DES Says Thank You To Our Veterans
Adapt to Overcome
On November 11, 2016, America will take time out to say thank you to the nation’s veterans.
The Department of Economic Security (DES) is grateful for the bravery of our men and women in uniform. For many, the desire to serve did not stop after they completed their military service.
DES is honored to have GREAT active-duty, and military veterans, serving as part of Our GREAT DES. They are able to use the skills they learned in the military to adapt to a new mission, and help those in need overcome their challenges.
One of those serviceman is Ronald Enoch. “Adapt to overcome” is a motto that he has lived by his entire life.
Enoch is a supervisor for the Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME). He learned how to adapt at an early age.
“I was born in Arizona, and then [when I was six] we moved to Omaha, Nebraska,” he said. “A few years later we returned to Arizona.”
After graduating from Westwood High School, he enlisted in the Navy, where his brother served.
“He would tell about all the different places he visited,” said Enoch, “and I wanted to see the world.”
Enoch would serve his country for the next 24 years. He credits his military success to one simple philosophy: “adapt to overcome.” For Enoch, adapting meant serving on a variety of ships. He started on patrol ships and finished on an aircraft carrier, where he performed duties ranging from submarine tracking to search and rescue.
After leaving the Navy, Enoch worked briefly for AutoZone. After deciding that wasn’t the career path for him, he applied for a position with the Department of Economic Security (DES).
Enoch’s strong work ethic allowed him to advance from a PSE I to his current position of PSE IV as a supervisor.
Asked what is most challenging about his position Enoch said, “Having to sometimes tell people they don’t qualify for services.” He added, “We still do whatever we can to help their situation.”
Despite his success, Enoch knows there is more to be done.
“The diversity of the people we serve means we need to continue to train [current and new staff] to better serve [our clients],” he said. “The Navy taught me the importance of training for all situations.”
Ronald Enoch personifies a commitment to helping others both in his service to his country and his state.
His strong work ethic, combined with a humble spirit, serves as an inspiration for others and embodies the DES philosophy of People First, People Always.
By Vance Phillips