FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. - For military veterans, the transition to civilian life often marks the closure of a public service chapter. For Phillip McCluskey, it simply meant changing the uniform.
McCluskey, a former U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division investigator and current team member at the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground (EPG), received the Veteran Servant Leader Award on Oct. 14 in recognition of his extensive volunteer service with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.
The award, presented by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, recognizes military veterans who continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership, selflessness, and dedication in their local communities after leaving active duty.
For McCluskey, the call back to badge and duty came after reading a troubling headline.
"The Lord gave me a pretty strong dose of justice, protection, and a desire to help others in my nature," McCluskey said. "Around 2022, I saw a news article about a drug cartel putting out a bounty on one of the sheriff’s deputies, and I wanted to do something to help."
McCluskey contacted Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, outlining his military investigative background and offering to assist in any capacity needed. Dannels directed him to John Black, commander of the Sheriff’s Assist Team (SAT). After learning about the volunteer unit's mission, McCluskey applied and was sworn in.
"I saw a lot of ways I could help—way more than I have time to be able to do," McCluskey said. "Any amount of help I could provide; I was and am willing to do."
Colleagues at the Electronic Proving Ground say his dedication carries over into his daily civilian work supporting the installation’s test and evaluation mission.
“Beyond his daily duties at the Electronic Proving Ground, Mr. McCluskey’s volunteer work resonates deeply across our entire team,” said Chris Lawrence, EPG engagement liaison officer. “His service sets a standard of trust, dedication, and genuine commitment to our mission.”
While receiving recognition from a member of Congress is an honor, McCluskey emphasized that the award belongs just as much to his family and fellow volunteers.
"It’s really an honor to be recognized by a sitting congressional representative," he said. "My wife and kids have been really supportive of the mission of the SAT and allowing me to take the time to go out and help with the various activities."
He noted that volunteers on the team are motivated by duty rather than public accolades.
"The work we do is great, but I don’t think any of us on the SAT are out there to promote ourselves or to seek some kind of self-promotion," McCluskey said. "While it is a little awkward to receive an award, I think it is also nice that others appreciate what we are doing, and my family thinks it’s cool that I am getting this award."
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