Fort Bragg luncheon highlights disability awareness

By Tina Ray/ParaglideOctober 23, 2009

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Fort Bragg helped to bring disability recognition to the forefront as it celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness with a luncheon at the Fort Bragg Officers' Club Oct. 14.

The luncheon was sponsored by the Special Emphasis Program Committee and its theme was Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation.

Col. Stephen J. Sicinski, Fort Bragg garrison commander said that the installation is in the forefront of disability awareness.

"Fort Bragg is a leading installation in many, many areas," Sicinski said. "This is another instance in which we tend to lead so that others can follow."

Katrina Faison works as an Equal Employment Opportunity support clerk. She is a student in the Workforce Recruitment Plan program at Fayetteville State University. WRP was established in 1976 to connect federal and private employers with students with disabilities.

WRP is funded by the Department of Labor, said Rosa Colon, Special Emphasis Program manager and mistress of ceremony for the luncheon. Its aim on Fort Bragg is to place persons with disability into the federal workforce.

Faison said that as a support clerk, she has been given an equal chance to complete assignments.

"It has taught me the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace," she said.

After lunch, William B. McMillian, the guest speaker, addressed the audience.

McMillian, who serves as transition services manager, Army Career and Alumni Program, told the audience to bear in mind two considerations: what future goals would a person who is injured or recovering set, and as a fellow employee working with a disabled Soldier or civilian, what role would one play in supporting that person'

As a young commander, McMillian said he suffered a head injury after being caught between two vehicles. Among his injuries, was trauma to his vocal cords and tongue. McMillian said the care he received seemed to help reinforce his decision to remain in the Army.

His case may be similar to some Soldiers, Family members and civilian workers on Fort Bragg.

"There are persons on this installation that we need to take time and provide support to," McMillian said. "We need to provide encouragement to these persons because without it, they feel like they are in a world of their own."

In putting disability awareness into action, Bridget Flaskamp, translated the speeches into sign language.

"It's great that they want to provide access to all people and are taking time to recognize disabilities," Flaskamp said.

Sgt. Maj. John Thagard, of the XVIII Airborne Corps, said people with disabilities have a great deal to contribute.

"Regardless of your disability, the human spirit still has the desire to contribute to the team," said Thagard.