By Joanne L. Mize
On July 4 the Hughes Unit Response Team’s assistance was requested
by the Texas Rangers and Secret Service for Gov. Bush and his wife.
This request consisted of crowd control, perimeter security and surveillance
during the Independence Day Parade and while he was guest speaker. The
Hughes Unit received a letter of appreciation from the Department of the
Treasury, United States Secret Service expressing their admiration and
commendations for job well done.
The letter also recognized all personnel by name who were assigned to
this special duty: Maj. Thomas, Capt. Burkett, Capt Easley, Lt. Seigman,
Lt. Vandiver, Sgt. Woodard, Sgt. Preston, Sgt.Clark, Sgt. Watts, COIIIs
Morrison, Stevenson, Elefrits, Dorman, Kuzenka, Shuck, Nash, Barton, Ament,
Vallejos, Shults, Howard and Dodd.
At the conclusion of the letter they wrote: “With the difficulties
of a large crowd, and a very hot morning, your officers were invaluable
in their support and professionalism, which ensured a safe event for the
viewing public and for Governor and Mrs. Bush. It is particularly gratifying
and noteworthy that officers were willing to volunteer their time and sacrifice
part of their holiday to provide critical support for this event. The Secret
Service values the close association we had with our colleagues at the
Texas Department of Corrections.”
The Hughes Unit is so proud of our Response Team. They have Exceeded
their responsibilities and professionalism in a manner that could make
their mamas cry! Thank you from all of your co-workers for adding another
notch of excellence to our unit.
—-
Our very own Warden Green was also honored this month! He was invited
to a special ceremony in San Antonio, at the exclusive Marriott Hotel,
to receive a very impressive award. Mr. Bill Black, U.S. Attorney of the
Western District of Texas, awarded Warden Green with the 1999 Excellence
in Performance Award for the Western District of Texas.
The award was for assistance provided during investigation into the
crime and trial of the Vialva and Bernard capital murder case (car jacking
and double murder) and accepted by Warden Green due to the professionalism
& dedication of the Hughes Unit Staff involved.
We all remembered the horrified circumstances involved with this case,
especially since it was so close to home and the unfortunate couple’s
father works on the Hughes Unit. This is one time we can all say with conviction
that justice was done. Thank you all for all your help.
Our same Warden Green also received a Certificate for 30 years of service
with TDCJ-ID. When I tried to interview him, it was the first time I’d
ever known him to be speechless! But I did manage to get a few comments.
Warden Green started with TDCJ-ID in 1969 at the Eastham Unit, where
he worked in the field, food service and building operations. He then moved
on to Diagnostic and promoted to sergeant and worked inmate transportation.
Ellis was his next stop, working the position of building and death
row sergeant. Warden Green promoted to lieutenant, captain and major on
the Hilltop Unit then moved on to Ferguson as assistant warden. But he
missed this area, because he come back to Hilltop then to Hughes.
He said that during his 30 years of service, he met a lot of fine people
and made a lot of great friends.
He has seen a lot of changes take place and managed to survive them
all. He also said that he wouldn’t trade the experience for anything
— except all the money in the world! But all kidding aside, we really
will miss him!
Now, talking about awards and certificates, we also have another employee
who has done a great job and was presented with a special award.
Mr. Hancock, Garment Factory Supervisor, received the “Plant Manager
of the Year” and was chosen for this award over the whole system (not
just the region). He retired from the military after 24 years of service
as a command sergeant major.
He has been with TDCJ-ID for 23 years and has contributed his knowledge
and expertise to get he job done in the most cost efficient and least time
consuming manner possible. He enjoys the challenge of the job and strives
for perfection.
Mr. Hancock stated during the interview that he is the type of person
who would rather work than go fishing. He stated that when you make a product
better, it saves money and time overall and that is always his objective.
Mr. Hancock has proven to be a great asset to the Hughes Unit and said
that he is proud to be part of the agency.
With all the great efforts and the unending dedication of our staff,
what better way to say thank you than an “Employee Appreciation Day.”
On July 13, we offered a free lunch for our employees which consisted of
a delicious brisket sandwich, with chips and soda on the side.
Door prizes were drawn and winners received free time at the gym and
gift certificates from local eateries.
Everyone enjoyed the meal and social time they normally don’t get
during our busy work schedules.
Warden Scott and Maj. Thomas and several department supervisors served
the meal to the employees showing their gratitude for a job well done.
We would like to think the bosses for a great dy and a great job!
Our Employees of the Month are: Mr. Farris, risk management coordinator,
has been with TDCJ-ID for 12 years. He started at the Hilltop Unit in 1998
and transferred to the Hughes Unit in 1990 working as a COIII.
In 1994 he was assigned as the alternate Risk Management Coordinator
and promoted to top dog in 1997. He also does community service for Coryell
County on a daily basis, collecting Africanized (killer) Bees for the County
Extension Office (Agriculture Dept.) as a courtesy through TDCJ-ID.
When I questioned him further, he said to ask his wife! But I didn’t
because I was worried I couldn’t print it.
Mr. Les Smith, COIII A-1-2, was not available for an interview, so I
will follow up next month. Congratulations to both of you!
Mr. and Mrs. Farris went to her 25-year school reunion.
She won two awards, one for the most grandchildren and one for the oldest
grandchild. And you thought her hair was frosted! Yo-honey!
That’s hard earned grey and she is proud of it!
Our new birth of the month was a bouncing baby girl with a head full
of dark hair, 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 17 inches long. Her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Rowland who worked in the field and medical department are proud to
introduce their new addition, Miss Macy Michelle Rowland. She was born
on July 6 at King’s Daughters Hospital at 0745 hours.
Good luck with you and your new bundle of joy! (Enjoy the time off also!)
Our Birthdays for July and August are: Ms. Miller (Countroom) 7/24,
Ms. Lee (Countroom)
7/12, Ms. Eaton (tracking coordinator) 8/9. Ms. Summers (mailroom) 7/29,
Ms. Doyle (mailroom) 8/13 and Mr. Cazares (STG) 8/7. Best wishes for another
wonderful year.
Ms. Crowley is transferring from the AH countroom to Eastham Unit countroom.
We would like to wish her luck and happiness with her new position.
Keep them laughing like you did us.
We will miss your cheerful attitude!
We would like to welcome back Ms. Culp after a long period of medical
leave. We missed her realistic enthusiasm. HaHa!
We knew she couldn’t stay away from here. She even admitted a long
time ago that we all were the highlight of her day.
So here’s a big hug and a warm welcome back.
Our sympathy goes out to a former employee, Ms. Kim Ortega (previous
Ad Seg clerk), for the loss of her father from a tragic accident.
We haven’t forgotten you, Kim, and if you need anything, just give
us a call. You still have a lot of friends here.
We had another successful blood drive. On June 29 and plan to have another
one on Aug. 25 by Scott and White.
If you donated at our last one, you are eligible to donate again at
this one.
