Diversity, inclusion highlighted in SDDC National Disability Employment Awareness Month event

Photo By Alyssa Crockett | Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command leaders Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dana S. Mason, thank Ned Hall, Operation Warfighter Mid-Western regional coordinator; Amy Marohl, Education and Employment Initiative regional coordinator; and Jana Miller, Department of the Army Civilian Human Resources Agency human resource specialist, for their participation in the SDDC National Disability Employment Awareness month event. Held in the Seay Auditorium, this year’s theme and conversation, “Don’t Set Limits on Unlimited Potential,” informed SDDC employees about programs available for military members transitioning out of the service and highlighted programs available for veterans and disabled Americans seeking employment in the government.  

UNITED STATES

10.28.2019

Story by Amy Parr 

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Surface Warriors gathered in the Seay Auditorium here Oct. 28 for a panel discussion focused on National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Focusing on this year’s theme, “Don’t Set Limits on Unlimited Potential,” the panel informed SDDC employees about programs available for military members transitioning out of the service, highlighting programs available for veterans and disabled Americans seeking employment in the government.

Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, SDDC commanding general, welcomed the panelists and reminded attendees what it means to be a Surface Warrior.

“People are our strategic advantage,” he said. “SDDC is an ecosystem where all can learn, thrive and grow.”

The panelists included Ned Hall, Operation Warfighter Mid-Western regional coordinator; Amy Marohl, Education and Employment Initiative regional coordinator; and Jana Miller, Department of the Army Civilian Human Resources Agency human resource specialist.

Hall, a retired Army sergeant major, knows well the experiences separating service members often face when leaving the military. Operation Warfighter, a Defense Department initiative, works to increase employability through internships. He said this allows disabled veterans to expand their skill sets while gaining valuable job experience.

“Internships are a really good source of experience. They may not pay dividends right off the bat, but they often come back,” said Hall.

Marohl said it is important for all seeking employment to understand the resume is a fluid document and requires tailoring for each individual job position being considered.

Adding to that, Miller noted that resumes must tell the entire story and demonstrate the position’s specialized experience. She also spoke of the different hiring authorities available for those with disabilities such as Schedule A or five- and 10-point veteran preference.

Closing out the event, Farmen thanked panelists for their insights. “You are the bridge for people to get on our team,” he said. “We have a kaleidoscope of people in SDDC, full of goodness coming together. We live it. We own it. We come together to make it happen.

• Date Taken: 10.28.2019
• Date Posted: 10.29.2019 09:15
• Story ID: 349650
• Location: US