AIB hosts United States Navy Rear Admiral Griffith
The DES Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) hosted two distinguished visitors on Monday for a tour of the distribution facility. United States Navy Rear Admiral, Vincent L. Griffith, and Angela Hartley, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer for the National Industries for the Blind, were invited to tour the facility to better understand AIB’s role in supporting our nation’s military.
The DES Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) hosted two distinguished visitors on Monday for a tour of the distribution facility. United States Navy Rear Admiral, Vincent L. Griffith, and Angela Hartley, Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer for the National Industries for the Blind, were invited to tour the facility to better understand AIB’s role in supporting our nation’s military.
“Here at AIB, we provide more than just job training and work skills,” said Richard Monaco, General Manager at AIB. “More importantly, we help visually-impaired individuals build self-esteem and the confidence that they can live and work just like anyone else.”
Rear Admiral Griffith currently serves as the Director of Logistics Operations at the Defense Logistics Agency, which is responsible for ensuring all American military forces worldwide have the items needed to perform their missions – from food, fuel and energy to uniforms, medical supplies and construction material.
Angela Hartley’s work at the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) includes government relations, corporate communications, strategic planning and direction, human resources, marketing, compliance and regulatory affairs, fundraising and program development. One mission of NIB is creating opportunities for people who are blind through workforce training and development.
The Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) was established in 1952 with a mission to inspire individuals who are blind to pursue their maximum potential through creating, sustaining and improving employment while providing the highest quality products and services. More than seventy percent of its workforce is legally blind.
As a program within the Department of Economic Security, AIB is market-driven and technology-enabled, providing quality products and services to military, government, and commercial customers. Arizona Industries for the Blind is the main manufacturer and supplier of medical litters used by the United States Army.
“As with any company, AIB must continue to develop and market new products to stay competitive,” said David Steinmetz, Production Services Manager. “We are currently working with the Army on designing and producing the next generation of combat litters, which will allow for faster treatment of injured soldiers.”