Kenneth Hamilton
Story Update
Kenneth Hamilton's determination, work ethic, and leadership skills have propelled him through the ranks at Work Services Corporation, where he managed a team of 11 food preparation specialists at Sheppard AFB. While he faced challenges in his youth, Hamilton credits his job for keeping him on a positive path, and he serves as a role model in his community. He’s gone on to manage over 100 people within the facility’s largest dining facility.
The Full Story
Determination, an outstanding work ethic, ingenuity, innate leadership skills, and a passion for food service have propelled Kenneth Hamilton through the ranks at Work Services Corporation (WSC).
Hamilton first came to WSC in 1990 as an entry-level mess attendant. Over the next decade, he was promoted five times into positions of increased responsibility. Today, Hamilton works at Sheppard AFB and is one of the top seven managers on an AbilityOne® Program contract that employs more than 450 people. In his position, he leads a team of 11 food preparation specialists who prepare all vegetables and selected entrees for five dining halls that serve a total of 2.8 million people annually.
Raised in an economically depressed area, Hamilton’s stress and anxiety led him to begin abusing substances in his teenage years. He credits his job for keeping him out of jail, or worse. Today, he lives in the neighborhood where he grew up and is a role model for many young people in the community.
In addition to managing the food services contract, Hamiton also excels at cooking. Recently, Food Network Chef Robert Irvine selected Hamilton to be one of two local chefs to serve as a sous chef to assist with preparing the Air Force 60th Anniversary Ball meal for 1,000 guests and dignitaries. The episode aired on Food Network’s “Dinner Impossible” in January 2008.
“Ken is a perfect example of how the AbilityOne Program empowers people with disabilities to reach their potential,” said Jerry Bettenhausen, president of Work Services Corporation.
