The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, congratulates and bids farewell to Mr. Loy A. Hamilton, who retires after 40 remarkable years of dedicated service to the Corps of Engineers and the communities it serves.
Hamilton's four-decade career was nothing short of extraordinary. His depth of knowledge and wide-ranging experience made him an invaluable team member, and his commitment to the USACE mission, personal and professional growth, and the STEM initiative made him an inspiration to many.
As an area engineer, Hamilton supervised a staff of 19 technical and professional engineering employees and served as a liaison to 23 local interests and partners. He also managed construction contract administration, hired labor support, and oversaw the inspection of completed works and emergency operations within his area of responsibility.
His leadership extended to levee oversight that spanned 400 miles along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Hamilton was also responsible for annual dike and revetment maintenance for an area that started in Cairo, Illinois, and ended at the mouth of the White River in Arkansas.
Furthermore, Hamilton oversaw all concrete mattress casting operations for the Richardson Landing Casting Field and other Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi areas.
In addition to the Memphis District, Hamilton also served with the Afghanistan District. He enjoyed his time overseas so much that he deployed to Afghanistan three times throughout his career.
Further impressive was the number of positions Hamilton held while deployed, which included administrative contracting officer, contract administration branch chief, deputy chief of construction, Bagram resident engineer, Kandahar resident engineer, and Bagram area engineer.
Hamilton’s distinguished leadership and flexibility were highly visible throughout his career, as was his unwavering commitment to personal growth and education.
Some of his more impressive educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Arkansas State University, a Level II Contracting DAWIA Certification, and Level II Facilities Engineering training and certification. Hamilton is also a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Arkansas.
Hamilton officially retired on Dec. 30, 2023, but was recognized again just a few days later when Memphis District Commander Col. Brian Sawser presented him with a Bronze De Fleury Medal.
The De Fleury Medal is the highest award for professional excellence in the Engineer Regiment and is presented only to those who've significantly contributed to Army Engineering and the Corps of Engineers community.
Congratulations again, Loy! The district extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your dedicated work and service to this nation. We will never forget the enormous impact you made on us and the rest of the Corps of Engineers community.