Director Schriro gives special recognition to ADC employees who received prestigious military awards
The Arizona Department of Corrections paid tribute to staff who served their country since the war on terrorism began, in October of 2001, and their families. During a program celebrating Flag Day June 14, at the State capitol, in front of a packed rotunda lobby, ADC honored their employees who are now on active duty and those who did serve and have returned. The Department also acknowledged the families of employees who are currently on active duty and ADC employees who are waiting to be deployed. Six ADC employees who earned special recognition by the military recently were also honored. Purple heart recipients Sergeant Tony Jackson, Correctional Officer II Josue Salas, Correctional Officer II Doyle Clark, all from ASPC-Yuma, along with Correctional Officer II Gary Garside, ASPC-Florence, and Correctional Officer II , Jose Alatorre, ASPC- Lewis, were presented an Adjutant General’s coin. All of the honorees were at the ceremony except Alatorre, who is still recovering from his wounds. His sister, Dorelia Brooks, accepted his award. Bronze star recipient David Truax, also from the Yuma complex, was honored for the sacrifices he made while serving our country. Officer Truax, who led over 2,500 missions, presented ADC Director Dora Schriro an Arizona State Flag that was sent to Truax while in Iraq. Officer Truax explained how much that flag meant to him and that it was flown on election day and was raised all over Iraq including in the cities of Tikrit and Baghdad. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. The Bronze Star is awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. Colonel Roger Ellis received
a letter and flag pin in the mail for his military service. Ellis was unable to
attend the Flag Day Ceremony because he was on active duty. We are certainly
proud of Roger, and appreciate his service to our agency and country.
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