JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --
A mental health technician from the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center was named the 2022 Air Force corrections professional of the year by the American Correctional Association.
Tech. Sgt. Markisha Suggs, one of several Air Force Security Forces Center personnel assigned to the Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, California, received word of her selection for outstanding performance June 7. The ACA establishes fundamental practices and standards that ensure the safety and security of facility staff and inmates.
Suggs, who is also a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, provides both mental health treatment and rehabilitation services for an inmate population of 150 prisoners.
“Her contributions are significant. One of her key duties is to conduct an initial safety assessment for all incoming prisoners. These assessments are vital in ensuring inmates make a safe and successful transition to general population status,” said Sugg’s supervisor, Master Sgt. Jacob Burke.
“Moreover, she delivers psycho-educational and group counseling on issues which include sexual assault, substance abuse, anger management, stress management and violence. These groups are essential to rehabilitation,” Burke said. “They improve inmate behavior and equip them with healthy communication and the coping skills they need to thrive.”
Arriving at Miramar two years ago, the 13-year veteran said she “had big shoes to fill” because the team was so phenomenal.
“The bar was high and I felt I had to rise to the occasion. There was work to do and I was given the opportunity to stand out and shine,” Suggs said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people. I want to give them the tools to succeed and I want to see that lightbulb turn on. As for the team, I’m thankful to contribute, and I’m fortunate to be part of their journey.”
AFSFC, a primary subordinate unit of AFIMSC, manages four other military corrections facilities in the United States: U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; NCB Chesapeake, Virginia; NAVCON Brig Miramar Detachment-Pearl Harbor, Hickam, Hawaii; and NCB Charleston, South Carolina. The organization is responsible for the transfer and management of Air Force court-martialed members from worldwide confinement facilities to regional correctional facilities operated by the Air Force, Army and Navy.