Gitto earns Outstanding Employee with Disabilities Award

by Keith Wright
Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs

7/28/2014 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Christopher Gitto, a technical information specialist with the Air Force Safety Center, was recently named the Air Force winner of the Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award.

Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare, genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones, he had 15 fractures by age 1 and had multiple surgeries throughout his lifetime. Despite his health challenges, Gitto said he's remained resolute about achieving whatever life would offer him.

Gitto was introduced to the Air Force through a federal volunteer program when he attended the Technical Vocational Institute in Albuquerque in 1983. His first assignment with civilian personnel records proved to be the beginning of a career spanning more than 30 years.

The award honors individual civilian employees and military members with disabilities who supported the DOD mission, overseas contingency operations, or whose activities best demonstrate the core values of their respective military service or agency.

While this is not the first time Gitto has been selected for an award of this stature by the Air Force, he is humbled by the recognition of his accomplishments.

"I'm very honored to have been selected," he commented. "I was chosen out of many deserving people with disabilities; some even seem to move mountains."

Among his duties, Gitto provides guidance and information for users of the Air Force's only mishap reporting system, the Air Force Safety Automated System (AFSAS).

He prides himself in supporting safety efforts Air Force-wide.

"Chris Gitto's exceptional job performance makes his severe physical disability 'invisible' to those who work with him," said James Rubeor, Air Force Safety Center executive director. "The courage and initiative Chris displays daily, despite his disability, are a constant source of inspiration to the entire Air Force Safety Center."

Gitto remains a strong advocate for workers with disabilities is a three-time Air Force representative at the Perspectives on Employment of Persons with Disabilities Conference. He is also in a video that highlights New Mexico federal employer success stories.

He plans to continue his service with the safety center for a few more years, and to be more involved in church ministries before any major challenges prevent him from doing so.