The first line of defense at Naval Hospital Bremerton’s (NHB) Medical Records Department is ready and responsible for any requirement.

She processes approximately 100 weekly requests for release of information. The electronic mail, postal service and fax machine requests are her obligation, and then some.

It’s that professional capability, as well as personal ability that NHB underscored in recognizing October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 22, 2018.

“Charlene (Liles) is our first line of defense at Medical Records. Huge contributor to the team! When she is out for any reason it is quite noticeable. Her work load can be different every day and other staff voice how hectic their day is going to be if they are the one who has to cover her position,” said Tim Severtson, NHB Medical Records administrator.

The National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme for 2018 is ‘America’s Workforce: Empowering All,’ and NHB Diversity Council coordinated the event to commemorated the contributions of Liles and others with disabilities who shared their stories to educate other staff members about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

“I’ve been here for a few years, and to hold this ceremony means a lot. Feels good to be honored and recognized,” commented Charlene Liles, NHB Outpatient Medical Records technician.

Liles, a Billings, Montana native, began her career working for the Department of Defense in 1983 with her initial job as a clerk-typist at Fort Ord, California in 1983. From there she moved to Hawai’i to work at Tripler Army Medical Center/Schofield Barracks before relocating to Washington and starting at NHB in 1991.

Liles was openly candor sharing with the audience as a guest speaker for the ceremony, acknowledging her appreciation at the command for observing those with disabilities.

“It is nice to be here. Naval Hospital Bremerton has made accommodations for me over the years. There is leadership support and my boss, Mr. Tim Severtson, is very cool. My legs were amputated when I was little but my boss doesn’t see me as just that,” Liles said, acknowledging that as appreciative as it is to be considered a valued member of the team, she has also experienced the flip side of having to deal with narrow-mindedness.

“I have noticed that some people have had different reactions over the years and I have felt the discrimination and the silent treatment. There has been many challenges and I feel like I have needed to work harder at times,” Liles shared.

Liles is not alone. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are 40.7 million – or 12.8 percent of the total civilian (noninstitutionalized) population – with a disability in the U.S. Of that total, 7.5 million from age 18 to 64 with a disability are employed.

There are also NHB staff members supporting a family member with a disability.  For Debra Crawford, NHB Surgical Services Directorate secretary and Diversity Council member, the command’s observation of National Disability Employment Awareness Month had special significance.

“This was important to me because our youngest was born here at NHB five years ago and has Downs Syndrome. NHB helping us has been a great relief for her and for our family. She can grow to be happy, healthy, and successful,” commented Crawford, citing that NHB’s Exceptional Family Member Program coordinated such treatment programs as sign language and physical therapy to prepare the Crawford’s youngest for entering kindergarten.

“NHB arranged for everything. The support brought us a lot of peace of mind,” Crawford said.

Skookum Contract Services president and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dolven, who leads a work force of over 1,200 employees engaged in facility and logistics management services in 11 states as well as the District of Columbia, provided insight that Skookum is helping to lead the way in the hiring and empowerment of those with disabilities. Their work force has 700 employees with some form of disability, including 400 veterans.

“People with disability can do anything. They have the ability. All they need is a chance to be of value. A huge shout-out to the Navy who contract with us. We have 30 employees at NHB, including those with a disability. They make a positive impact every day,” commented Dolven.

“Our Skookum partners make a huge contribution to our command and mission as part of our team. We simply cannot accomplish what we do without them. Their contribution is highly valued,” added Capt. Jeffrey Bitterman, NHB commanding officer, also noting that the significance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is not lost on NHB as he presented an official proclamation to commemorate the event.

The ceremony ended with the commanding officer’s proclamation, affirming that ‘workplaces welcoming of all talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy. In this spirit, NHB is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities. Activities during this month will reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplace and affirms NHB’s commitment to an inclusive community.’

“The strength of Naval Hospital Bremerton is found in our people.  Our success is dependent upon leveraging the diverse skills, talents, and experience of every Sailor and civilian. Every person is valued.  When we embrace diversity and inclusion as a true force multiplier, we will find that the sum of our actions as an organization are far greater than our individual efforts” said Bitterman.

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