The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) provides employment opportunities for blind individuals who wish to operate food service facilities. The BEP has food establishments from small stands, to vending routes, to a full military cafeteria at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. The BEP also serves the food and dining needs of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia. The BEP provides public and government employees with quality food service that is conveniently located within government buildings. Twenty-five blind persons participated in the BEP program, and vendor earnings were $4,042,401, contributing $202,120 in gross receipt taxes to the state.
“Commission Helps Support National Defense”
The Commission operates the Thunderbird Inn and Dining Facility at Kirtland Air Force Base. Mr. Vick distinguished himself by again winning the highly prestigious John L. Hennessy award for the “international single-facility category.” The Hennessy Award is presented to installations with the best food service programs in the Air Force. Mr. Vick employs approximately 35 persons with disabilities in his facility.
“Commission Helps Support Homeland Security”
The Commission provides food services at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia. The FLETC is responsible for the training of border patrol officers and federal marshals, as well as the provision of firearms training for pilots.