News>Three Air Force members honored at annual disability awards ceremony
Photos
Dr. Robert Rudney receives his Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability award Dec. 6, 2011, from John R. Campbell, Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones and Daniel Ginsberg during the 31st Annual DOD Disability Awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md. The award highlights the valuable contributions to national security made by individuals with disabilities. Rudney is the senior adviser and learning integration research liaison, Campell is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, Jones is the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services and Ginsberg is the Air Force assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Raheem Moore)
Senior Airman Michael J. Malarsie receives his Department of Defense Outstanding Service Member with a Disability award Dec. 6, 2011, from John R. Campbell, Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones and Daniel Ginsberg during the 31st Annual DOD Disability Awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md. The award highlights the valuable contributions to national security made by individuals with disabilities. Malarsie is the recovering airmen mentorship program administrator, Campell is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, Jones is the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services and Ginsberg is the Air Force assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Raheem Moore)
Master Sgt. Frank Reilly receives his Department of Defense Outstanding Service Member with a Disability award Dec. 6, 2011, from John R. Campbell, Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones and Daniel Ginsberg during the 31st Annual DOD Disability Awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md. The award highlights the valuable contributions to national security made by individuals with disabilities. Reilly special operations recruiter liaison, Campell is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy, Jones is the Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services and Ginsberg is the Air Force assistant secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Raheem Moore)
12/7/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- Three Airmen were recognized Dec. 6 during the 31st Annual Department of Defense Disability Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Md.
This annual event provides an overview of DOD disability policy and initiatives, recognizes DOD organizations for their efforts in the employment of individuals with disabilities, and highlights the accomplishments of DOD employees and service members with disabilities.
"It is imperative that we as a department continue to recognize the achievements and contributions of these outstanding individuals," said John R. Campbell, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy. "The determination and perspectives they bring serve as immense inspiration while further enhancing the capabilities and diversification of the DOD."
Dr. Robert Rudney, the senior adviser and Learning Integration Division's Research Liaison, Writer and Editor, Lessons Learned Directorate, Air Force Studies and Analyses, was honored for identifying specific recommendations for the Air Force Warrior and Survivor Care Program and serving as the Air Force representative to the National Intrepid Center of Excellence's Advisory Panel, laying the groundwork for a new executive order to increase federal employment of individuals with disabilities
Tech. Sgt. Francis Reilly, a special operations recruiter liaison, is a mentor to potential pararescue jumpers and combat control team members. Reilly trained and mentored more than 200 potential candidates for pararescue duty. His professional efforts not only educated the general public, but resulted in more than 300 recruiting leads
While serving as a tactical air control party member assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron at Ft. Riley, Kan., Senior Airman Michael Malarsie was wounded in action in January 2010. His actions saved the lives of others as he continued to assist his comrades and provided emotional support. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal for his heroic actions.
"The civilian disability program and Air Force Wounded Warrior program are very special to me, and I am honored to be a part of this event to recognize the significant contributions of our Airmen," said the Honorable Daniel Ginsberg, the senior Air Force award presenter and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. "This is the first year for Air Force military members to be awarded, so this is a historic milestone."
