Decorated Veteran Helping People Who Are Blind Find Employment

2010 “Oz” Day AbilityOne Award Presented to Master Sgt. Jeffrey Mittman

Alexandria, VA – Army Master Sergeant Jeffrey Mittman, a native of Indianapolis, received national recognition for his commitment to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. The Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled presented Sgt. Mittman with the 2010 Osborne A. “Oz” Day AbilityOne Awareness Award October 27, 2010.

The prestigious “Oz Day” award is presented to federal employee or member of the military, who demonstrates exceptional service in promoting employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled through the AbilityOne Program.

MSG Mittman, who was blinded and suffered other devastating injuries in Iraq from an improvised explosive device (IED) in 2005, is involved in a training program with the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) through the Warrior in Transition Program; in this role he supports a critical mission of employment for people with disabilities. This program allows him to prepare to transition into a civilian career upon retirement from the Army.

“I decided long ago – I can either own [my experiences] and learn from these experiences or I can let them own me. I chose the former,” said MSG Mittman. “I am humbled and proud to receive this honor, and I am eager to continue to be an example to our wounded warriors and other individuals with disabilities, showing them what is possible.”

“Master Sergeant Mittman is a remarkable individual who has faithfully served our country for more than 20 years, overcome tremendous adversity and now serves as an ambassador to other individuals with disabilities,” said Kevin Lynch, President and CEO of NIB. “NIB is committed to making a difference in the lives of our wounded warriors, so when we had the opportunity to have him on the NIB staff, we jumped at the chance. It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Jeff that he deserves this recognition.”

The award is named in honor of Osborne A. “Oz” Day, who served as a private citizen member of the Committee from 2005 to 2008. Day provided critical leadership in communicating the AbilityOne message to federal customers and the general public. His service was the culmination of a lifelong career of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.

About National Industries for the Blind
At National Industries for the Blind (NIB), it is our mission to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and 89 associated agencies serve as the largest employer for people who are blind by the sale of SKILCRAFT® products and services through the AbilityOne Program, established by the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. For more information regarding how NIB and NIB associated agencies continue to provide opportunities to Americans who are blind, please visit: www.NIB.org