On September 15, 2010 Colleen McAllister, Director of Correctional Alternatives Community Corrections program in Memphis (CAI), accepted the “Patriotic Employer” award given by The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  This award is given to employers who have staff serving in the Guard and Reserves and have been nominated by these employees for their support and cooperation with military duties.  . The Certificate states that it is given to employers for “contributing to National security and protecting Liberty and Freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force”.  Case Officer Devern Flowers and Case Officer Ronald Lee submitted nominations for this.  Mr. Lee serves as  PV2 Military Police with the 130^th MP Company of the Army National Guard.  Mr. Flowers serves as Sergeant, Team Leader/Military Police with the 130^th MP Company of the Army National Guard. 

 Ms. McAllister stated that she gratefully accepted this award on behalf of all CAI employees, as they diligently perform extra work duties while their co-workers are serving Active Duty.  The ceremony was held at 164^th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard in Memphis.  The speakers for this event included Major General Max Haston of the Tennessee National Guard; Colonel Harry Montgomery, Commander of the 164^th Airlift Wing;  Joseph C. Thomas, State Chair of the ESGR; Bruce Jones, State Executive Director of the ESGR; and Joseph Kyles, Memphis Area Chair of the ESGR. 

The ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve and Guard members and their civilian employers.  Also included in this event was a tour of the military base, which is the newest Air National Guard facility in the nation, and a hands-on experience with a C-5 aircraft, which are deployed from the ANG base in Memphis.  Ms. McAllister noted that being able to board the C-5, sit in the pilot’s chair and touch the throttle was an overwhelming experience. 

“Receiving this award of recognition truly humbles me.  Our agency supports our employees and all who serve in the military for their diligent efforts and struggles to protect National Security and Freedom.  We understand that this is a tremendous strain not only on the Guard and Reserve members, but also their families and loved ones.  We are dedicated to our support of these employees for their truly honorable contribution to our individual lives, as well as the nation.”

Ms. McAllister also signed a “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” pledging that “we fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve; and we will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.’

“National Addiction Professionals Day” was recognized on September 20, 2010. This remembrance served as a reminder to all staff that assist in the effort to encourage, support, and inspire clients to live a clean, sober and pro social lifestyle.

Treatment staff attended the ”Journey Together Conference” presented by the Middle Tennessee Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council in Nashville. This dynamic conference allowed professionals from across Tennessee the opportunity to network, share ideas and learn innovative practices to reach drug abusing clients.  LADAC staff Michele Squires and Stanfort Webb attended workshops exploring Ethics and Technology; Co-Occurring Disorders; Multiple Family Therapy: Helping Families Help Each Other; and A Community Shattered: The Impact of Crime.