ReadyOne Employee Represented El Paso at D.C. Conference
Marine veteran Ruben Martinez advocated for disability employment at a national defense contractor conference.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Ruben Martinez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a visual disability, represented the El Paso-based ReadyOne Industries at the SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference. He met with members of Congress to discuss the critical role of inclusive employment in the defense sector.
Why it matters
The conference facilitates direct engagement between employees with disabilities and lawmakers to highlight the value of programs like AbilityOne. This participation showcases how veterans and individuals with disabilities contribute significantly to military support missions.
ReadyOne Industries functions as a nonprofit defense contractor employing individuals with disabilities through the federal AbilityOne Program. The scale of the organization's workforce and its specific garment production quotas are not publicly detailed.
The players
Ruben Martinez
He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an employee at ReadyOne Industries who has a visual disability.
ReadyOne Industries
This is an El Paso-based nonprofit defense contractor that produces protective gear for the military while providing jobs for people with disabilities.
SourceAmerica
This national organization creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities through a network of nonprofit agencies.
The details
Martinez, who serves as an employee at ReadyOne Industries, leveraged his background as a Marine veteran to offer a unique perspective to policymakers. ReadyOne Industries, which is based in El Paso, manufactures protective garments and essential equipment for military personnel.
Timeline
Ruben Martinez attended the advocacy conference in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This advocacy effort highlights the niche but vital role that AbilityOne Program contractors play within the broader defense manufacturing supply chain. It positions companies like ReadyOne Industries as key players in balancing national security procurement with social impact goals.
The advocacy work of local employees helps ensure the continued viability of programs that provide job opportunities for El Paso residents with disabilities. This reinforces the local manufacturing base while supporting the specialized defense needs of the military.
The takeaway
Inclusive employment practices in the defense industry provide essential economic opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Supporting these programs ensures that specialized talent remains integrated into the national security manufacturing workforce.
Further reading
Learn more about the local defense sector in our Military Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
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