Warrios's corner.

Recently, while sitting behind my desk preparing to perform my daily ritual of cleaning out my IN box, I turned on my CD player to try and set a more stressless atmosphere. As I listened to songs like "I'll Be There," "Sir Duke," and "Oye Como Va," it put me in a real comforting mood. Actually, it set me up for having a great day. As I heard "It's a Wonderful World" I felt an uplifting in my spirit, a little overjoyed and then I remembered who made this CD. In my reminiscing, I could clearly recall the zip and hum of the state-of-the-art equipment. I could see the rows upon rows of pieces of material being put together becoming various sizes of American flags for the Veteran's Administration and garrison caps for the Air Force and Marines. Some material became service dress pants for the women of the Air Force, the black fleece jacket and the new Army Combat Uniform (ACU). Watching this workforce of about 1,400 people do their part of the whole was like being in Santa's workshop. Every elf was a master of his craft; extremely happy to be there and delighted in his contribution. You could not find a happier or more dedicated group of people.

On the surface this may not seem like much, but now picture about 95% of this workforce having various levels of serious physical disabilities, being mentally challenged and survivors of a spectrum of abuses and addictions. If not pointed out, you would never notice the canes, walkers or the wheelchairs located by their workstations. These very people, who many in society would treat as outcasts, have found a place where self esteem and a sense of worth and belonging is so high, words cannot truly do them justice. These are the professionals you'll find at the Good will Industries of South Florida in Miami.

I've met a woman who went from never looking up from her work and feeling no one cares or loves her to one who smiles and laughs with co-workers. She hugs her friends and shows how she loves to be around them. Another woman could only distinguish between light and dark and yet she operates a sewing machine that sews velcro on a section of the ACU pocket. Then there's Jason and Ramon and a crew of about ten others. Though mentally challenged, they ate responsible for putting the drawstrings in the legs of the ACU trousers. They almost sound as though they are singing when you hear them say, "... criss-cross; left string--right hole, knot it off; right string--left hole, knot it off, criss-cross."

Under the direction and guidance of Dennis Pastrano, Sherry Hungate, and Diana Valencia they orchestrate this unique cast of characters. Last year, they employed more than 4,200 disabled personnel. Out of this 4,200 people, 1,630 of them were able to obtain jobs out in the local community. Divided into laborers, mechanics, fabric handlers, inspectors and supervisors they ate a fine-tuned, standard-of-excellence organization who have been awarded numerous citations and honors of recognition making them second to none. Did I mention the CD? Yes, they have a group of talented musicians and singers who perform at various community events and record their music, which is also offered for sale, in their studio. There are classrooms where they can learn various computer and administrative skills so they can obtain jobs in banks and other businesses. From outcasts to self-supporting, productive and respectable members of the community, they lead the way to change society's view and attitude about them.

"America the Beautiful" is the last song on the CD and I wouldn't have thought of a more fitting way to close this well-put-together project or listen to as I end this article. So from now on, every time you see an American flag or see a Soldier, Sailor, Airman of Marine in uniform, remember a crew of very special heroes and she-roes contributed, and in many ways are responsible for the way we celebrate and the way we look. It may even bring some warmth to your heart, a lump in your throat, a smile to your face or even a tear of two to your eyes--it did all that for me!

Until next time--"Let's Roll!"

Command Sgt. Maj. Tomas H. Hawkins Command Sergeant Major, HQ, SDDC