Twenty years of service and milestone, recognized by Community

May 5, 2023 

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

An annual celebration recognizing Gila River Indian Community’s employees and their decades of hard work, were honored on Tuesday, April 25.  Over 50 employees filled Fleming’s Steakhouse in Chandler for the “20 Year Club” luncheon organized by GRIC Human Resources Department.

“We’re blessed to be here today and honor those of you who gave 20 years and more of service to our Community,” said Governor Stephen Roe Lewis.  “Being here as long as you all have, you serve as a foundation for your departments and programs that provide critical services to our Community, thank you all!” 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration was the first to be held in-person and outside the Community in a restaurant setting. 

The gathering honors employees who have served tireless hours, years, and decades to the Community for 20, 25, and 30 years.  In the past, 35 and 40-year employees also received special recognition. 

Lt. Gov. Monica Antone also shared her gratitude for everyone being honored. 

“As I look around the room, I’m so proud to see you all here, I’ve worked with many of you and even hired some of you many years ago,” said Lt. Gov. Antone.  “It’s from our heart that we are all here to honor you today, as busy as we are, we know how important it is to recognize  you all today.”

In addition to the luncheon, each person received a special award and gift card at various monetary amounts based on years of service. 

“Wherever life takes you after today, I hope you look back at your time working here with fond memories and realize what an impact you all hard in contributing to our beautiful Gila River Indian Community,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis.

 Those recognized this year are as follows: 

30 Years

Alexander Lee 

Starleen Somegustava 

25 Years

Antonelli Anton 

Melvin Chischilly 

Benny Dixson 

Ruperto Hernandez 

Cornell Johns 

Gregory Lewis 

Rea Miles 

Iris Pablo 

Michael Stevens 

Mary Valenzuela 

20 Years

Lydia Acosta 

Jerome Antone  

Bebbie Barraza 

Joseph Boland 

Travis Bradford

Christopher Cabanillas 

Nancee Calderon 

Ruben Calderon 

Brett Coochyouma 

Mary Dixon 

Sonia Duarte 

Adriana Espinoza 

Colin Francisco 

William Frierson 

Daniel Gary 

Dennis Harrison 

David Hernandez

John Higgins 

John Howerton 

Esther Jackson 

Michael Jacobs 

Carolynn Laborin 

Harold Mendez 

Denise Milda 

Wesley Miles 

Johanna Morago 

Delmer Osife 

Robert Parsons 

Derwin Raphael 

Teresa Rodrigues 

Amalia Saavedra 

Timothy Sherwood 

Lorie Sinclair 

Catherine Thomas 

Charles Tolle 

James Tree 

Pamela Valdez 

Jackie Warren 

Leroy Williams 

Randall Williams