Meet Gerald Davis: Celebrating Value and Talent at Fort Bragg

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

This October, in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), BAC is proud to spotlight Gerald Davis, a shining example of how the AbilityOne® Program changes lives and strengthens communities through inclusive employment.

For the past five years, Gerald has been an essential part of the BAC custodial team at Shughart Elementary on Fort Bragg, where his dedication and positive attitude make a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Each day, Gerald arrives ready to work—preparing the cafeteria for breakfast, maintaining floors and common areas, and ensuring that students and teachers have a clean, safe environment to learn and grow.

“I love my job, love what I do, and love the kids and the teachers,” Gerald shared proudly during a recent interview. That genuine enthusiasm radiates through his work and uplifts those around him. Whether he’s running large floor-cleaning machines or helping his teammates in the cafeteria, Gerald takes pride in every task. His supervisor and peers describe him as dependable, hardworking, and kind, a role model of consistency and heart.

Even on challenging days, Gerald’s optimism never fades. “Sometimes I get a little sad,” he said, “but Miss Maria tells me not to worry, that everything’s going to be all right.” It’s this blend of humility, teamwork, and perseverance that embodies both BAC’s and the AbilityOne program missions, empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive in meaningful careers.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and highlights the importance of inclusive employment opportunities. Gerald’s story reflects this year’s NDEAM theme perfectly, showing that when people of all abilities are given the opportunity to contribute, the entire community benefits. Gerald’s pride in his work, his commitment to excellence, and his genuine kindness inspire those around him. He has become not only a trusted team member but also a mentor and role model for others, showing that success comes from dedication, teamwork, and heart.

Through federal contracts from SourceAmerica and the AbilityOne Program, Gerald and thousands of employees like him are connected to fulfilling career opportunities that provide competitive pay, independence, and purpose. This federal initiative, established by Congress to create employment for individuals with significant disabilities, partners with organizations like BAC to deliver high-quality services to government customers while empowering an inclusive workforce.

Gerald’s journey reminds us what NDEAM is all about: recognizing the talents and contributions of people with disabilities who help build America’s workforce every day. His pride in his work, kindness toward others, and commitment to excellence reflect the best of the AbilityOne mission, and the heart of BAC’s purpose: Employ | Empower

Programs like the AbilityOne contracts BAC operates through SourceAmerica® not only create meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities, they also strengthen our national economy by keeping critical services, manufacturing, and innovation right here at home. Gerald’s work, and the work of his peers across the country, reminds us that America is Made Here, by hardworking, capable individuals who deliver excellence and pride in every job they do.