JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population, but are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of people without disabilities, according to President Barack Obama in his 2015 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation. "I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities, and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all people, Obama added."
Kendra Duckworth, the Air Force's Disability Program Manager and two-time winner of the award for achievement in employment of individuals with disabilities, was one of the keynote speakers at the Community Commons on Joint Base Andrews, Oct. 22, 2015, for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme of "My disability is one part of who I am" set out to educate those at Joint Base Andrews about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's disabled workers.
Tech. Sgt. Alex Eudy, a special operations weather team craftsman and recovering warrior, also shared his inspiring story of his IED injury and road to recovery.
He eloquently recounted how his disability has given him the opportunity to truly relate to other recovering warriors and thus make an impactful difference in their lives. Now, with the help of his intrepid dynamic exoskeleton orthotics, he is not only able to return to work but also participate in sporting activities. During his service thus far, he is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Joint Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
"This was a great reminder that people are not defined by their disabilities but rather by the will and determination that resides within. These are two amazing individuals who touched everyone who attended the hugely motivating event," said 79th Medical Wing Commander, Col. Sharon Bannister.