Secret Hero
Date: January 1, 2006

“I know a secret hero,” was the first line in the email I received.

From time to time I send out requests for ideas for outstanding stories, and Lynn Williams’ is one of the folks who act as eyes and ears for me. Her brief email didn’t have a lot of details, but as I delved into the story, I discovered that to say Robert Reese is a secret hero is a tremendous understatement.

Robert, assistant director of Environmental Services, is much more than a hero. He is an inspiration.

It’s no secret that many of the men and women Robert supervises come to his department with a list of disadvantages, but where some see obstacles, Robert sees opportunity.

He uses every opportunity to reinforce the benefits of a solid educational foundation. And, when an employee comes to him with an interest in improving his skills or setting an educational goal, Robert doesn’t just pat him on the back. Robert becomes his mentor, tutor and facilitator.

Whether tutoring someone in computer classes or walking with a co-worker through the process of obtaining her General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Robert and the men and women he supervises become true partners in education.

With Robert’s help, four Environmental Services employees are working their way through the GED program.

A second-shift housekeeper is enrolled in computer classes and Robert tutors her as well.

When he learned another housekeeper was interested in pursing a career in nursing, Robert helped her register in nursing school. Then, he did some research and found the perfect tutor for her–a former employee in the Environmental Services Department who is now a Floyd nurse.

When Robert learned that a floor technician in his department had an interest in computers, Robert found an IBM technician to tutor him and now is helping this employee to pursue formal training at Coosa Valley Technical College.

Another former employee successfully completed her GED and now is attending cosmetology school.

In addition, each week Robert mentors a disadvantaged 14-year-old Pepperell student who has a goal of going to the Air Force Academy. Robert has made it his goal to help this student see his dreams come true.

Not one to embarrass another, no one really knows for sure just how many Environmental Services employees have benefited from Robert’s helping hand. What everyone does know is that if an employee shows an interest in making personal improvements, Robert stands ready to walk beside them every step of the way.