EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 96th Test Wing Information Protection office carried on the legacy of one of its former employees through its newly revamped awards program. The first-ever Evonne Samuels Inspirational Award was created in honor of an industrial security specialist who lost her battle to cancer last year. It was unveiled during a ceremony here July 14 to recognize the most improved and inspiring information security program of the year.
“We wanted to breathe life into our awards program,” said Chris Simpson, 96th Test Wing information protection director. “We put teams together to find ways to recognize our security managers. Throughout the process, Evonne’s inspiration stayed with us, leading to us creating an award highlighting her legacy here.”
Simpson said there was no one she didn’t have a positive impact on, as she touched everyone who met her. She was characterized as being inspiring not only for her bravery, but her cheerful personality and her desire to master everything she encountered, despite her difficult circumstances.
“Evonne was very high energy, always smiling and playing office pranks on us regularly - like putting tape under our computer mice,” said Mike Jones, 96th TW information security chief. “She never said a foul word about anything, accepted any challenge, and never allowed her situation to interfere with her life.”
Prior to working in the unit, Samuels was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that required specific treatment. She was candid about her condition and made sure to educate her work team on how to react in the event of an emergency or change of emotional state, according Jones.
“She trained us how to respond should she pass out and forewarned us of some of the side effects of her treatment - specifically how her medications affected her emotions,” he said. “She didn’t want us to freak out - she would sometimes cry and tell us she was laughing on the inside at the same time.”
According to her leadership, Samuels maintained a positive attitude throughout her ordeal despite her condition worsening. She adorned her cubical walls with several inspirational placards, and one in particular was chosen as the award’s motto – “Amaze Yourself.” Also included on the award is an etched tree, inspired by a decoration she kept in her cubical.
The new award went to 96th Force Support Squadron security managers Tech. Sgts. Tony Gandy and Andrea Sierra, Staff Sgt. Cody Nichols, and Thomas Johnson. Evonne’s mother, Janet Lucas, was on hand to present it and honor her daughter.
“You all are doing amazing things and will continue to do so,” said Lucas, who also works in the 96th Forces Support Squadron. “I know Evonne is smiling down on us right now.”
According to Jones, some of Samuels’s cubicle decorations she held close to heart are still displayed in the unit’s main office area, including a bouquet of artificial flowers, inspirational placards, and the tree that helped inspire the award.
Samuels was part of the Information Protection team for just under a year when she passed away May 7, 2016 at the age of 48.
“We were all touched by her brief and very welcome stay in our lives,” said Jones. “She is profoundly missed.”