Texas A&M AgriLife employees honored with Texans Caring for Texans awards

Ten Texas A&M AgriLife employees were among 67 state employees representing 25 state agencies honored at the Texans Caring for Texans ceremony on Aug. 8 on the West Texas A&M University campus in Canyon.

Texans Caring for Texans was created in 1996 by former State Rep. David Swinford to recognize employees of Texas state agencies for outstanding contributions to their work and to the citizens of the Texas High Plains.

State legislators helping honor the awardees were Rep. John Smithee and Rep. Four Price.

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of four state agencies — the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory — and the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“It takes a generous person to dedicate their career to serving others; those honored today have gone above and beyond,” said Texans Caring for Texans keynote speaker Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife. “I am thankful for all those who support our state’s organizations so our Texas communities can continue to thrive.”

Texas A&M AgriLife employees honored include:

Kay Ledbetter — Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications

As the communications specialist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Amarillo since 2005, Kay Ledbetter has ensured that many Texas A&M AgriLife employees and students were recognized locally, throughout the Texas A&M AgriLife agencies and with Texans Caring for Texans. In addition to ensuring others receive recognition, she has been the primary communicator for several Texas A&M campus departments and Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Centers in the High Plains and Rolling Plains regions. She is now a communications manager for Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications. Her news articles showcasing research and extension work are routinely picked up across the state, informing Texans about the benefits of Texas A&M AgriLife activities, services and research. She is a past member and chair of Texans Caring for Texans.

Texas A&M AgriLife Wildfire Response Team — Hannah Sell, Hanna Conner, Marcus Preuninger, Andy Holloway and Tanya Holloway

The Panhandle Wildfire Disaster Response Team was led by Hannah Sell, Hanna Conner, Marcus Preuninger and Andy Holloway, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agents in Roberts, Hutchinson, Gray and Hemphill counties, respectively, and Tanya Holloway, AgriLife Extension family and community health agent in Hemphill County. These agents established three animal supply points and one human supply point to serve three locations hit hardest by fires that ravaged 1.2 million acres of pastureland and over a hundred homes and businesses in six counties. Their quick, well-coordinated actions ensured that animals displaced or injured by the wildfires, received vital care, food and shelter during and after the crisis. They helped handle more than $4.4 million in commodity donations and $2.85 million in hay, feed and fencing supplies. They also spent countless hours coordinating volunteers, donations and distributions.

Swisher County Farm Safety Program — Calley Runnels and Jason Wade, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Swisher County; Deborah Casida, Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Nursing

The AgriLife Extension team of Calley Runnels and Jason Wade in Swisher County and Deborah Casida, with the Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Nursing, are being recognized for their outstanding service in educating more than 7,600 children in farm safety for the past 20 years. This achievement was made possible by this team gathering an unwavering dedication of 50 to 100 local volunteers each year, who came together to educate the children of Tulia, Kress and Happy. AgriLife Extension mobilized community volunteers, including firefighters, nurses, electricians and many other professionals, to provide comprehensive safety education. Their program covers crucial topics such as water, bicycle, electrical, fire, poison and animal safety. The impact of this program is evidenced by former students who fondly recall their experiences and credit the program for inspiring their educational and career paths in safety-related fields. The agency’s commitment to safety and education has benefited the children of Tulia, Kress and Happy and has set a standard for similar programs nationwide.

Ashley Johnson — Texas A&M Forest Service

Ashley Johnson has served as a fire coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service, working with fire departments, local and state officials, dispatch and leadership on all Texas A&M Forest Service emergency responses. She is the friendly and familiar face that shows up during stressful periods for communities, offering a calming presence in chaotic situations. Based in Amarillo, Johnson is the Texas A&M Forest Service go-to person for Panhandle contacts. During the recent Panhandle fires, she did everything from engine work to communication with involved fire departments, additional resource ordering and coordination with federal, state and local partners.

Gilberto Dominguez — Texas A&M Forest Service

After serving four years as a resource specialist, Gilberto Dominguez became a Texas A&M Forest Service interim fire coordinator this year, based in Childress. His primary response area is 12 counties in the Panhandle, but he also travels throughout the state, conducting various trainings and helping those who have experienced natural disasters. In these communities, Dominguez has met with fire chiefs, attended emergency management meetings, and worked with fire schools and local libraries to host classes and Smokey Bear events, making a positive impact wherever he goes.