Pensacola, Fla. (November, 6, 2023) – The Global Connections to Employment (GCE) food services team working at Naval Air Station Pensacola and Corry Station was selected by the state of Florida as one of the 2023 Florida Exceptional Employers winners for hiring individuals with disabilities.

The award was presented during a presentation in Tallahassee Florida the seat of Florida’s Capitol. Accepting the award were Dawn Rupert, GCE project manager at NAS Pensacola; Betty Geren, GCE senior director of food services operations; and Patrick Reed, GCE food services team member from Corry Field.

In addition to recognizing the state of Florida achievement, Pensacola county commissioners also recognized National Disability Employer Awareness month during their October meeting.

More than 1,500 people across the country work for GCE. In Florida, 457 team members with disabilities work at a variety of sites. Approximately 360 team members with disabilities live and work in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, at places like Naval Air Station Pensacola, Elgin Air Force Base and LifeView Group.

In addition to jobs, the nationwide GCE team provides support and training for people with significant disabilities, including war-wounded veterans and has many awards for service excellence. They empower team members through meaningful employment, matching them to careers in in IT, food services, custodial services, a contact center, and facilities maintenance.

Read about other GCE awards and recognition.