After high school, Tim drifted from job to job, only to find himself fired or laid off time and again. It was a cycle that left him questioning his place in the world. At a loss for what to do next, he decided to take a leap of faith and join the Navy.
Tim was stationed aboard the USS Mahon DDG-7 in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served as a cook. Navy cooking was all about bulk—feeding his shipmates efficiently and effectively. But when his service ended and he sought work in restaurants, Tim quickly learned that civilian kitchens viewed his experience as not relevant, which he found disheartening.
In his search for direction, Tim turned to Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). There, a psychologist conducted a thorough evaluation. He eventually diagnosed Tim with Pervasive Developmental Disorder—part of the autism spectrum. For Tim, the news was both a revelation and a challenge.
For a time, Tim spiraled into a deep depression, believing he wasn’t capable of much. But the MRS team didn’t just stop at the diagnosis; it helped him craft a path forward. MRS placed Tim in a job at Peckham, manning cutting tables in the company’s Manufacturing line of business. That job placement in 2010 marked the beginning of his way forward.
From cutting tables, Tim moved to Watertown A, where he worked in a secure area. By 2013, he had transitioned to a laundry position. For Tim, each step forward felt like a blessing. “I even prayed at church about getting these opportunities, and when they came, I knew my prayers were heard,” he said.
Eventually, Tim became a material handler, working on Army vests. He currently spends his busy days dismantling and assembling parts, contributing to special projects, and stepping in wherever help is needed. Whether hanging vests fresh from the dryer, checking soap levels behind the washers, or tackling urgent orders, Tim handles every task with quiet determination.
Tim is grateful for the support he continues to receive, which goes beyond the workplace. When he struggled with property taxes one winter, Peckham stepped in to help. Veteran representatives also provided guidance, offering camaraderie and understanding from people who shared his background.
Looking back, Tim sees a journey of upward mobility and steady progress. From those early cutting tables to his current role, every step has been a testament to his resilience and faith.
When he is off the clock, Tim keeps his cooking skills sharp by grilling up a variety of delicacies, including yak burgers. Life’s challenges may be serious, but they’ve never stopped him from finding levity in the little things he encounters along the way.
“Don’t accept any wooden nickels,” Tim likes to say.
