Path to the U.S. Air Force

  • Published
  • By Ashlee R. Michaud
  • National Disability Employment Awareness Month Committee
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated each October to educate people on disability employment as well as to recognize the contributions of employees with disabilities.

The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. The word "physically" was removed in 1962 to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all type of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

At Hanscom, Brian Davies is a member of the Palace Acquire Program, working on the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program in Battle Management.

Brian had always wanted to join the military, but was not able to do so as a diabetic, even after playing Division I sports while in college. While some might consider this disability a barrier, it ultimately ended up helping Brian to realize his dream.

After graduating from Stevenson University in 2003, Brian began teaching high school history.

His first year teaching ended early after his leg was amputated following several medical problems that were the result of ulcerative colitis. Those issues continued for nine years and resulted in the partial removal of his colon too. Despite this, he continued to work on his goals.

Brian continued to receive encouragement from his father, who had told him that this was an opportunity to continue his life and work toward his goals. Brian played lacrosse and coached a national semi-finalist college lacrosse team. In addition, he traveled to Europe and Asia three times leading students and families on education trips, became a member of the Team USA Standing Amputee Hockey Team and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a masters’ degree.

One goal still eluded Brian: being able to serve his country.

His opportunity came in March 2016 while working on a second master’s degree. A friend who works as a U.S. Navy federal civilian recommended the Palace Acquire Program. After applying through Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, Brian got a call saying he was accepted. Within two weeks, he came to Hanscom to begin a career in program management.

Brian continues to grow and mature in the field. He feels that he is a valuable resource for his program and that his disability has not stood in his way.

His disability has helped him by leading him to further his education, and that education has provided him the opportunity to serve the United States Air Force. For that, he is eternally grateful.