Defense Secretary Ash Carter is scheduled to host a ceremony honoring outstanding service members and civilian employees with disabilities for their contributions in support of the DoD mission. Check back to watch it live here.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter stands while service members who competed in the Olympics and Paralympics walk across the stage before an awards ceremony for the athletes at the Pentagon, Oct. 3, 2016. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith

Two AH-64E Apache helicopters prepare to land at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, Sept. 29, 2016. Army photo by Capt. Brian Harris

Marine Corps Cpl. Eduardo Osorionunez fires an M777 howitzer during a battle drill at Fire Base Burt, Calif., Oct. 1, 2016. Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 hosted the drill as part of a seven-week training event. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abraham Lopez

Army Sgt. 1st. Class Alexander Garcia climbs a ladder as he participates in the tower event during the Army 2016 Best Warrior Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Sept. 27, 2016. Garcia is assigned to Army Material Command. Army Photo by Pfc. Fransico Isreal

A Marine enters a window during Island Viper at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 28, 2016. During the annual training event, Marines cleared buildings, patrolled through simulated villages, completed a leadership course and traversed an improvised explosive device course. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Patterson

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

A Marine participates in fast-rope training from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at an airfield in Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2016. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron James Vinculado

Sailors install an antenna for the SRA-62 combat system on the tower of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in San Diego, Sept. 29, 2016. Moored at its homeport, the Roosevelt is undergoing planned maintenance. Navy photo by Seaman Spencer Roberts

An E/A-18G Growler launches from the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 1, 2016. The Growler's primary mission is to support strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity within the combat area. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Burke

Defense leaders remain focused on efforts to strengthen relationships and modernize U.S. alliances in the Asia-Pacific region as a priority for 21st century security interests and sustaining U.S. global leadership.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ganesh Arjun transports an afterburner on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf, Sept. 29, 2016. The Eisenhower is supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and other security efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Navy photo by Seaman Christopher A. Michaels

Given today's globalized access to knowledge and the rapid pace of technology development, innovation, speed, and agility have taken on a greater importance. The Defense Department serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops - on and off the battlefield.

Sailors pay their respects at the grave of Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, on the 10-year anniversary of his death, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, Sept. 29, 2016. Monsoor posthumously received the Medal of Honor in 2008. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Abe McNatt