Montana Reinschmidt is like any late twenty-something year old. He works a full-time job, he enjoys the outdoors, cars and the tangible satisfaction one might gain from working with their hands and mind.
Time permitting, he likes hunting and casting a line, but admittedly, he doesn’t get to do that as much anymore. If you were to ask him why, he’d simply say it’s a lack of free time, and because his new van isn’t spacious enough to transport him and his larger, four-wheel drive chair.
He wouldn’t mention his injury or the difficulty involved in day-to-day tasks. Instead, with an infectious attitude and a slight southern drawl, he’d shrug and say something humble like, “It’s important to set small goals.”
Sitting outside, enjoying the day’s breezy sunshine before heading off to a Fleet Readiness Center Southeast F/A-18 production team picnic, Montana and his mother and full-time caregiver, Sheryl (Sherri) Reinschmidt, delve into their lives.
In 2012, Montana was involved in a dirt bike accident that resulted in a complete C4 spinal injury — damage that meant paralysis from the neck down.
“It was just a freak accident. The front tire locked up funny and I summersaulted. It happened quickly and unexpectedly,” he said. “I remember the accident and I remember EMS coming and getting me on the helicopter, and I don’t remember anything for about a month after that.”
Before the accident, he had been a member of the National Guard for almost a year and a half, had his heart set on becoming a firefighter and was certainly not thinking about engineering or college. It’s clear that he wanted to commit himself to a life of service. Even though he admits always having a little interest in space, mechanics and the unknown.
“I have a general passion for making things work and fixing things,” he said. “Growing up I liked to build things, take them apart and put them back together, but I despised school. School is not my thing.”
But after the accident, extensive time spent in the hospital and working with specialists at Brooks Rehabilitation, Montana did go back to school and earned a degree in engineering.
In fact, several sources say he graduated with a 3.9, but he’s quick to respectfully correct that – acknowledging his GPA was “probably closer to the mid-3.8 range.”
After attending a few job fairs, it was clear that FRCSE showed a keen interest in Montana. So much so, that he was offered a job in October of 2018, more than six months before he finished his schooling.
“Because of the specialty of Montana’s wheelchair, we had to request very specific IT accommodations so that he could control his workstation,” said David Yeager, Deputy Director of FRCSE’s Equal Employment Opportunity office. “Clearance for special equipment can take a bit more time, but Montana was enthusiastic and quick to provide everything needed. We were happy to be able to adapt to his needs and thrilled he’s chosen to bring his talents to FRCSE.”
According to Montana, taking pride in one’s work and investing quality time in things that bring fulfillment are a few of the most important things in life, and work at the depot checks those boxes. The organization provides work flexibility, an outlet to hone and flex his mechanical mind and continued service to our nation’s military.
Seated on a bench outside, across from her son, Sherri listens intently and beams with pride. She’s quietly supportive, adding the occasional nod, comment and memory.
“I’m delighted to continue to be a part of his journey. Attitude is everything, and I’m extremely proud of what Montana has accomplished. I know he is going to achieve many great things in his life,” she said. “I am also very grateful to FRCSE and the many people that have made this opportunity possible for him.”
It’s clear that the pair are uniquely fit to thrive despite obstacles most might consider insurmountable. Montana is both optimistic and realistic, offering an essential reminder during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“It’s a mentality. You can’t let the disability define you. Setting realistic goals is being realistic with yourself. You’re going to have limitations. Some people say ‘don’t put barriers in your way,’ but no, I can’t get something off the shelf, but I can get someone else to,” he said. “It’s important to remember you’re achieving the same goal.”
Through the joint efforts among the depot’s staff, Montana, Sherri and other disabled workers and artisans, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce has become an integral practice, key to the organization’s success. FRCSE is fortunate to have Montana and Sherri, and it’s apparent that the pair feel the same about FRCSE.
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2019 13:41 |
| Story ID: | 348252 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 319 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Forging forward: Disabled Veteran and Fleet Readiness Center Southeast nurture diversity, by Ashley Lombardo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT