The Wackenhut Security Post

Just read about another example of Wackenhut Services efforts in its local communities. The Oak Ridge Team (WSI-OR) has pledged $25,000 to Methodist Medical Center's (MMC) Robotic Surgery Campaign.

MMC's Robotic Surgery Campaign will allow the Oak Ridge hospital to bring the latest technology in minimally invasive surgical care to its patients, ensuring that patients experience less pain and enjoy a quicker recovery time.

"Robotic technology will broaden our surgical capabilities and offer greater choice, convenience and comfort to our patients. We are incredibly grateful to have Wackenhut as one of our leading partners in this exciting new initiative," said Jan McNally, Methodist Medical Center President and Chief Administrative Officer in thanking WSI-OR General Manager John Burleson and his team.

Posted by Harvey Valentine at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just finished reading a great story in the New Albany (IN) Tribune.

Four Monroe Township volunteer firefighters - Jimmy McConahay (Age 33), Rob Ford (27), Tim Connolly (41), and Greg Pangborn (41), are "heading to Iraq for a year to fight fires and provide emergency medical services at military bases in and around Baghdad after being hired by Wackenhut Services.

According to the Tribune, the four will first fly to Houston for orientation and then to Camp Victory, just south of Baghdad. From there they'll be assigned to a military base where they will spend 120 days fighting fires, providing EMS sevices and conducting fire prevention inspections. Then they'll  return home for ten days and repeat that cycle until their year of duty is complete - at which point they can decide if they want to renew for another year.

"We'll come out of this experience with training hardly anyone in this area has," Rob Ford told the Tribune. "We'll be able to come back here and teach guys in this area things they may never have had the chance to learn."

Tim Connolly, who spent the last year helping Hurricane Katrina victims, told the Tibune, "I just want to help the troops - to show them that people do care. I used to be a Marine. I know what they're doing, and I know what they're going through."

"I want to give a little back," Jimmy McConahay told the Tribune. "I want to help those who have been helping me."

Welcome to the Wackenhut Services team Tim, Rob, Jimmy, and Greg!

Posted by Harvey Valentine at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wackenhut Services employee Jeff Griffith was among 11 members of the 134th Security Forces Squadron of the Air National Guard who recently arrived back in the Knoxville, Tennessee area after six months in Iraq, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Tech. Sgt. Griffith, a security agent in Oak Ridge, was greeted at McGhee Tyson Airport by his wife, twin 6-year-old daughters and his 18-month-old son. This was Jeff's first deployment to Iraq, but he previously spent three months in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

While in Iraq, he was stationed in Balad, where his commanding officer said Jeff's duties included guarding the air field, which had been an Iraqi air base before the war. Col. Timothy Dearing said the facility was "very hot" with mortar rounds and rockets being lobbed into the facility regularly. "I'm glad to see them all come home," Col. Dearing told the News Sentinel.

Welcome home Jeff and thank you for your service. 

Posted by Harvey Valentine at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stacey Lee and Thomas E. "Eric" Smith III have been named recipients of Wackenhut Services Incorporated's (WSI) Humanitarian Awards at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site. They were honored for their volunteer efforts in their local communities.

Stacey, a WSI training instructor, has served her community and church congregation for over 21 years. In addition to being an instructor in Christian Education at Beulah Grove Baptish Church in Augusta, she is a premarital teacher and counselor, and editor for the church newsletter.

Thomas, a member of WSI's Special Response Team, has been a volunteer fire fighter with the Blackville (S.C.) Fire Department for eight years and routinely teaches fire safety to students at Barnwell County schools. He also serves as a Reserve Deputy with the Barnwell County Sheriff's Office.

Congratulations Stacey and Thomas!

Posted by Suzanne Hammelman at 01:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)