Sheppard commemorates National Disability Employment Awareness Month at luncheon Published Oct. 24, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Teary eyed in appreciation and admiration of disabled workers, Sheppard personnel commemorated National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a luncheon Oct. 23. President George W. Bush declared October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to educate the American public about the issues related to disability and employment. Pearlene Carr, a guest speaker for the event, shared her experiences of being an apprehensive child who didn't like to read in school. When Ms. Carr was in the first grade, teachers told her mother she would never be able to communicate beyond a certain level, but her mother didn't accept that. Every day Ms. Carr's mother helped her with her speech to ensure her daughter's ability to communicate. "I will not let struggle defeat me," Ms. Carr said. "Let no one tell you you cannot achieve your goals." In agreement, guest speaker Mark Schroeder, a network administrator for the 82nd Communications Squadron, said the disability is irrelevant. What makes him successful is the same as what makes everyone else successful, he said. "You just have those kinds of people that are going to make it happen. Its' the work ethic you bring, the motivation and the level of desire" he said. "People with disabilities are able to contribute to the mission even though they may not be able to do every little task." Mr. Schroeder said nobody can do every little task. Everyone has a disability or situation that prevents them from doing something, he said. Chief Master Sgt. James Perude, superintendant of the 362nd Training Squadron, said those words inspired him to never judge others again. "You have enriched our lives," Brig. Gen. O. G. Mannon said to guest speakers, "We all have been touched and provided inspiration."