TRDI’s Matthew Payne Named Finalist for SourceAmerica Impact Award

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Veteran, Trainer, and Safety Leader: Matthew Payne Recognized as SourceAmerica Impact Award Finalist

Eight Years of Service and Leadership

For eight years, Matthew Payne has played a vital role in supporting TRDI’s operations at Fort Hood, combining technical expertise, military experience, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Those qualities recently earned him recognition as a finalist for a prestigious SourceAmerica Impact Award.

Training Others for Success

As a TAS Mechanic and Master Trainer, Payne provides monthly training on equipment, procedures, and safety standards, helping employees meet Performance Work Statement requirements and maintain consistent, high-quality service for the customer.

A Commitment to Safety

His dedication to workplace safety has also made a lasting impact. After reporting a tire detachment from a UAV during takeoff and identifying hazardous runway conditions during winter weather, Payne helped prevent potential injuries and operational disruptions, earning a DAO Safety Award for his vigilance.

“Matthew is a wonderful worker who is always ready to help and always ready to learn.”

– Patrick Moore, Project Manager

From Army Service to Civilian Excellence

A U.S. Army veteran who served six years as a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer, Payne brings the discipline, precision, and safety-first mindset developed during military service to every aspect of his work.

Always Learning, Always Growing

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he continues to pursue personal growth, recently earning his Private Pilot’s License.

Making a Lasting Impact

Through his leadership, technical knowledge, and commitment to serving others, Payne exemplifies the values that make veterans such an asset to the workplace and community. His selection as a finalist is a well-deserved recognition of his lasting contributions to TRDI, his coworkers, and the Fort Hood mission.

About SourceAmerica

SourceAmerica is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Through its nationwide network of nonprofit partners, including TRDI, SourceAmerica connects a talented workforce with meaningful jobs while helping businesses and government agencies meet their service needs.

Employee Spotlight: Meet Simon Hernandez

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From Corpus Christi to Capitol Hill: Simon Advocates for Opportunity and Employment

A Voice for Opportunity in Washington, D.C.

TRDI celebrates Simon Hernandez, a longtime employee at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, for representing the organization at the 2026 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

Selected as a self-advocate, Simon shared how the AbilityOne Program has helped him build independence, confidence, and valuable workplace skills during his 16 years with TRDI. He credits his job with providing purpose, opportunity, and personal growth.

Sixteen Years of Growth, Confidence and Independence

At the conference, Simon met with Texas congressional offices to advocate for continued employment opportunities for people with disabilities. He emphasized that AbilityOne does more than provide jobs. It helps individuals develop skills, achieve greater independence, and build meaningful careers.

“The AbilityOne Program made a difference in my life. It gave me purpose and opportunities I would not have had.”

– Simon Hernandez

Protecting Opportunities for Future Generations

Simon also spoke about the importance of protecting the federal programs that support disability employment so future generations can have the same opportunities he received.

TRDI congratulates Simon for proudly representing the organization, the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, and the disability community.

Meaningful Employment Changes Lives

His story highlights the life-changing impact of meaningful employment and the importance of ensuring those opportunities remain available for others.

Employee Spotlight: Meet Alicia Wright

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At TRDI, our mission comes to life through employees who show up every day with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to serving others. This month, we are proud to recognize Alicia Wright, a Food Service Worker whose hard work and positive attitude make a lasting impact at McConnell Air Force Base.

As a key member of the food service team, Alicia works throughout both dish rooms and begins each day with determination, professionalism, and a willingness to support whatever the operation needs. Her consistent efforts help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing the team to deliver exceptional service to military personnel and customers.

Alicia takes pride in her work and understands that every task contributes to a larger mission. Through her commitment to cleanliness, organization, and teamwork, she helps create an environment where the entire food service operation can succeed. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail demonstrate the importance of every role in supporting quality service and operational excellence.

Living TRDI’s Core Values

Alicia exemplifies TRDI’s Core Values through her daily actions and interactions with others.

Integrity in Action
Alicia approaches her responsibilities with accountability and attention to detail. She consistently completes tasks correctly and safely, helping maintain the high standards that TRDI is known for.

Compassion for Others
Whether assisting a coworker or contributing during busy operations, Alicia treats everyone with kindness, respect, and a willingness to help. Her supportive approach strengthens the entire team.

Courage to Meet Challenges
In fast-paced and demanding situations, Alicia remains dependable and focused. Her positive attitude helps the team navigate challenges while staying committed to excellence.

Drive for Innovation
Alicia is always looking for ways to improve workflow and maintain an organized, efficient dish room. Her efforts contribute to a more productive operation and support the success of the entire kitchen team.

Effective Communication
Strong teamwork begins with clear communication. Alicia works closely with supervisors and fellow employees to ensure tasks are completed effectively and operations continue smoothly.

Supporting the AbilityOne Mission

TRDI is proud to be an AbilityOne participating nonprofit agency, creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities while delivering high-quality services to our customers. Employees like Alicia Wright demonstrate the value, talent, and dedication that make this mission possible every day. Through her reliability, commitment, and teamwork, Alicia helps advance opportunities that strengthen workplaces, communities, and lives.

Together, we create opportunities, deliver excellence, and make a difference.

Three TRDI team members proudly displaying medals in front of a TRDI branded truck

TRDI Team Members Honored with Squadron Coins at Hurlburt Field for Outstanding Service

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TRDI Team Members Honored with Squadron Coins at Hurlburt Field

At TRDI, excellence in service is more than a standard, it’s a commitment lived out every day by the people on the ground. We are proud to celebrate three outstanding team members from Hurlburt Field, Florida: Tina Bryant, Cameron Brandenburg, and Grant Ulmer, who recently received a distinguished honor for their exceptional dedication and performance. Recognized by U.S. Air Force Leadership Tina, Cameron, and Grant were praised by a U.S. Air Force representative for consistently delivering high-quality facility services in a demanding 24/7 operational environment. Their work ensures that facilities at Hurlburt Field remain clean, fully stocked, and mission-ready at all times, a standard that is critical in a special operations setting where every detail matters. Tina was specifically recognized for her responsiveness and ability to quickly address facility needs, helping maintain seamless daily operations for service members who depend on well-maintained spaces to carry out their mission.

A Special Honor: The Squadron Coin
Their exceptional performance came to the attention of Lt. Col. Derek Gee, Commander of the 11th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron, who personally presented Tina, Cameron, and Grant with Squadron Coins, a meaningful military tradition used to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding impact and service. Being coin’d by a commanding officer is a high honor that reflects the deep respect these three team members have earned.

“Our restrooms are always clean, smell amazing, and stocked with supplies — appreciated by all.” — U.S. Air Force Customer at Hurlburt Field

Excellence That Reflects Our Mission
This recognition is a direct reflection of TRDI’s mission: to provide employment opportunities and job training for people with disabilities while delivering exceptional facility services to federal government clients. Tina, Cameron, and Grant exemplify the dedication, professionalism, and pride that define the TRDI workforce every single day. Their accomplishment reminds us that the work our employees do, whether maintaining a restroom, stocking supplies, or responding quickly to a need — directly supports the men and women serving our country.

Join a Team That Makes a Difference
Are you looking for meaningful employment with an organization that values your contributions and invests in your success? TRDI offers competitive jobs with the federal government and a supportive workplace where every team member matters.
Explore Career Opportunities at TRDI →