Twenty Year Club Annual Recognition Luncheon honors long serving employees

October 6, 2017

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

In recognition of Gila River Indian Community employees who loyally served the Community for twenty years or more, the tribe’s Human Resources Department in conjunction with the Executive Office held its Twenty Year Club Annual Recognition Luncheon at Ditka’s Restaurant at the Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino on Sept. 27.

The atmosphere of the luncheon was festive, with employees playing musical trivia and games covering topics from 20 to 30 years ago.

Phillip Morris, HR Training Specialist, said 28 employees attended the luncheon where they were each recognized for their years of service, presented gifts, and congratulated by Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Monica Antone.

“We recognized those employees that have served the Community, mostly through the government sector, for 20, 25, 30, and 30-plus years,” Morris said.

Employees who worked for 20 years received a stainless steel thermos set, 25 years received a clock, and those who had served 30 years or more, received the thermos set, clock, and travel bag, said Morris.

He said it is important GRIC employees know they are appreciated for the service they provide the Community.

“We want to thank the Executive Office for allowing us the opportunity to coordinate and setup these particular types of events,” said Morris. “We also want the participants to know not only does the Executive Office appreciate their hard work throughout the years, but we do as well.”

The following is a list of GRIC employees who have worked 20 years or more:

Randy Allen – 20 years 4 months

Antonelli C. Anton – 20 years 6 months

Debra Georgina Baubie – 20 years

Janet L. Bollman – 20 years 9 months

Melvin Chischilly – 20 years 9 months

Benny Wilson Dixson – 20 years 5 months

Anna A. Edwards – 20 years 2 months

Paulette Jean Gomez-Glass – 20 years 11 months

Ruperto R. Hernandez – 20 years 4 months

Thomas S. Herrschaft – 20 years 5 months

Cornell Johns – 20 years 2 months

Lee Cordell Juan – 20 years 1 month

Gregory Alan Lewis – 20 years 2 months

Henrietta Lopez – 20 years 2 months

Ernest Miles – 20 years 9 months

Rea J. Miles – 20 years 9 months

Gregory Mitchem – 20 years 9 months

Esperanza V. Mix – 20 years 1 month

Donald F. Montoya – 20 years 9 months

Iris A. Pablo – 20 years 4 months

Brenda Gayle Randolph – 20 years 4 months

Wahlean Jana Riggs – 20 years 1 month

Melvin Sanderson – 20 years 9 months

Michael Stevens – 20 years 7 months

Mary Frances Valenzuela – 20 years 2 months

Pamela Jeanne Vega – 20 years 4 months

Karen S. Williams – 20 years 1 month

Salvador A. Erivez – 25 years 1 month

Robert Hernandez – 25 years 5 months

Alexander Lee – 25 years 5 months

Mark Senior – 25 years 5 months

Starleen Fay Somegustava – 25 years 2 months

Cynthia D. Yazzie – 25 years 10 months

Jay Delton Pedro – 32 years 1 month

Cheryl J. Pablo – 32 years 1 month

Laurie A. Juan – 33 years 7 months

Alan Blackwater – 35 years 6 months

Abigail Thomas – 35 years 11 months

Caralita Lomahquahu – 35 years 1 month

Danielle Jackson – 36 years 2 months

Melva Mae Charles – 37 years 1 month