Folks with autism eager to serve
Thanks to the Jan. 8 Dispatch article “Reserve recruiting more noncombat volunteers” I am close to making the decision to enlist with the Ohio Military Reserve. I’m hoping to bring along a large group of capable, qualified individuals with me, and we’re all more than ready to show the world what we can do when we’re given a chance.
A large group of men and women on the autism spectrum enlisting could be exactly what the Ohio Military Reserve needs. Many, such as myself, would love to serve and would be ideal service members, and many in the recent past have expressed disappointment and frustration with the federal military’s unwillingness to recruit individuals on the autism spectrum.
Many of these individuals possess skills and abilities that could prove exceptional to not only military service, but the mainstream community at large. Too much of these abilities and talents are going unnoticed and being wasted.
Skills that could be crucial to military service include, but are not limited to, include cyber defense, search and rescue, etc. I myself, a young woman with high-functioning autism and mild PTSD, am a certified Wildland Firefighter Type 2, Search and Rescue Technician III, and Wilderness First Responder, also currently majoring in criminal justice and homeland security.
If the Ohio Military Reserve is greatly understaffed, a number of these individuals could be just what they need. State military service could benefit both the autism community and the community at large. Not only could so many of these young men and women gain confidence and a sense of well-being that they never had, but their abilities and gifts could be explored. And, hopefully, the mainstream federal military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard — would see what it is missing and who it is denying opportunities to.
Kerry Perdy Columbus awkward parking lot and all. It’s one of the very last relics that helped to create this silly boomtown of the Short North (that began its ascent as an exciting art district). So, while short-lived eateries and drinkeries come and go, we cherish the enduring value of North Market.
Years ago, my mother visited Chicago. She spent hours staring into the highrise units across the street, and I offered a telescope pointed toward the lake. Her only question was “Where do you get groceries?” Ah, I said, look down, you’ve missed the basement grocery store in that building. Three blocks away was a full-service luxury food and beverage and floral shop, and four blocks away was the typical grocery. Really, anything one would want.
I love city high-rise living. I would pass my parked car walking to work, and I would pass it doing errands and going out at night. The impediment to Downtown living in Columbus is because here one still must leave the area in a car to accomplish one’s essentials needs, such as groceries. So these very high prices for habitat do not complete the experience. The disappearance of the North Market would be a step backward in the evolution of a vibrant, diversified urban hub.
Joy Yaw Columbus Columbus