Thomas A. Hoffer

As the Equal Employment Opportunity Advisor for the Army Regional Health Command—Pacific, Thomas Hoffer holds the conviction that persons with disabilities should have every opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of citizenship, as well as shoulder responsibilities to support their community and nation. Born without three limbs, Thomas learned to use prostheses at NYU’s Rusk Institute and attended the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center for two years. He went on to graduate from Seattle Preparatory School and Seattle University.

With a background in peer mentorship and human resources, Thomas has worked to promote the awareness and removal of hidden barriers that prevent inclusion of people from underrepresented groups. His accomplishments include assisting office managers to accommodate employees with hidden disabilities, collaborating with a women’s trade union to establish guidelines for accommodating individuals with disabilities in trade occupations, and playing a role in drafting policy recommendations to the Governor of Washington to address environmental and other ancillary issues impacting employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

As a member of the Civil Air Patrol-US Air Force Auxiliary, Thomas is proud to wear the wings and hold the aeronautical rating of Aircrew. Thomas hopes his life’s work will inspire others in the disability community to blaze new trails of their own.