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  • May

    Knowledgeable. Caring. An asset. Kindhearted. Selfless. Friend. Guru. A bright light. Trustworthy. These are words chosen to describe colleague, friend, and recently retired Program Assistant, Mr. Jeff Berry. Even with solid attempts made at convincing him to stay, Berry celebrated his retirement of 33 years of federal service in a ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues.

    A look back: Berry's 33 years of federal service

    Knowledgeable. Caring. An asset. Kindhearted. Selfless. Friend. Guru. A bright light. Trustworthy. These are words chosen to describe colleague, friend, and recently retired Program Assistant, Mr. Jeff Berry. Even with solid attempts made at convincing him to stay, Berry celebrated his retirement of 33 years of federal service in a ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues.

  • January

    A Memphis District Project Delivery Team recently completed a $5.3M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-funded revetment project in Bauxippi-Wyanoke, Arkansas.

    $5.3M BIL-funded revetment project complete ahead of schedule

    A Memphis District Project Delivery Team recently completed a $5.3M Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)-funded revetment project in Bauxippi-Wyanoke, Arkansas. Work began in November last year when historic low water conditions and tow restrictions delayed much of the river industry’s transportation of goods. Despite these less-than-stellar conditions, the team completed construction ahead of schedule, finishing all work on Dec. 16, 2022.

  • December

    Congratulations to Machinist Tommy Reed on his selection as the November Memphis District Employee of the Month! Working in the Operations Division, Tommy proves himself day after day with his steadfast, tenacious, and rock-solid approach to the Dredge Hurley’s Z-Drive propulsion units that keep it mission-capable. His doing so has been nothing short of miraculous. He has worked through supply chain and material issues, while also salvaging used parts from other damaged and obsolete units in order to complete the repairs of three complete units – all during the historic low water season on the Mississippi River.

    Employee of the Month: Congrats, Tommy!

    Congratulations to Machinist Tommy Reed on his selection as the November Memphis District Employee of the Month!

  • October

    Joanna Neu is a permit manager and serves as the Regulatory Division's Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO). She provides safety updates to the Regulatory Team at the start of every monthly staff meeting, takes initiative to update the staff on current trends, and continues to ensure the team safely executes the regulatory mission. Recently, she identified the need to strengthen site visit accountability procedures. She got the buy-in from the entire team and then formally instructed the staff on the new accountability processes. The regulatory team has now been accident free for the past five fiscal years and with Joanna's leadership, they're on target to make it to six and beyond that without any problem whatsoever. Great job, Joanna! Way to look out and take the initiative. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

    Congrats and Thank You, Joanna!

    Permit Manager Joanna Neu identified a need to strengthen site visit accountability procedures. After getting the Regulatory Team's buy-in, she followed through with formally instructing the staff on the newly created accountability processes. The regulatory team has been accident free for the past five fiscal years, and with Joanna's leadership, they're on target for another year free of any safety incidents, making their office accident-free for a total of six years.

  • August

    IN THE PHOTO (to the right),Biologist Josh Koontz, Cost Engineer Max Gomez-Pedro, Design Engineer Chase Kesner, and Geotechnical Engineer Ben Tatum visit a potential borrow site with Bill Sheppard of Yazoo Mississippi Delta Board. (This was not the final borrow site.) Circled in red is poison ivy. The other two photos (to the left) are of the project area, specifically four miles of the Yazoo-Delta Levee System 21 – Segment 26. The $1.8 million job will construct three earthen berms to reduce seepage under the levee when river levels are high. (USACE Courtesy Photos)

    $1.8M contract awarded, add’ l protection for agriculture, communities

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District recently awarded a construction contract for a Seepage Remediation Project in Coahoma County, Sherard, Mississippi. The project will be accomplished in partnership with the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta Levee Board of Mississippi and will address four miles of the Yazoo-Delta Levee system’s System 21 – Segment 26.

  • July

    IN THE PHOTO, Mississippi Valley Division Commander Maj. Gen. Diana Holland (second from left) presents Civil Hydraulic Engineer and recent retiree Don Davenport (third from left) with a Commander's Civilian Service Award during the Memphis District Townhall Meeting, June 1. Memphis District Commander Lt. Col. Robert Green (far left) and Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management Donny Davidson (far right) joined the commander in congratulating Davenport on his retirement from service after an astounding 40 years with the Memphis District.

    A look back: Don Davenport’s 40 years of Service

    After 40 years of federal service working as an engineer with the Memphis District, Mr. Don Davenport is trying out another way of life: retirement. Congratulations to Mr. Davenport on concluding an extraordinary career – one with too many milestones to name, and several friendships made that are sure to last a lifetime.

  • 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

    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.

  • July

    IN THE PHOTOS, Memphis District Safety Advisor Harley Chase during a safety inspection on the Dredge Hurley. Chase is the safety advisor to the Memphis District Commander as well as the district. He is charged with ensuring the district complies with all safety regulations, but most importantly, he is responsible for making sure all employees get home safely each day. (USACE photos by Adrian Pirani)

    Employee Spotlight: Safety Advisor Harley Chase

    He is the safety advisor to the Memphis District Commander as well as all district employees. He is charged with ensuring the district complies with all safety regulations, but most importantly, he is responsible for making sure all employees get home safely each day. His name is Harley Chase. He is the Memphis District Safety Manager and has been doing this job for 18 years now, with one and a half of them being here in Memphis, Tennessee.

  • June

    Congratulations to Memphis District project delivery team members for their recent work and efforts towards rehabilitating 128 existing relief wells just south of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The contract was awarded to Kinder Brothers Excavating, Inc. on Sept. 16, 2020, for $1,547,550.

    Substantial completion of Nash Relief Well Rehabilitation

    Congratulations to Memphis District project delivery team members for their recent work to rehabilitate 128 existing relief wells just south of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Erika Wallace, M/V Mississippi Machinery Mechanic Ervin Wallace's daughter, at her recent high school graduation ceremony. Not only did she graduate from the Public School, Fredrick Douglas High School, on time, but she graduated as the senior class valedictorian with an astounding 4.4 GPA. Congratulations to both father and daughter for achieving this major accomplishment.

    Memphis District employee proud of Valedictorian daughter

    The Memphis District prides itself on the many achievements made by our employees throughout the year. Not only that, but we consider it especially valuable when employees and their family members experience greatness for their hard work outside of the district. Recently the district had a very special reason to celebrate. Erika Wallace, daughter of M/V Mississippi Machinery Mechanic Ervin Wallace, just graduated from Frederick Douglass Public High School as Valedictorian, with an astounding 4.4 GPA.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, photos of the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

    Wildlife Refuge repair and cleanup project completed ahead of schedule

    Many may be unaware, but one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ more common missions throughout our country is environmental stewardship. The Memphis District is one of many districts to work closely with other environmental and regulatory agencies to protect existing natural resources, cultural assets, historic sites, and endangered species. In executing this critical mission, the Memphis District, along with hired labor teams, recently completed extensive scour repairs and debris removal to assist with protecting wildlife within the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located in Mississippi County, Arkansas.  

  • May

    IN THE PHOTOS, a collage representing Divina LeClair's life. She is Filipino and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee. She currently works for the Memphis District as the district environmental compliance coordinator and has been with the district since 2016. She is a proud Filipino, with Ilonggo being her native language. Ilonggo is one of 99 dialects in the Philippines. She is proud to be both American and Filipino, and says she loves America, its culture, and the people. She also says Filipinos are resilient, respectful, and helpful people, unlike what many may think of them, which is that they are oftentimes late, spend a lot of money, and are poor. The Memphis District is grateful for Divina and thanks her for her service, as well as for sharing her culture with the district, not just today or this Asian American Island Pacific Heritage month, but every day and every month. You are a true gem, and we treasure you daily. Thank you, ma'am!

    Employee and Heritage Spotlight: Divina LeClair

    Men are the breadwinners, and most men control family affairs. Women, on the other hand, play the role of mother, wife, and housekeeper. In their culture, it's disrespectful to stand with your hands on your hips. It's also not polite to point fingers at someone. Neither is it acceptable to spit in front of someone or lose your temper in public. And as of 2018, just over 2 million people from this country lived in the United States, accounting for 4.5 percent of the country's 44.7 million immigrants. The country is the Philippines. It is an archipelago nation consisting of more than 7,100 islands in the Pacific Ocean located near the equator. And the Memphis District woman proudly representing this land is Divina LeClair. She currently works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the district environmental compliance coordinator.
  • IN THE PHOTO, Darian Chasteen and his family. Chasteen recently passed away, losing a hard-fought battle with cancer. While he is physically no longer with the district, his legacy will live on through stories and memories forever.

    Remembering a Memphis District hero, brother

    The Memphis District and Chasteen family recently lost a beloved member to a hard-fought battle with cancer. Darian Chasteen, who most recently held the Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch Deputy Chief title, passed away on May 7, 2021. While no longer physically with us, his legacy will forever live on. Chasteen served more than 30 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District. During that time, he made many friends and touched numerous lives. In honor of his life and the contributions he made, we take a look back at his life, happy and thankful to have known such a person.
  • A map and photo of the channel cleanout project area in Craighead, Arkansas. Locust Creek has been experiencing debris buildup, resulting in improper channel drainage. Once the project contract is awarded, crews will remove sedimentation buildup along approximately two miles of the creek to prevent any further accumulation. The project reached its “Ready to Advertise” milestone on April 30, 2021. (Courtesy photos)

    Arkansas channel cleanout project ‘Ready to Advertise’

    In support of the district's flood risk management mission, the Memphis District regularly plans and executes projects to maintain and repair channels and levees as needed. Most recently, a project called "The Locus Creek Channel Cleanout", recently reached a significant milestone known as "Ready to Advertise" (RTA). "Ready to Advertise" means the project package has been sent to the district contracting team for awarding this fiscal year. The work to be done is in the Craighead County, Arkansas area. According to PDT Project Manager Amber Jarnagin, Locust Creek has been experiencing debris blockages that aren't allowing proper channel drainage.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, Project Manager Jairus Stroupe and St. Francis Basin and White River Backwater Section Chief Billy Grantham attended the Arkansas Water Trails dedication ceremony along with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, the St. Francis Lake Association, the Arkansas Water Trails, the City of Trumann, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. On behalf of the St. Francis Lake Association, Dr. Neal Vickers recognized U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Jairus Stroupe and late USACE Retiree Regina Kuykendoll Cash for their efforts in maintaining the St. Francis Basin. Those efforts are now responsible for allowing the river to be appropriately regulated within the sunken lands.

    Memphis District assists Arkansas with St. Francis water trail dedication

    In partnership with the St. Francis Lake Association, the Arkansas Water Trails, and the City of Trumann, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) celebrated the dedication of the St. Francis Sunken Lands Water Trails on May 5, 2021.  Governor Asa Hutchinson offered some inspiring words about the value of outdoor recreation to the lives of Arkansans, saying, “The tourism industry is on the rise in Arkansas! The new St. Francis Sunken Lands Water Trails will be a major attraction in Poinsett county, bringing people in to take in this unique view of Arkansas’s natural history.”
  • IN THE PHOTO, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller (left) coins Procurement Analyst TiJuana' TJ' Harris in January of 2020 for going above and beyond in her work. Harris was recently provided the chance to apply for a 120-day developmental assignment at the division level, where she said she would learn even more about the "Whys" of USACE contracting.

    Developmental position to offer growth, new skills for USACE employee

    Many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees are eager to learn new skills and grow in their position. Fortunately, the Memphis District oftentimes offers opportunities for its employees to do just that through what's called developmental assignments and/or positions. A developmental position is a temporary job that differs from their permanent position and is designed to train and develop employees in preparation for further career advancement. These temporary positions normally last about 120 days, but can be shorter or longer depending on the position. Additionally, the job location can either be at the employee’s home station or in a completely different state. While the differences vary from position to position, one thing remains the same, the benefits of working a developmental assignment are endless. Recently, Memphis District Procurement Analyst TiJuana' TJ' Harris was provided the chance to apply for a 120-day developmental assignment at the division level, where she said she would learn even more about the "whys" of USACE contracting.

  • April

    IN THE PHOTO, Memphis District St. Francis Basin (SFB) Partners, Stakeholders and Project Management, members of the district's Hydrology and Hydraulics branch, and district Engineering and Construction managers traveled to the Fisher Delta Research Center in Portageville, Missouri for their annual partnering meeting on Mar. 30, 2021.

    St. Francis Basin Partnering Meeting a success

    Memphis District St. Francis Basin (SFB) Partners, Stakeholders and Project Management, members of the district's Hydrology and Hydraulics branch, and district Engineering and Construction managers traveled to the Fisher Delta Research Center in Portageville, Missouri for their annual partnering meeting on Mar. 30, 2021. The Memphis District Team meets annually with SFB partners and stakeholders to provide current basin status updates.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, photos of the Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley on the Ensley Engineer Yard dry dock, getting repaired after much of the south, including Memphis, Tennessee, was hit hard with frigid temperatures in mid-February this year. From frozen pipes to no electricity, many people and structures were impacted by the icy weather, including the district’s Dredge Hurley. It took approximately one month and multiple Ensley Engineer Yard crews to thaw out and repair the dredge. Now that the Dredge Hurley is thawed and repaired, it’s ready to dredge the Mississippi River, which is scheduled to start within the next two weeks. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    Memphis District Hurley: Thawed out and ready to dredge

    During most off seasons, maintaining the Hurley takes a few months and a couple of crews to get everything done. This off-season was a bit different, as unexpected weather posed more obstacles than usual. Much of the south, including Memphis, Tennessee, was hit hard with frigid temperatures in mid-February this year. The last time Memphians experienced weather like this was in 1994.  From frozen pipes to no electricity, many people and structures were impacted by the icy weather, including the district’s Dredge Hurley.

  • March

    IN THE PHOTO, a screenshot of the virtual Women’s History Month meeting held Mar. 24, 2021. Pictured is the Moderator and Memphis District Counsel and Senior Legal Officer Suzy Weil (top row, fourth from left). Also shown are (not in order) Equal Employment Opportunity Chief Donnell Wright, Rock Island District Outreach and Customer Relations Specialist Angie Freyermuth, Memphis District Mechanical Engineer Erica Thomas, Memphis District Readiness and Contingency Operations Chief Kandi Waller, Memphis District Procurement Analyst TiJuana "TJ" Harris, and Memphis District Government Purchase Card Program Coordinator Carla Wells, as well as the people that joined to listen in on the discussion. (USACE screenshot by Donnell Wright)

    Celebrating the valiant women of USACE

    "I can do anything I want to do," young Suzy Weil, now Memphis District counsel and senior legal officer said. “Now, looking back,” she said, "I never questioned that I could one day could grow up and do whatever I wanted to do. I can remember one of my father's law partners and best friend and his wife who was an attorney… and I can remember this woman who would come to my house. I would call her aunt Sherry. I just never thought it was something I could never do – becoming a lawyer." This is just one of many responses heard during the virtual meeting the Memphis District held in celebration of Women's History Month. The meeting, held on Mar. 24, 2021, featured seven of the Mississippi Valley Division's most exceptional women working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). During the meeting, with a theme aptly titled "Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced!", Memphis District Counsel and Senior Legal Officer Suzy Weil acted as both moderator and participant in a captivating one and half hour Question and Answer session.