Saturday’s Story is excited to share that its CEO and Founder, Sarah Kernion, has been selected to take part in the Department of Defense’s prestigious Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC 95). This esteemed event will gather 40 leaders from across the country, including Sarah, who will join other CEOs, elite university officials, and community leaders for an immersive experience with the U.S. military at various locations.

Established in 1948, the JCOC is the oldest and most distinguished public liaison program run by the Department of Defense. It is also the only outreach initiative sponsored by the Secretary of Defense, offering American business and community leaders an exclusive, in-depth understanding of the operations of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The participants will engage in a unique firsthand look at military training, strategic missions, and leadership dynamics.

“I am thrilled and honored to be invited by the Pentagon to join the U.S. Secretary of Defense’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference,” said Sarah Kernion. “This is a highly competitive program, and to be selected from a pool of 151 nominations is quite humbling. I look forward to representing the neurodiversity community, especially children like my two non-speaking autistic kids, Milly & Mack.”

Sarah’s journey to this remarkable achievement began in February 2023 when she founded Saturday’s Story LLC. Transitioning from her role as a full-time special needs caregiver and parent to a dedicated counselor and advocate for individuals impacted by autism, Sarah’s work has already touched many lives. With her participation in the JCOC, she seeks to further her mission by gaining invaluable insights into military life and operations, particularly to aid military families navigating the challenges of raising neurodiverse children. She understands the unique struggles these families face and hopes to broaden her advocacy by drawing on this experience.

Sarah’s commitment to neurodiversity advocacy is deeply personal, driven by her love and dedication to her own children and the broader autism community. This experience at the JCOC will allow her to deepen her understanding of how military families operate and how best to serve them. As she visits military installations across the U.S. Pacific region, she will be able to directly observe and interact with various branches of the military, gaining insights that she can bring back to her work supporting neurodiverse families. Her goal remains clear: to continue empowering families with resources, guidance, and understanding in their journey with autism.