Breaking the sound barrier

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert L. McIlrath
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Most people couldn't imagine living in a silent world. For one engineer at the 982nd Maintenance Squadron, silence is his world.

James Moore, 982nd Maintenance Squadron lead engineer tech, has been named the 2015 Air Education and Training Command Outstanding DOD Employee and Service Member with a disability Award Winner, his third MAJCOM award to date.

It all started for Moore when he applied for a job at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, almost 30 years ago.

"When I sent my resume to Kelly, they were unsure because I was deaf," Moore said. "But luckily some of the engineers there knew a little sign language so they went ahead and hired me. I got my foot in the door from there and learned the shop aspect and the engineer aspect."

After nearly 11 years, Kelly AFB closed, which led Moore to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

"At first they didn't think he should be able to work here - because it's a shop and everything - and him not being able to hear," said Joe Mahon, 982nd MXS lead engineer tech.

Moore wasn't concerned about not being able to perform his job; for him it was breaking the ice that was the hardest part.

"It was a big learning curve for me and everyone here," he said. "It was stressful and awkward for myself and everyone."

After 19 years of work at Sheppard, things are far from awkward for Moore and his coworkers.

"People have gestures he understands now, and they even write to him if they need to," Mahon said.

Moore works with AutoCAD, a design application that allows engineers to design their product on a computer and then print it out in 3D modeling.

But even after winning three MAJCOM awards, obstacles still exist for Moore.

"To be an engineer you always have to strive to be better than you are now," Moore said.  "Everything changes fast and you can't get stuck. "

"For him to go get advanced training on different things, the course has to be paid for as well as interpreter fees," Mahon said. "There is no money set aside in the budget for that specifically. That has to come out of unit funds."

Air Combat Command paid for one of Moore's coworkers, Ester Gilkerson, to go to sign language school.

Moore doesn't think of being hearing impaired as a disability; instead, he uses it as an advantage.

"I don't have many distractions when I'm working," he said. "I don't hear people talking about the weekend or complaining, I get to focus on my work. Sometimes I get so into designs that I forget about lunch."

For Moore, coming to work isn't dull or boring, it's something he enjoys and he doesn't plan on throwing in the towel anytime soon.

"I'll retire eventually, but I'm not ready," he said. "I'm feeling too young, I plan on putting in four or five more years."

When he's not at work, Moore enjoys golfing, art, sculpting and cooking. He also teaches American Sign Language at Vernon Community College.

"I'd like to think I'm a good role model to those students," he said. "It doesn't matter if you're deaf or blind or anything like that, your disability shouldn't stop you."