“The Office of the Secretary of Defense / Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizes Brownwood Middle School and Sandra Richardson as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.”

Brownwood Middle School has been recognized as a patriotic supporter of the National Guard. Recently, history teacher and coach Edward Sena was called up by the Army National Guard to serve on the Texas border for a yearlong deployment. BMS Principal Sandra Richardson worked with Sena to ensure an easy transition as he left for deployment and to prepare for his return in the future. “We are honored to have several veterans on our campus because they enrich the lives of all of our students with their experience, calmness under pressure, and ability to think quickly in any situation,” Richardson said. “Our students have learned through [Sena’s] example about how to give back to others and how important it is to stand up for what you believe in. We are so proud of him.”

Sena applied for a recommendation for BMS to be recognized as a supportive employer. Signed by the Secretary of Defense and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the award distinguishes BMS for its recognition of, “the values, leadership and unique skills Service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning Service members and Veterans. We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.”

“I appreciate everybody so much,” Sena said at the presentation held at BMS on Monday, May 2nd, to present the award to Richardson and BMS. “I will be able to do my job with more focus, knowing that prayers are being said and my family is in good hands.”

[Story by Sara Musgrove]