KINGSHILL, U.S. Virgin Islands - The Virgin Islands Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizes the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority as a 2022 Freedom Award semi-finalist during the committee's St. Thomas Briefing with the Boss recently.
“It was a great honor to recommend the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award,” said Stanley Jones, state chair, VI-ESGR. “The Authority has been receptive to senior leadership and managers receiving training by attending ESGR sponsored events. I was elated to quote one service member who said, "I was never prevented from meeting my military obligations or not considered for a promotion.”
WAPA was nominated for the Freedom Award by Master Sgt. Brian Douglas who is assigned to the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, 104th Troop Command. Douglas nominated WAPA for their continuous support.
“During my time away for military duty, the Authority interacts and supports me through my immediate supervisor, who keeps in communication with me,” stated Douglas, First Sergeant and Command Safety Officer, G5 Plan and Strategic Policy Manager, and VI National Guard Knowledge Management Manager. “He updates me regarding vital information and changes directly affecting my status.”
“I can communicate my needs and concerns through him,” said Douglas, who holds the position of St. Croix District Safety Officer at WAPA. “Additionally, HR personnel provides the same, and I can contact them regarding my needs and concerns.”
WAPA Human Resources Recruiter, Tracie Wells was honored to accept the Freedom Award Nominee Certificate.
“I oversee the recruitment responsibilities for the authority, so I am familiar with HR duties and responsibilities when it comes to serving our military employees,” said Wells. “We are more than honored to support those employees and are definitely grateful for the recognition of this nomination.”
The Freedom Award is the highest recognition presented by the DoD to employers who provide outstanding support for National Guard and Reserve members. Since it was instituted in 1996, 310 employers have been honored with this prestigious award. The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority is not a recipient of the 2022 Freedom Award. WAPA was one of 2,777 nominations submitted by guardsmen and reservist nationwide.
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Tracie Wells, human resources recruiter, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority accepts the Freedom Award Nominee Certificate from Virgin Islands Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chair Stanley Jones, April 7, 2022. Stanley presented the award during the St. Thomas Briefing with the Boss. WAPA was nominated for the Freedom Award by Master Sgt. Brian Douglas who is assigned to the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, 104th Troop Command.