged in activities such as running, shooting and cooking. The audience also saw a picture of Locker and his bow.

‘‘I won’t let my disability make me miss my chances,” said Locker.

President George Bush awarded Locker the Purple Heart at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He is also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with V (Valor), the NSWCD Technology-to-Sea Award and Award of Merit for Group Achievement.