GLYNCO, GA – October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) celebrated by inviting staff and participating organizations to gather at Building 912. Guests enjoyed fruit hors d’oeuvres, tea sandwiches, desert cakes and cookies, while listening to music by artists such as Hank Williams, who was born with spina bifida. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Division also demonstrated accommodation equipment, and provided brochures to educate staff on ways EEO assists with disabled employees’ needs.
FLETC Instructor Matt Swartz spoke at the event. Swartz suffered multiple injuries from two separate, near-fatal car crashes, one of which resulted in amputation of part of his left leg. Neither stopped his motivation in employment. “In the face of what would seem like insurmountable odds, I chose to face them,” said Swartz. “I encourage all of you to challenge yourselves, and to work with a purpose.” Swartz fought to be the first New York State Police officer with an amputated leg after the first car crash. After the second, he pushed himself again to resume his duties as a FLETC instructor.
Colonel Zandra Day, a 27-year U.S. Army Reserves veteran also shared her story. She continues to serve as a Chief Nurse and works with the Warrior Transition Program, even though she has suffered several medical setbacks. One of the most severe involves her heart. “I continue to struggle at times, and I live with this, daily,” Col. Day expressed. She has had multiple episodes of sudden, near-fatally high heart rates. This condition can strike her at any moment. Yet, she presses on, treats herself accordingly, and keeps working. “No matter the disability, we all have something to offer.”
FLETC Instructor Matt Swartz and Col. Zandra Day, speakers at the FLETC National Disability Employment Awareness Month event, Wednesday, Oct. 23, Glynco, Georgia. (Courtesy Photo)
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