The Meaning of Thanksgiving

CCA Employees Share Their Thoughts on the Thanksgiving Holiday

Everyone has something to be thankful for this holiday season. We asked employees what specifically they were giving thanks for this Thanksgiving. Here are a few of their responses.

Since I have been with CCA we have been away from our families in Texas. This is a similar story with many of the other chiefs, AWs and department heads at Adams and many of our other facilities. We are having Thanksgiving, as a work family, at my house. This makes it very nice to be able to have a big group, complete with kids, turkeys, and football, to give thanks and enjoy God's blessings as a family. Although it does not completely replace being with the grandparents, aunts, parents, and cousins - it comes very close and brings the work group closer together at the same time.
Vance Laughlin
Warden, Adams County Correctional Center

This year I am thankful to work for CCA, in that the company has taken the financial precautions to be accountable and remain strong and relevant in the financial market place while other companies in the corrections industry have suffered greatly. Fortunately, because of the leadership that we have within our company many of those same people who found themselves without jobs turned to CCA and found new ones and hopefully new careers.

Every year like most families, traditionally, we gather together at my mother's house and everyone brings their favorite dishes. My favorite is fried turkey. I started frying turkey's about five years ago and needless to say the first one was not my best. It was over cooked and very crispy (to be honest, it was burnt) and there was plenty of it left over of which the dog enjoyed I think. Over the years I have gotten much better and now everyone looks forward to eating my fried turkey even the dog.

To me, Thanksgiving means showing gratitude for the things that I value the most. They are not the things that can buy, that come and go like the latest car or cool electronic device. But they are the things that I cannot put a price on, my family, my friends, my health these are the things that I value the most and they are priceless.
Dwain Richey
Unit Manager, Diamondback Correctional Facility

I am always thankful for my family. That is the first thing that comes to mind. But then I think of how shaky our economy is right now, especially for the people who work in the oil industry. I have seen a lot of folks lose their jobs as things have slowed down in this part of the country. I am so thankful to work for a company like CCA where I have a good job, with benefits, even when times are hard. Going to work for CCA, at North Fork, was the best decision I have made. For that I am very thankful!
Rebecca Williams
Inmate Accounts, North Fork Correctional Facility

First of all, I am thankful that I have a job. There are so many people in this country who wake up in the morning and don't know if they will have enough money for food for themselves and their families. At least I know that I have a job, a warm bed at night, and good food to eat.

Second, I am thankful for my family. Who else accepts us for who we are and still likes us? Third, I am thankful for my co-workers, who make each day an adventure.
Linda Sevison
PIO & QA Administrative Clerk, Idaho Correctional Center

Thanksgiving is a day to remind us to never forget that without God, and without another person, we would not be who or where we are today. So take this day to slow down a moment, set all the things that can be dealt with another day aside, and give thanks to those important to you.
Tatiana Murrieta
QA Coordinator, Central Arizona Detention Center

The holidays always bring my family together to laugh and love and enjoy each other's company. This time of year I look forward to enjoying a meal filled with love and tradition. Afterwards, my brother, Andrew, and I hook up the boat and head off to Port Mansfield where we spend time walking the banks of the channel near South Padre Island in hopes of gigging some flounder. Some years result in a better catch than others but our time spent together is always priceless. Through the hectic times, Thanksgiving is one of the holidays that I look forward to the most. It brings a chance to slow down the pace of everyday living and enjoy the simplicity of family.
John Butler
Willacy State Jail, Public Information Officer

I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner and gathering with friends and family. I am thankful for my family and friends both at home and at work. I am thankful the inmates who give me the opportunity to help them change every day and I am thankful for living in a wonderful country like ours.
Laura E. Bedard, Ph.D.
Assistant Warden of Programs, Gadsden Correctional Facility

To me, Thanksgiving means a time of year for reflections, especially before we move into the "Holiday Season." I try to use this occasion to recall past Thanksgivings with family & friends and to consider where God has led us the past year. Thanksgiving means recollecting memories of loved ones no longer with us today that have helped set the stage for our celebrations and the traditions we continue to develop. At the dinner table we give each guest an opportunity to share what they are thankful for and to pray for those not present. My family is scattered from Florida to California to Ohio, Georgia and New York, so we are not all together on these occasions. Most of all Thanksgiving means we use these holidays to draw closer to each other and to give thanks to our Lord. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Dorothy Hilton
Chaplain, Gadsden Correctional Facility

Tell us what you're thankful for this Thanksgiving. Sound out in the comments section.

Sound Out

Judith Carpenter at Kit Carson Correctional Center:

I am thankful for my family and friends and for the house full of grandkids who tear the house up but have a good time doing it. I am thankful for my job, and the older I get I realize I am thankful for the memories of past holidays that come with getting older. Memories of loved ones no longer with us, memories of being far away from loved ones. The times my husband and children spent overseas learning new customes of other lands. I am most thankful to be where I am right now with my husband, family and friends. Thank you Lord for all your many blessings.

Michelle Dunlap at Torrance County Detention Facility:

I am most thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! WIthout Him, I wouldn't have all the other blessings I am most grateful for, like my new baby granddaughter that was born last week; my other grandchildren; my children, and my wonderful husband! The Lord says He will supply all my needs, and He most definitely has and continues to do so each and every day! I have a job that I am very thankful for and co-workers that are my extended family - I have plenty to be thankful for.

Bonnie Abernathy at North Ga Detention Center:

I am "Thankful" for a job that I can be proud of and leadership I believe in! I feel that God has blessed me with the "perfect" balance in life! I am very thankful for my husband, children, co-workers, friends and families. My prayer is that I can bless those around me as they bless me! Happy Thanksgiving and May God Bless Each of you!!!

Dorothy Booker at North Georgia Detention Center:

I truly Thank God for all The Blessings he has bestowed upon Us as a Society and As a Nation al though People are losing there Jobs and Homes are being in Fore closures and people are Homeless We still have Freedom so I thank God for Freedom Becasue Many Nations and Countrys are Fighting for Freedom Are Soldiers are over there Fighting for someone's Freedom . As Psalm 34 states I will Bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. So Thats why I am thankful . Dont' look at what u don't have be thankful for what you do have.. health, Life etc

Jay Snowden at Diamondback Correctional Facility:

Above all else, I am thankful to God for all things. I am thankful for His love and mercy that was lavished upon us through Jesus Christ his Son. It is because of His transforming work in my heart and mind that I am what I am today. And it is because of His might and power that this great country is what it is today. I am thankful for my job with CCA and all of the people of quality that I work with. Diamondback itself has so many people of faith and quality that help make this facility and company the best it can be.