Tulsa Beckmann Twins Honored with Individual Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Awards of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sixteen individuals from across the state, five employers and two prominent media outlets were honored during the annual “Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence” recently held at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City. KOCO-Anchor Paul Folger emceed the event.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation for “Outstanding Achievements in Employment.” Two of this year’s winners included Derrek and Marshall Beckmann of Tulsa. Each twin accepted an individual award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma DHS Director Ed Lake during the event.

The twins’ career coach, David Pickrell, of Sassin & Associates Inc., nominated both young men for the honor. He nominated Derrek Beckmann, who works as a bagger at Reasor’s Grocery Store in Tulsa, because he has taken control of his own finances and gained the confidence to hold his head up high. He said his nomination for Marshall Beckmann, who is a crew member at a local Whataburger, is also in recognition of Marshall’s personal and professional growth.

“Derrek is a remarkable young man who has overcome a lot to get where he is today,” Pickerell said. “He now has the ability to provide himself with the things he needs without depending on someone else to provide them. Marshall has also become a very outgoing young man; he graduated from Tulsa Technology Center after studying MIG Welding in June without skipping a beat at this job.”

He said since Derrek Beckmann received his job placement, he has defeated his shyness and is now comfortable talking to new people.

“Derrek has come out of his shell and is such an outgoing, productive member of his community,” David said. His supervisor reports that he is an excellent employee who is well-loved by his management team, and said he ‘wishes he could clone’ Derrek.”

Pickrell said Marshall Beckman paid for his own welding education and will soon enroll in more classes to further his welding knowledge.

“Since becoming a crew member at Whataburger, Marshall has opened up and become more confident in doing things on his own,” he said. “He is a determined young man who is always willing to learn something new in order to better himself,” he said. “Marshall is also loved by his managers and co-workers, who describe him as ‘the one to always go above and beyond.’ He deserves this award because of his determination to not let his disability hold him back and keep him from leading a productive life.”

The twins are now looking to move out together on their own and start their lives as independent members of their community.

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence competition and program is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oklahoma DRS and the Oklahoma Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Award winners are annually selected by a panel of public servants and volunteers that either serve people with disabilities or who represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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