Buehler garners Army honors as Outstanding Employee with a Disability

Gretchen M. Buehler at her work station. (Photo by Allan Harding)

Gretchen M. Buehler, a Visual Information specialist with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Training and Mobilization (DTM) Training Support Center, received the Army's top award Oct. 11 from Louis Caldera, Secretary of the Army, at the Pentagon. Buehler received an award from Dr. Bernard Rostker, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and Iris Bulls, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at a DoD Disability Employment Awareness ceremony. Fort McCoy Installation Commander Col. Michael R. Staszak and Buehler's parents accompanied Buehler to Washington, D.C.

Fort McCoy employees can offer their congratulations to Buehler at an Oct. 31 Disability Month event at the Chapel Center, building 2675, from noon to 1 p.m.

Nomination process

Ann Howard, an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) specialist in the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) EEO Office, said Buehler was one of two Fort McCoy employees nominated for the award. A FORSCOM selection panel reviewed the nomination packets of the four employees nominated from FORSCOM organizations and forwarded Buehler's packet for competition at the Department of the Army (DA) level.

Buehler was cited for her continuing exceptional job performance and her participation to make the workplace safer, according to the nomination. She also has recommended modifications in the workplace to accommodate her work performance. Buehler was born deaf and has right hand and foot abnormalities.

Buehler said she was shocked, surprised, and speechless to find out about the award. When her supervisor, Carl Dvorak, called her at home her mother answered the phone and put it on TTY. Buehler said she thought the call was about bad news. Dvorak, however, was calling to congratulate her about the award. As Buehler relayed the news to her mom, her mom told Buehler her face was blank and her eyes were dazed.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Caldera and receiving a plaque, a DA Meritorious Civilian Service Award and a Secretary of the Army coin from him, Buehler said. Buehler also received a DoD plaque for her efforts.

"I was overwhelmed when he presented the plaque, ribbon medal and coin to me," Buehler said. "It was an honor to meet him. He showed us his desk that goes back to President Lincoln's son, (Robert) Todd, and his service as Secretary of War, and President Taft."

Qualifications

Dvorak said Buehler is deserving of the award as one of Fort McCoy's most-qualified graphic artists and one of the leaders of the installation's graphics section. Buehler has not let her handicap stop her from accomplishing all she can in her career field, Dvorak said.

She takes numerous classes to keep abreast of the advancements in her field, Dvorak said.

"Every time we have a question about graphics we take it to Gretchen first," Dvorak said. "She's our senior member in graphics and an expert in most of the computer programs we use."

Buehler also is at the top of the list for getting the most graphics projects done and doing them with the fewest mistakes. Dvorak said Buehler is not afraid to speak her mind and ensure that all graphics projects get done correctly.

Many people in DTM forget Buehler is disabled because she does whatever she can to make life easier for the DTM work force to work with her. Dvorak said Buehler has learned to read lips and communicates with other coworkers through such means as e-mail and sign language, as well as occasionally speaking.

'Typical employee'

Sonya Clumpner, installation EEO officer, said Buehler is a 'typical Fort McCoy employee' who exhibits a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. Buehler does not let her disabilities limit her life, Clumpner said.

Buehler has gone the extra mile for EEO to ensure that the graphics for their fliers and the fliers are done correctly, Clumpner said.

"When you think about giving Gretchen the job you think about the (outstanding) end results, not about her disability," Clumpner said. "When it comes to customer service, she's the best."

Both Dvorak and Clumpner said they were thrilled Buehler received the recognition and the DA Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Buehler's success

Buehler attributes her success to Fort McCoy and the Fort McCoy Community, the people and the place she works for and the customers she serves. "We work hard but still have a passion to work for the customers and to help each other with projects to complete," Buehler said.

Gretchen M. Buehler enjoys being in her kayak. (Photo by J. Marshall Buehler)

Buehler, a native of Port Edwards, Wis., attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., graduating with a bachelor of art degree in Art in 1978. Her counselor from the Division of Rehabilitation in Wisconsin Rapids had her fill out and send federal employment forms to Fort McCoy. A week later, Buehler was called for an interview and was hired the same day.

In her off-duty time, Buehler has found time to enjoy a number of activities and lead a busy life. She works on scrapbooks, kayaks with a new "Chesapeake" kayak on lakes and rivers, and spends time with her two nephews. Buehler also makes dresses for Fiji Island girls and women, makes friendship bracelets to give away and does volunteer artwork projects for the Alexander House - Art History Center in Port Edwards from time to time.

"I like to live life to the fullest," Buehler said. "I don't let my disabilities get in the way of trying new things or enjoying the things I like to do."