Selected after the review of all applications submitted, Metals Unit Leaderman Joey Cabay will advance to the headquarters level as the single Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) nominee for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Headquarters Operations and Maintenance Castle Award.
The esteemed Operations and Maintenance Castle Award is awarded to one USACE Civil Works employee with a history of outstanding performance in operations and maintenance support. Nearly 5,000 permanent USACE employees are eligible, including those working in navigation, flood risk management, recreation, natural resources, on hydropower business line projects, and on Corps floating plants.
The nomination process begins with each district submitting applications to their respective Major Subordinate Command (MSC). Following a thorough review of every application, the MSC will select only one to move forward as award nominee and command representative at the headquarters level.
Cabay was incredibly humbled by the news, saying, “I'm blown away. When I started my career with USACE, all I wanted was to be the best welder possible. The Corps has provided me with opportunities beyond anything I could have dreamt of. I don't feel that I deserve any of this, but I'm thankful and humbled to be chosen."
Applicants are evaluated for their technical skill, customer service, innovation, safety, and self-development.
Since his start with USACE in 2018, Cabay has become a master welder and leaderman, conquered the art of customer service, and has committed to advancing his craft through continued training and thinking outside the box.
Adding to his technical education, Cabay has also completed several self-development courses, including the Memphis District Leadership Development Program and the Mississippi Valley Division Emerging Enterprise Leader Program.
Finally, Cabay ensures workplace safety remains a priority and dedicates significant time and energy to this program as a collateral duty safety officer.
And when it comes to his job, Cabay doesn’t just love it; he believes in it.
“We’re out there working each and every day to ensure a safe and navigable Mississippi River, and to protect those communities in the surrounding area,” Cabay explained. “The Mississippi River would run wild if it weren't for what we do.”
Furthermore, Cabay appreciates the impact of his work and values the tight-knit bond he’s formed with and among his colleagues in Metals.
“I consider the Metals Unit to be my family; I love my people,” he said. “Also, I don’t have to wait decades to see the impact of this mission; I can see the effects in real time."
The Memphis District is so proud of you, and we always will be! Congratulations, Joey! And good luck. We’re all rooting for you!