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CRYSTAL RIVER, FL— Kevin Flynn was the center of attention recently when his friends and colleagues celebrated his 20-year anniversary as an employee of Wal-mart. Flynn works as a courtesy associate at the Homosassa store. Store manager Ed Shaw presented Flynn with a plaque for his years of service. Shaw sings Flynn’s praises as an employee. Shaw says, "Kevin is so good with customers. He is straightforward and honest. They appreciate it."

Flynn receives services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce.

Flynn says, "I love my job a lot because of the customers and co-workers. I look forward to going to work and have fun there."

Shaw says, "Kevin is never late and never calls in sick. He is always on the job. He interacts well with customers and engages other employees. He is good for morale."

After 20 years, Flynn still loves going to work, saying, "It is a very happy job. I have very close friends here at work."

Longevity working in retail is rare. Shaw says the Wal-mart home office recognizes the uniqueness of two decades of service, "That is a huge milestone," says Shaw.

Flynn lives with his mother in Crystal River. He says he is saving the money he earns from his job for retirement. His hobby is bowling and he tries to go once or twice a week for fun.

The agency annually serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CAREs or visit http://apdcares.org.