U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Safely connect using HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. In Focus
  3. Recognizing DHS Excellence
  4. Employee Stories

Employee Stories

Read stories of those who provide a shining example of the heroic work performed everyday throughout the Department.

Check back regularly as new stories are added each week.

  • Curtis Atkinson

    2022 Champion of Equity Award Recipient
    USCIS' Curtis Atkinson raises awareness of cultural diversity in the workplace and society through his concept of sharing "immigrant stories" and more.

  • Mike Cuccio

    2022 Meritorious Award Recipient
    Mike Cuccio's initiatives make significant improvements at FEMA, in the Supply Chain Integration Branch and beyond.

  • Yolanda Jackson

    2022 Champion of Equity Award Recipient
    FEMA's Yolanda Jackson's personal mission is something engrained in her DNA, ensuring that all people across the country receive the resources and support they need.

  • Lt. Jonathan Orthman

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lieutenant Jonathan Orthman, received the DHS Secretary’s award for Valor for heroic actions while rescuing a 70-year-old fishing vessel from stormy seas.

  • AET2 Jimmy Schwader

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    U.S. Coast Guard AET2 Jimmy Schwader, received the DHS Secretary’s award for Valor for heroic actions while rescuing a 70-year-old fishing vessel in challenging weather conditions.

  • AST2 Grant Roberts

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    U.S. Coast Guard AST2 Grant Roberts, a rescue swimmer, received the DHS Secretary’s award for Valor for heroic actions while rescuing a 70-year-old fishing vessel owner.

  • DHS Employees Share Why They Serve

    We asked employees why they chose to become public servants.

  • Lt. Justin Neal

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Justin Neal piloted his crew members through challenging weather conditions to rescue a 70-year-old fishing vessel owner.

  • Stephen (Daniel) Southerland

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    Car jacker apprehended by ICE Special Agent Stephen "Daniel" Southerland.

  • Wallace (Wally) West

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Wally West stopped an active shooter outside of his apartment.

  • Robert Holmes

    2022 Valor Award Recipient
    Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Robert Holmes assisted law enforcement with a 911 call regarding a suicidal individual, helping save the man's life.

Last Updated: 06/07/2022
Was this page helpful?
This page was not helpful because the content