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  • May

    Final Inspection with Contractor – L to R: Brenan Story – Luhr Bros. Inc, Contractor, Preston Snyder – Memphis District River Engineering Team Leader, Cole Stonebrook – Memphis District River Engineering Technical Lead, Steve Southern – Memphis District Construction Control Inspector, WAO, Landon Mills – Memphis District River Engineering Designer, Chase Arnold – Memphis District, CAO Office Engineer, Wyatt Story – Luhr Bros. Inc, Contractor

    Completed Below Island 9 Project to benefit navigation industry, public

    Congratulations to the Memphis District Below Island 9 Project Delivery Team for achieving total project completion on May 6, 2022. The project area, located in Lake County, Tennessee, was identified as a low water problem spot by local partners in the navigation industry. This area has been dredged by the Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley in 2020 and 2021, yet the problem spot persisted. To come up with a long term solve, a project delivery team came together to complete a dike construction project.
  • On Apr. 26, 2022, the Dredge Hurley and crew (currently 37 people total) departed its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard, for the 2022 dredging season. Their mission: To maintain navigable shipping lanes along the western rivers and inland waterways.

    Dredge Hurley kicks off 2022 season

    “We dredge to maintain these waterways and keep it open for commerce,” Dredge Hurley First Mate Kyle Collins said. “Millions of dollars’ worth of various commodities are transported up and down, and east to west, along these routes, and dredging keeps these lanes open and prevents closures along these trade routes.” On Apr. 26, the Dredge Hurley and crew (currently 37 people total) departed its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard, for the 2022 dredging season. Their mission: To maintain navigable shipping lanes along the western rivers and inland waterways. 
  • It all began in February of 1980, when the Memphis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired a young, energetic Memphis State University graduate. After spending some time as an intern, followed by a few years in the Inspections Section, this civil engineering major had decided to officially begin his 42-year-long career in the Geotechnical Engineering Branch. Fast forward to May of 2022, and that young man is now a newly retired (and already sorely missed) Geotechnical Design Section Supervisor, Mr. Norman ‘Chip’ Newman!

    A look back: Norman “Chip” Newman’s 42 years of service

    It all began in February of 1980, when the Memphis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired a young, energetic Memphis State University graduate. After spending some time as an intern, followed by a few years in the Inspections Section, this civil engineering major had decided to officially begin his 42-year-long career in the Geotechnical Engineering Branch. Fast forward to May of 2022, and that young man is now a newly retired (and already sorely missed) Geotechnical Design Section Supervisor, Mr.  Norman ‘Chip’ Newman!

  • April

    (L to R) Paralegal Specialist Evelyn J. McLaurin, Caruthersville Area Office Administrative Support Assistant Jennifer "Jen" Brooks, and Ensley Engineer Yard Support Assistant Lekendra Douglas. We appreciate them daily, but today (April 27, 2022) is the designated “National Administrative Professionals’ Day!” So, please make sure you thank your admin pro a few more times than you usually would (like, 20 times more, at least).

    Employee Spotlight: Memphis District Administrative Professionals

    Administrative Professionals are detail-oriented, organized, proactive, independent, adaptive, diligent, and maybe most importantly, they know how to handle a good amount of stress. As Engineering and Construction Administrative Specialist Tami Jacobs put it, “Without this one person, a whole lot of things do not, and would not get done, period.” We appreciate them daily, but today (April 27, 2022) is the designated “National Administrative Professionals’ Day!” So, please make sure you thank your admin pro a few more times than you usually would (like, 20 times more, at least).
  • IN THE PHOTO, Biologist John “Mike” Thron diving with the district dive team, exploring rivers from the bottom up.

    Employee Spotlight: Biologist John "Mike" Thron

    Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, and serves as a reminder to protect the environment, restore damaged ecosystems, and live a more sustainable life. Protecting the environment is a key district initiative, and fortunately for us, we have Biologist John “Mike” Thron as our environmental champion.
  • The West Tennessee River Basin Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently held a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement Signing Ceremony to initiate a cost-shared feasibility study. The study aims to identify and evaluate alternatives and the preparation of a decision document that, as appropriate, recommends a coordinated and implementable solution for restoring aquatic and floodplain habitat along a 20-mile corridor from Reelfoot Lake and Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge to the Obion River. (USACE photo by Vance Harris)

    NOTICE OF PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District (USACE) and the West Tennessee River Basin Authority (WTRBA) will host a general scoping meeting to solicit comments and information from the public regarding the Running Reelfoot Bayou, TN feasibility study. The study investigates National Ecosystem Restoration benefits related to restoring aquatic and floodplain habitat along the Running Reelfoot Bayou in Lake, Obion, and Dyer Counties, Tennessee. The meeting will be held on Thursday April 21, 2022, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Lake County Circuit Court in Tiptonville, TN.
  • Congratulations to Andrea Williams on her selection as Operations Division’s (OD) new Chief! Andrea has served in the OD Chief position on temporary assignment since January.

    Memphis District’s new Operations Division Chief Andrea Williams

    Congratulations to Andrea Williams on her selection as the new Operations Division’s (OD) Chief!  Williams has served in the OD Chief position on temporary assignment since January.   
  • The Memphis District held a groundbreaking ceremony in Caruthersville, Missouri, April 3, 2022, to celebrate a federally funded project to replace the Caruthersville Mississippi River floodwall. The new floodwall will enhance the safety of more than 135,000 residents, $6.28 billion of property, and $7.5 billion of agriculture.

    Rep. Jason Smith, Mississippi River Commission celebrate groundbreaking of new Caruthersville Floodwall

    The Memphis District held a groundbreaking ceremony in Caruthersville, Missouri, April 3, 2022, to celebrate a federally funded project to replace the Caruthersville Mississippi River floodwall. The new floodwall will enhance the safety of more than 135,000 residents, $6.28 billion of property, and $7.5 billion of agriculture.
  • Program Manager Derrick Smith was recently nominated as the 2020 Program Manager of the Year.

    Smith appointed Project Development Branch Chief

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently promoted Derrick Smith to the role of the Project Development Branch Chief and Assistant Deputy of the Programs and Project Management Division. Smith will also serve as Regional Project Manager for the Mississippi Valley Division’s Mississippi River Channel Improvement Program.

  • March

    IN THE PHOTO, District Commander Col. Zachary Miller presents Dr. Zuzana Chovanec, district archeologist, with the Employee of the Month certificate, Mar. 29, 2022. Congratulations, Zuzana! The district thanks and appreciates you for all you do in support of the Memphis District mission!

    Dr. Zuzana Chovanec is Memphis District Employee of the Month

    Congratulations to Dr. Zuzana Chovanec, district archeologist, for her selection as the Memphis District Employee of the Month!
  • Four public meetings have been scheduled aboard the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI in selected towns along the river. Commission members will meet with local partners, stakeholders and residents and hear their concerns, ideas and issues.

    Mississippi River Commission schedules high-water inspection trip

    Public meetings will be held by the Mississippi River Commission On board the Motor Vessel MISSISSIPPI as follows: Caruthersville, MO - City Front Memphis, TN - Beale Street Landing Greenville, MS - City Front Baton Rouge, LA - City Front 9:00 -12:30pm, 4 April 2022 9:00 -12:30pm, 5 April 2022 9:00 -12:30pm, 6 April 2022 9:00 -12:30pm, 8 April 2022

  • February

    With more than 33 years of federal service, Engineering and Construction (E&C) Division Chief Steve Williamson recently concluded one chapter and is now starting another. To help him close out this chapter of life, we're taking a look back to celebrate his life and career with the Memphis District.

    A look back: Williamson’s 33 years of service

    With more than 33 years of federal service, Engineering and Construction (E&C) Division Chief Steve Williamson recently completed one life chapter and is now starting another. To help him close out this part of life, we're taking a look back to celebrate his life and career with the Memphis District.
  • Sam Tucker, hero of 1927 tragedy, shows an author a willow tree, as willow trees evolved out of the last willow mat placements. Photo was taken at a Tennessee chute in 1972.

    Sam Tucker: A 1927 Mississippi River Flood Hero

    The Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927 has its related stories of heroism. Sam Tucker was one of those heroes, but his story of bravery went left untold for many years. While he became a contemporary hero among his fellow Blacks, his acts were never made public until 1972, when a history book author began picking up bits and pieces of it. Tucker, now retired from the Memphis District, had been working on the levee just above Laconia Circle. On the evening of April 21, Tucker was the only man willing to risk his life trying to save others. This is his story.
  • Lindsay Barrios is a geographic information systems specialist for the Memphis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, she's a valued member of the Memphis District team. Barrios’ responsibilities include obtaining and/or creating geographic data to create visual representations using Geographic Information Systems software and applications. She also helps identify spatial relationships that are useful in the district’s decision-making process. Thank you, Lindsay, for all you've done and continue to do for this district and the community in which it serves.

    Employee Spotlight: Geographic Information Systems Specialist Lindsay Barrios

    This month, we’re featuring Geographic Information Systems Specialist Lindsay Barrios. Barrios was born and raised in Fort Payne, Alabama. After graduating from high school, she moved to Tennessee to study geology and geography at the University of Memphis. In February of 2018, Barrios officially became a member of the USACE Memphis District team. She said she was excited to work for the Corps for many reasons, which include the district’s mission as well as the leadership present throughout each of its offices.

  • January

    IN THE PHOTOS, (left) Regulatory Supervisor Ben Pitcock flood duty in the Cairo, Illinois area back in 2016. (right) Pitcock with his wife and children (“My most important people). To show how much we value our employees, we highlight one district professional every month by asking a few questions about their position and how they got to where they are today. This month, we are highlighting Regulatory Division Supervisor Benjamin Pitcock. Pitcock said his duties consist of leading a high-performing and technically advanced team of USACE professionals. The professionals he’s alluding to manage a program committed to protecting the Nation's aquatic resources while allowing reasonable development through fair, flexible and balanced permit decisions. The Corps evaluates permit applications for essentially all construction activities in the Nation's waters, including wetlands.

    Employee Spotlight: Regulatory Supervisor Ben Pitcock

    In any business, it's the people that make it work. Without a team, organizations fail. On top of everything else valued, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District values every one of its employees very much. To show how much we value them, we highlight one district employee every month by asking about their position, what it’s like to work for the Corps, and how they got to where they are today. This month, we are highlighting Regulatory Division Supervisor Benjamin Pitcock.

  • December

    Structural Engineer Phillip Pinkston celebrates his retirement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after an impressive 48 years of federal service. During his retirement ceremony, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller presented Pinkston with a Civilian Service Commendation Medal, Certificate of Retirement, and a special Certificate of Thanks. Pinkston spent two years with the Army Depot in Lexington before moving to Memphis, Tennessee, to work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Throughout the next 46 years, Pinkston would hold the positions of civil engineering technician, engineering draftsman, and finally, structural engineer. His more memorable project is his first, which was developing a repair design for a levee slide at the Huxtable Pumping Station. Congratulations again on your retirement, Mr. Phillip Pinkston, and many thanks for your dedicated service to the Memphis District, the Mississippi Valley Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    A look back: Pinkston's 48 years of service

    After an astonishing 48 years of combined federal service, Phillip Pinkston has decided to hang his hat, celebrating both the end and beginning of two of life’s most rewarding chapters. To celebrate his well-deserved retirement, we’re taking a look back to acknowledge all he accomplished, hear from the people he positively impacted, and more.
  • Real Estate Chief Hugh Coleman celebrates his retirement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after an impressive 36 years of federal service. During his retirement ceremony, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller presented Coleman with a Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, Certificate of Retirement, and a special Certificate of Thanks. Among his many career accomplishments, Coleman successfully led the Memphis real estate team to acquire perpetual easements for the St. Francis Basin, resulting in $5.5 million in land payments and achieving a successful contract award for each area's project. Congratulations again on your retirement, Mr. Hugh Coleman, and many thanks for your dedicated service to the Memphis District, the Mississippi Valley Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    A look back: Coleman's 36 years of service

    Real Estate Chief Hugh Coleman recently retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after an incredible 36 years of federal service. To celebrate and recognize his accomplishments, we take a look back at his eventful and inspiring life and career.
  • IN THE PHOTO, Commander Col. Zachary Miller presents Program Analyst Lisa Word with a Certificate of Retirement at her retirement ceremony. Word is retiring after an impressive 32 years of federal service. (USACE photos by Vance Harris)

    A look back: Word's 32 years of service

    She undertook the great responsibility of project oversight and financial analysis while her coworkers deployed in support of the 2011 Mississippi River Flood. Additionally, she quickly developed a complete understanding of the complex skills required to execute the Mississippi River and Tributaries maintenance program. These are just a few of many things Program Analyst Lisa Word accomplished before retiring after 32 years of federal service.   
  • IN THE PHOTO, District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, district leadership, and the project delivery team met with the project partner, Eight Mile Drainage District of Greene County, in Arkansas, for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate a levee culvert and erosion repair project. (USACE Photo by Vance Harris)

    Final ribbon-cuttings close out two-day celebration blitz

    To close out the two-day sprint across five states, the Memphis District held two final ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Nov. 18, 2021. Both events celebrated construction projects completed in Arkansas and Missouri.
  • IN THE PHOTO, District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, district leadership, and the project delivery team met with the project partner, Fulton County Board of Levee Commissioners, in Hickman, Kentucky, for a groundbreaking to celebrate the start of a seepage remediation project. (USACE Photo by Vance Harris)

    Groundbreaking, ribbon-cutting, to celebrate project start, completion

    The Memphis District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 17, 2021, to celebrate two critical construction projects in Tennessee and Kentucky. District Commander Col. Zachary Miller, district leadership, and the project delivery team members met with project partners in Ridgely, Tennessee, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The celebratory event was held to acknowledge the completion of an essential levee restoration and berm construction project. Immediately following the ceremony, district leadership and project team members traveled to the event site and met with the project partner in Hickman, Kentucky, for a groundbreaking.