Survivor outreach coordinator recognized with award

By Spc. Joshua Barnett, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS – Shinnah Brown, a survivor outreach coordinator, was honored with an award for superior performance during a ceremony at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Jan. 28.

Brown provides services for the Army to the families of Soldiers who die in the line of duty. She was awarded the HRCI Superior Performance Award by her employer, Human Resources Consulting, Inc.

“Ms. Brown’s contributions to casualty operations are essential in administering survivor outreach services,” said Lt. Col. Jason Mahfouz, military personnel officer for the Louisiana National Guard. “Her personal involvement, care and her untiring commitment to the surviving families help them through the difficulties subsequent to the loss of their loved ones.”

According to the award citation, Brown met with a surviving mother who was having difficulty with the anniversary of her son’s death. The mother was having suicidal thoughts, and Ms. Brown reassured her of why life is worth living and held her until an ambulance arrived.

“This award justified what my purpose in life is, which is to help people,” Brown said. “Being there for a family during the most difficult time in their lives is what they remember the most. This award means that I’m doing something right, and I’m where I need to be at this moment in my life.”

Mahfouz said it is Brown’s love and commitment that serves to counteract the grief survivors feel and helps to heal them.

“Ms. Brown’s commitment to the families she serves through the Survivor Outreach Services program clearly illustrate that she in not only capable of outstanding administrative support, but uniquely capable of profound empathy and love for our Soldier’s families.