Seymour Johnson civilian earns DOD disability award Published Dec. 10, 2009 By Master Sgt. Russell P. Petcoff Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A civilian at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., received the 2009 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability Award Dec. 8 at a ceremony in Bethesda, Md. Charles Hare is the in-service work plan programmer for the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron. "I was overwhelmed," Mr. Hare said. "I felt like that I was just doing the job I was hired, just from a wheelchair." According to a DOD official, the awards "honor the contributions of disabled persons throughout the department and provide updates in the field of disability." "The squadron and I are extremely proud (Mr. Hare) has received this recognition," said Lt. Col. William Mazzeno, the 4th CES commander. "He's dedicated himself to the squadron and base for many years, providing continuity and innovation to operations and maintenance of our base facilities and infrastructure. His positive attitude, calm demeanor and friendly service have earned him countless satisfied customers and close friends." Mr. Hare has worked at the 4th CES for 23 years. As an IWP programmer, he manages manpower and materials for the civil engineer squadron. He said he hopes earning the award will motivate other people with disabilities. "Hopefully the award will encourage others with disabilities to see their potential and strive to become more productive individuals, and make the public more aware of the potential for hiring people with disabilities," Mr. Hare said. It was an accident when he was 20 that left Mr. Hare a paraplegic Nov. 21, 1981. "I fell from a pecan tree," Mr. Hare said. "I was shaking the tree for a friend so he could harvest the pecans." Mr. Hare said he found himself at a crossroads after the accident. "I learned early after my accident that there were only two choices: quit or move ahead," Mr. Hare said. "The answer was easy; I decided to move ahead and make the most of my opportunity." The accident happened shortly after his marriage. He credited his wife for his recovery. "I had been married for about a year at the time," Mr. Hare added. "My wife, Jackie, also my best friend, has stood by me. "We recently celebrated 29 years of marriage with our daughter, Alexis." Mr. Hare credited keeping a positive and a worry-free view on life as a key to his success. "If you concentrate on all the things you can do you, will soon realize there is not enough time left to worry about all the things that you can't do," Mr. Hare said. (Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore of the 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.)