TDCJ News

TDCJ Staff Honored at Texans Caring for Texans for Above and Beyond Service

August 10, 2026

Fifteen Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) employees were among 63 state of Texas employees honored at the 32nd Annual Texans Caring for Texans ceremony on August 8 on the West Texas A&M University campus in Canyon.

The mission of Texans Caring for Texans is to honor professional service by state employees and increase awareness of the exemplary service provided by the honorees to the citizens of the state.

Since its establishment in 1996, state employees in the Texas Panhandle are invited to select an employee or team of employees to receive a Texans Caring for Texans award each year.

State Representative John Smithee delivered the keynote address.

“This event is such a noble effort,” Smithee said. “You all have the ability to change people’s lives, make a difference in people's lives, and so many of you do that every day. Thank you so much.”

Among the TDCJ honorees were:

• Erosmo Escobar - Dalhart Unit
• Teresa Overstreet - Formby Unit
• Jennifer Caywood - Jordan Unit
• Ashley Franco, Elisabeth Miller, Melinda Araujo - Mechler Unit
• Kari Bellamy, Troy Thornton – Montford Unit
• Judy Derrick – Region V Director’s Office
• Kristopher Martinez – Roach Unit
• Kennith Brady, Robert Mitchell, Greg Rodriquez, Carl Schiwart, Alecia Wiseman – Clements Unit

TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin commended the recipients for their commitment to their communities.

“The Texans Caring for Texans honorees reflect the heart of this agency. These 15 employees have demonstrated what it means to serve others, not just in their roles at TDCJ, but in their communities,” Lumpkin said. “I appreciate their dedication and congratulate each of them on this well-deserved recognition.”