Melwood COO and Employee Discuss Employment for People with Differing Abilities and Wounded Warriors

UPPER MARLBORO, MD - October 30, 2014 - Melwood's Chief Operations Officer, Dave Harden and Calvin Davis, a Melwood employee and wounded warrior, were the keynote speakers at Joint Base Andrews on Oct. 29th 2013. Both were the special invited guests, speaking in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The discussion focussed on Melwood's efforts to provide employment and training opportunities for people with differing abilties. Staff and military officials gathered at Chapel 1 on Andrews Air Force Base to learn more about employment options for persons with disabilities.

Dave Harden at the Disability Awareness Luncheon discussing Melwood's commitment to equipping people of differing abilities with training and education to improve their employment opportunities. Mr. Harden discussed Melwood's core values and the organization's new focus on rehabilitation, training and employment for injured veterans.

Melwood employee, Calvin Davis, gave a heartfelt testimony on how Melwood transformed his life through employment. Mr. Davis is a Facilities Maintenance technician at Fort George G. Meade army base. Melwood holds the total facility management contract on the base. Calvin served 21 years in the Army as infantry E-7 SGT 1st class. During deployment in Iraq, Calvin was injured in the line of duty; he later received a medical discharge. When Calvin returned home from Iraq he was faced with the obstacle of re-entering the workforce. Calvin searched for employment for nearly a year with little help. A single father of three, Calvin eventually had to seek help from local area food banks to feed his children. Melwood hired Calvin in 2013 and is now supporting him in pursuing his Maryland Stationary Engineers License. Calvin is now an advocate for Melwood, he hopes to help more wounded warriors find employment.

In 1963, Andrew's Air Force Base donated the 7 acres of land that now serves as Melwood's headquarters and main campus. Barnett, 11th Force Support Squadron exceptional family member program coordinator, and Gamboa, 744th Communications Squadron commander, coordinated and hosted the luncheon.

"Melwood is a proud supporter of veterans and wounded warriors." said Mr. Harden. "We are committed to creating unique training, rehabilitation and employment opportunities that will make a real difference in their lives. Its the least we can do to honor our servicemen and women."