Civilian selected for disability award

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Dealing each day with a myriad of health issues doesn't stop Rob Vickers from being a productive member of the 96th Security Forces Squadron.

The Air Force recently recognized Vickers as its recipient of the 2013 DoD Disability Award. He is the squadron's resource advisor, who tracks all financial actions and obtains the resources for the most deployed unit in Air Force Materiel Command.

Born in Milton and raised in Tallahassee, Vickers has more than 14 years of active-duty service in three branches of the military: the Marines, Air National Guard and Air Force.

In 1998, Vickers separated from the Marines after four years to work for a defense contractor in upper New York State. While working there, he joined the New York Air National Guard and was activated to respond to the twin towers of the World Trade Center after their attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

"The governor activated us and sent us down to do a security detail 24/7," he said.

Vickers decided to re-enter active duty in 2002 as a security forces Airman.  He suffered spinal nerve damage from a turbulent C-130 landing while deployed to Iraq from 2002-2003. His experience in the Marine Corp led to his return to a more structured lifestyle as an Air Force military drill instructor in 2005, a position he held for five years.

Health issues, including respiratory complications resulting from the work at Ground Zero, and migraines ended his instructor duties.

"I got a desk job running the budget purchasing for Air Force basic training in 2007, which gave me the background for my current job with civil service," Vickers said.

Vickers was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in 2010, and was medically retired that year. His current RA position brought him here three years ago.

Balancing a budget that encompasses both stateside and overseas funds for the security forces squadron is a challenge that Vickers successfully juggles. Besides the hours spent at work, he is one of the founders of the Emerald Coast Wounded Warriors Association, which educates the public on the struggles of PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

"Not all wounded warriors are amputees or gunshot victims," Vickers said. "Not all wounds are visible. We are able to work to full capacity."

Now in its 33rd year, the Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity organizes an annual awards ceremony to recognize outstanding DoD civilian personnel with disabilities, and service members who are wounded, ill or injured.

"We also recognize DoD components for outstanding achievement in the hiring, retention, and advancement of individuals with disabilities," said Bob Corsi, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services.

The award exemplifies the philosophy Vickers personifies each day.

"Regardless of your disability, you can overcome and succeed," he concluded.