
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District recognized outstanding service at the annual Engineers Day Awards Ceremony held at Vicksburg District Headquarters on June 10.
Employees received a variety of individual and team honorary awards. The hybrid ceremony allowed people working remotely to participate in the day’s events while still allowing for in-person participation.
“Engineers Day is a celebration of our people and the value they bring to our district,” said USACE Vicksburg District Commander Col. Robert A. Hilliard. “These awards recognize our people and their exceptional commitment to duty, service and their personal sacrifice for the good of our community and the mission of USACE. Our district relies on their determination and hard work every day, and we are proud to honor them.
The following employees have been honored with individual prizes:
Cheryl Boyd, Division of Operations, received the Employee of the Year award for outstanding achievement and excellence in contributing to the district’s mission, outstanding demonstration of military and USACE values, as well as his leadership and mentorship.
Gabrielle “Gabby” Q. Tran, Engineering and Construction Division, received the STEM Employee of the Year award for achievement, excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering. and mathematics for USACE.
Robbie Morphew, Operations Division, received the Park Ranger Award for his professionalism and excellent communication skills.
The Alternative Care Facility (ACF) Assessment Team received the Emergency Management Award for their initiative, commitment and leadership in executing and carrying out specialized emergency missions.
Dana Moree, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Engineer Award for his dedication and expertise in the field of engineering.
Kenneth Mills, Operations Division, received the Wage Grade Leadership Award for excellence as a supervisor, serving as a role model for other employees in the salary system and leading a team to do quality, productive and safe work.
Matt McCurley, Engineering and Construction Division, and Deric Putz, Operations Division, each received the Student of the Year award for their outstanding display of initiative, commitment, skill and leadership while performing duties as students for their respective offices.
Emily Sykes, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Administrator’s Award for her outstanding administrative support to the district.
Paula McNemar, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Paddle Wheel Award, which recognizes an employee for excellence in specific skills in craftsmanship and commerce, for outstanding performance of duties and support important to the mission and goals of the district.
Jeremy Stokes of the Operations Division received the Science Award for his outstanding performance and dedication to USACE and the district mission.
Lauren Different, Engineering and Construction Division, was the recipient of the Professional Award for outstanding performance in office and dedication to USACE and the district mission.
Chris Gurner, Operations Division, received the Gregory C. Raimondo Public Affairs Award for outstanding achievement in high-level public service, including community relations and command information and media relations that enhance image of USACE to partners, stakeholders and the public.
Tim Graham, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Commander’s Award for outstanding achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Winders received this award for his significant contribution to the EEO program, ensuring full employment opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age and physical disability. or mental.
The following teams have been recognized with awards for their outstanding performance:
the Arkabutla The staff of Lake Wage Grade, Division of Operations, received the Wage Grade Team Award in recognition of their efforts to promote and provide quality recreational opportunities to visitors to the lake and exemplify all the hallmarks of professionalism, quality of service and integrity as individuals and as a team.
The Technical Support Branch investigative team received the Team Safety Award, which recognizes excellent service to the Vicksburg District and dedication to safety on numerous missions as part of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the District, for the district of Little Rock and ERDC.
The Mat Sinking Unit (MSU) Coating Team received the Team Award, which recognizes the team that best exemplifies best practices of collaboration and cooperation to accomplish the mission.
USACE Vicksburg District offers engineering solutions to the country’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses an area of 68,000 square miles in portions of the Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana that is home to eight major river basins and includes approximately 460 miles of the Mississippi River’s main dykes. The district is involved in hundreds of projects and employs around 1,100 people.