WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s Outstanding Associate with a Disability worldwide winner Amina Grant has advice for other associates with disabilities: “Be yourself.”
“Don’t see yourself as your disability,” said Grant, who works as a materials handler leader at the military retailer’s Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.
Grant began at the Exchange distribution center 21 years ago as a member of the janitorial staff. Due to her hard work and reliability, her supervisors consistently recommended her for promotion each time her yearly review came up. Grant has worked in order selection and now, as a Materials Handler Leader in storage, she guides others in the receiving and stocking of the product coming into the distribution center, ensuring it is the correct quantity and meets the Exchange’s quality standards.
Amina (center) accepts her award from Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness James N. Stewart and Exchange ECP & CLO Karen Stack. (DoD photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Dylan C. Overbay)
“My disability is not going to stop me from doing my job,” Grant said of her approach to her work.
Grant’s supervisors say she is a role model to her fellow associates.
“They look up to her,” said Scott Montgomery, Dan Daniel distribution center manager. “They notice her work and her success, and they want to be like her.”
Grant said her first feelings upon finding out that she had received the honor were “shock and joy.” She also expressed gratitude for the award, which she received on Oct. 3 during the Department of Defense’s Outstanding Employees with a Disability award ceremony at the Pentagon.
Karen Stack, Exchange executive vice president and chief logistics officer, also attended the ceremony to congratulate Grant on her award and thank her for her exceptional work.
Facebook-friendly version: Amina Grant was named the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s worldwide Outstanding Associate with a Disability for 2019. Amina, who works at the Exchange’s Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va., accepted her award in a ceremony at the Pentagon on Oct. 3. Read more about how Amina sets the standard for her coworkers: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-18T.
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 62nd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.3 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.ShopMyExchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
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