On Sept. 27, SCI Phoenix Major Gina Clark, Unit Manager Jeffrey Baker and Superintendent Tammy Ferguson were presented with awards by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award recipients were nominated by Paul Jokiel, Captain (U.S. Army) and Corrections Counselor 2 (SCI Phoenix). Staff and veterans in the inmate population were invited to the ceremony.
ESGR is an office of the Department of Defense and promotes support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members. Former Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Pennsylvania Chairperson for ESGR, Major General (Retired) Wesley E. Craig, presented the awards and was the keynote speaker for this ceremony.
The ceremony was a collaborative effort of ESGR and the SCI Phoenix Activities, Chaplaincy, Culinary, and IT departments and the SCI Phoenix Honor Guard.
The award presented were:
Above and Beyond Award – SCI Phoenix
Seven Seals Award – Gina Clark, Major
Patriotic Supporter Award – Jeffrey Baker, Unit Manager
Patriotic Supporter Award – Tammy Ferguson, Superintendent
"I cannot think of a more humbling experience than being recognized for our support of the United States Armed Forces and the servicemen and servicewomen who continue to defend our freedoms," Ferguson said. "To be nominated and recognized for these awards by one of our own servicemen is truly an honor. As Capt. Jokiel makes his final preparations for his third deployment overseas, please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers."