Gulf Coast Enterprises Recognizes Heroes at Corry Station

L to R: Dawn Rupert, assistant project manager; Donald Ward, GCE employee; Felicia Galloway, GCE employee; and Veeda Grice, GCE manager. Donald and Felicia each received the Corry Station commemorative coin for their initiative and courage.

We know that GCE employees work hard every day, committed to doing the right thing at the right time. But recently the actions of employees Felicia Galloway and Donald Ward saved the Corry Station galley from major fire damage -- and may have saved the lives of the employees inside as well.

After a long, routine day, Felicia and Donald, employed with GCE food service operations at Corry, were headed home for the evening when Donald saw fire on the roof of the galley. Felicia jumped out of the car, pulled the fire alarm and ran back into the burning building to evacuate the rest of the day crew and two night custodians.

Thanks to the quick response of the GCE employees and the base fire department, the 60-year-old wooden building was saved from major damage. The fire was blamed on roofers who earlier in the day had improperly sealed an exhaust pipe.

If ever you need further convincing of the importance of employment to people with disabilities, think about what Felicia said when told she was a hero:

"I had to save the building," she explained. "That's my second home and where I make my money. I can't afford to go without a paycheck."

The day after the fire, at a special presentation, Felicia and Donald received recognition from Corrys executive officer, Commander William Bertram, and from base commanding officer, Captain Kevin Hooley. Congratulations and thank you to Felicia and Donald, for your quick thinking and bravery, from your fellow employees at Gulf Coast Enterprises!