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Sheppard observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  President Barack Obama proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and asked that Americans celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to their workplaces and communities. 

In support of the initiative, Sheppard is scheduled to host a social at the community center Oct. 29 from 3-4 p.m. 

Sheppard employees with disabilities are very appreciated.

"They bring their talents, skills, knowledge and experience to the base just like anyone of us would," said Master Sgt. Alan Weaver, 82nd Security Forces Squadron and organizer of the NDEAM social. 

"Just because someone is in a wheelchair, has a mental illness or any disability doesn't preclude them from doing the best they can. We see proof of that when they win civilian awards." 

Sherry Murray-Garrett, chief of the equal employment opportunity office, said sometimes people can't even tell that the person sitting beside them has a disability. 

"You can work right beside someone with a disability all your life and never know it because they're some of the most excellent workers," she said. 

Sergeant Weaver said the event is intended to help raise Team Sheppard's awareness of the initiative. 

Mrs. Murray-Garrett said she agreed with Sergeant Weaver's perspective of the social's potential impact. 

"Sheppard is such a greatly diverse base that we need to celebrate and honor all of our events, especially National Disability Employment Awareness Month," she said. "The purpose of any social we host is to recognize and educate. If not, then who will keep the history of the events alive here?"

Dave Yonts, Student Health Advisory Council chairman for Wichita Falls, Texas, school district, will be the guest speaker for the event.  He will discuss his life with a disability. 

"Mr. Yonts will discuss his disability and talk about how he coped with it, and overcame it. Individuals with disabilities can still perform the job and perform it well," Sergeant Weaver said.