Corrections_Today_Winter_2024-2025_Vol.86_No.4

E.R. Cass Award Banquet

He continued to thank his family, his wife and his children while his grandchildren enthusiasti cally joined in the celebration. Dretke then detailed his journey, born the son of missionaries in Africa to the heights of the cor rections profession. “I’ve often been asked why I did not follow my father into the ministry. I respond that I feel that I did follow my father’s path. Dad was driven by a love and compassion for people and that we are all worthy of redemption. I know that is what has driven me and drives each of us as corrections professionals is a belief in redemption.” He fondly recalled many of his colleagues who he said had “inspired, guided and corrected me through my evolution,” as a corrections professional. He talked about his time with the Texas De partment of Criminal Justice, with Sam Houston State University and what he called his “highest honor” to work with the Army military police to serve as instructor and program for their com mand staff responsible for detention operations in Iraq and later Afghanistan. Finally, Dretke concluded by saying about those who he known in the corrections profes sion: “Dear friends, all driven with a deep passion

for the profession. I thank our Lord for this journey filled with blessings beyond my com prehension and beyond anything I deserve. I am humbled and grateful. Thank You. The sold out house gave the two awardees a much deserved standing ovation as the night came to an end. CT

— BY KIRK RAYMOND

154 TH CONGRESS OF CORRECTION

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