A Pause for Thanks on Veteran's Day
Each year, in November, our great country pauses to honor and remember some of the most selfless, brave and patriotic men and women among us – our veterans. At CCA, each day we pay homage to those who have served these United States with such compassion, devotion and pride.
On any given work day, most of us encounter veterans – after all, nearly 10 percent of our workforce is comprised of military servicemen and servicewomen. These veterans are our facility teammates, the colleagues we count on, and the coworkers with whom we build camaraderie. We know that many veterans have a natural regard for the needed public service we provide to our local, state and federal partners around the clock.
In fact, the very foundation of CCA begins with a veteran. Founder Tom Beasley was a graduate of West Point and valiantly served in Vietnam. Today, veterans are represented throughout our company at every level. Many employees – from frontline correctional officers to leadership in facility administration – have served America with honor, protecting our principals, standing up for our security and ensuring that the liberties established by our Founding Fathers remain intact.
When I think of veterans with CCA, many names and faces come to mind: Warden Brian Koehn at Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility; Steve Merrill, our chief dental officer; business manager Richard Crouch at San Diego Correctional Facility and many others.
I’m also pleased with the achievements we owe to our veterans and our company’s commitment to them. For two years, we’ve been named by G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military-friendly employer. Some of our facilities have been recognized by local and state organizations for their efforts. For example, Diamondback Correctional Facility this year was named by the Disabled American Veterans’ (DAV) as Oklahoma’s top military employer among large companies.
On this Veteran’s Day, November 11, I will reflect on this nation’s past and present, and the leading role veterans have played in our success. I encourage you, too, to take a moment to think of – and thank – the veterans around you.
-Damon
Sound Out
Richard Crouch at San Diego:
It is a great feeling to work for any organization that honors all veterans as does CCA. I would ask every veteran to support your fellow veterans active, retired or who has served by volunteering your time to assist a verterans organization just one hour a month would make a big difference, and better yet join one. I want our current and future veterans to get what they deserve for thier service and sacrifice.
Thom Trick at San Diego Correctional Facility:
As an old retired Marine, THANK YOU, to all of you for recognizing veterans. My son has also serve in the Marine Corps and is now in the National Guard. I would also like to recognize my fellow veterans my hats off to all of you.
Don Murray at Facility Support Center:
I want to thank all veterans and those who continue to serve our country as a member of the armed forces! Many of you have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect the freedoms and democratic ideals that we enjoy as Americans. Your service deserves a place of high honor and the gratitude of Americans everywhere! This Veteran's Day, I want to especially thank all of our brave men and women who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. I will continue to pray for your safe return home. Finally, I want to remember my father, who served under General George Patton's 3rd Army during WWII, and thank each of my four living uncles who also served in different WWII theaters. You are true patriots!
Jimmy Marberry at Houston Processing Center:
Veterans day is a special day for many veterans in our country. It gives us a chance to step back and think about the freedoms that we have due to the sacrifices that these service men and women as well as their families have made. As a former Marine, believe me it is appreciated and welcome. I am proud of the men and women that continue to serve as well as those that have served in the past. Thank you for all that you have done. Semper Fi.
S. MENDEZ at WEBB CDC:
I to would like to thank my fellow veterans. It is always great to here stories on how we are remembered not only on veterans day but through out the year. I take gret pride in the fact I spent so many years in the Navy and had the great privilage to meet so many different people and see the different cultures of the world. Some of the younger people who have not been anywhere but just in their home towns do not realize what a great country we have and how blessed we are to have the freedom and rights that we have. It's up to us to educate our younger people so that they too can become proud Americans.
Adam Conerly at Adams County Correctional Center:
As Veteran's Day approaches, we are all reminded of how many men and women have served our country throughout the years. Being a Veteran myself, I feel extremely proud to know that I was able to successfully serve my country with honor and dignity. I am very grateful for all Veterans and also grateful for those who have thanked me for my service in the past. That means more to me than you can imagine. So as we enjoy our holiday at home with our families, keep the men and women still fighting overseas in our prayers so that they may come home safely to enjoy many holidays to come with their familes. Semper Fi !!
Shanchell Brewton at Coffee Correctional Facility:
As a Veteran, whom served in the United States Navy, I thank and appreciate all who have contributed to assisting in our freedom and well being. This country is proud to recognize our servicemen and servicewomen for putting their lives on the lines for us. We give honor and much respect for those serving, those who have served and those who will serve in the near future for sacrificing so much for each and everyone of us. I pray each day that God continues to bless you and strenghten you in fighting the good fight. On Veteran's Day we say we love you and may God keep you in all that may come your way. Again, thank you because you didn't have to do it. THANK YOU THANK YOU!