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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.

  • February

    The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley returned to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor on Jan. 13, 2023, after finishing a record-breaking 273-day season, which began Apr. 26, 2022. In those eight and a half months, the 36-person crew removed 14.5 million cubic yards of material, which is the most the Dredge Hurley has ever removed in a single season.

    Memphis District's Dredge Hurley returns home ending most productive, longest season on record

    The Memphis District’s Dredge Hurley returned to its home port, Ensley Engineer Yard in Memphis Harbor on Jan. 13, 2023, after finishing a record-breaking 273-day season, which began Apr. 26, 2022. In those eight and a half months, the 36-person crew dredged 14.5 million cubic yards of material, which is the most the Dredge Hurley has ever removed in a single season.

  • 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.

  • June

    IN THE PHOTO, Representatives of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, International Port of Memphis and USACE. (Courtesy photo)

    Keeping the river open for business, dredging contract awarded

    The Memphis District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for keeping the Mississippi River open for commercial navigation year-round. One way the district does this is through contract dredging, which keeps the river channel at a depth that allows the river barge industry to dependably transport goods up and down the river. Ensuring the district delivers on this charge, the Memphis District recently awarded a contract in the amount of $7,335,450 to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, LLC for the rental of a 24-inch hydraulic cutterhead dredge, discharge pipe, and attendant plant. The contract was awarded June 2, 2022, with an anticipated completion date of Feb. 28, 2023.

  • May

    Recognized by USAToday as the “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest,” the four-day Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) took place from May 12th through the 14th this year. The Memphis District has been competing in this barbeque contest for years, with the Castle Cookers first participating in the WCBCC in 1991 as the Pork Barrel Barbecuers. This year made year 31, with the team for the Memphis District Corps of Engineers comprising of workers from all parts of the district. Memphis District Castle Cookers this year were: Program Analysis Officer Jennifer Thomas, Program Analyst Sara Waterbury, Program Analyst David Alverez, Outreach Coordinator Brian Schneider (Tomato Sauce and Poultry entries), Work for Others Technical Manager Jordan Bledsoe, Civil Engineer Morgan Cowles (Seafood entry), and Survey Boat Operator Brian Schafer (Crawfish).

    Castle Cookers serve up fellowship, camaraderie with BBQ at Memphis in May

    The Memphis District has been competing in this barbeque contest for years, with the Castle Cookers first participating in the WCBCC in 1991 as the Pork Barrel Barbecuers. This year made year 31, with the team for the Memphis District Corps of Engineers comprising of workers from all parts of the district. “We’re a ‘for us by us’ team, which plans, fundraises, cooks, serves, and competes in the Memphis in May (MIM) event every year,” Outreach Coordinator Brian Schneider explained.

  • April

    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.   

  • 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!

  • February

    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.

  • 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.

  • June

    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.

  • May

    IN THE PHOTO, Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller (right) welcomes back recent deployed employee General Engineer Aaron Ray (center) from his tour in Afghanistan. While deployed, Ray served as an electrical engineer, general engineer, and Contract Officer Representative. Welcome home, Ray!

    Memphis District employee returns home from Afghanistan

    The Memphis District recently welcomed back Electrical and General Engineer Aaron Ray from his deployment to Afghanistan. Ray deployed as an Area Support Group - Afghanistan (ASG-A) electrical engineer responsible for reviewing and approving all support requests for Task Force Power throughout Afghanistan. 
  • 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 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 PHOTOS, photos of the Memphis District’s Ensley Engineer Yard after getting 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.

    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.
  • Memphis District Commander Col. Zachary Miller presents Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Leader Robert Woods (left) with a service award on his 40 year anniversary. Congratulations again to Mr. Robert Woods, and many thanks for your dedicated service to the Memphis District, the Mississippi Valley Division, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    A look back: Woods’ 40 years of service

    "He is very honest, punctual, and works to improve his skills," Supply Technician Matthew Davis said. "He has a real caring spirit. He took me under his wing when I was new, made sure I had lunch, and even drove me home a couple of times when my car had broken down. He is an all-around good guy, and I will miss him if he ever leaves." Davis is talking about Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Leader Robert Woods. Woods is the working leaderman in the Tractor Shop, performing duties as a mechanic and overseeing all other mechanics in the Yards and Docks Unit. He's been doing so for a little more than 40 years now.
  • .

    A Captain's role in an ACF build-out

    Editors Note: April 6, 2020 was the day the Memphis District awarded the contract to build an Alternate Care Facility (ACF) in Memphis, Tennessee. The article below was written by Cpt. Alex Burruss, who at that time deployed to the Memphis District to work as an Operations Officer and assist with ACF projects and operations. This is his account of what happened during his few months working here. At the onset of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the U.S.  Army Corps of Engineers. USACE collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to develop a plan for the rapid expansion of COVID-19 treatment spaces. USACE assigned each of its districts an area of responsibility, and the districts integrated into the local and state response agencies within their areas of responsibility. As local civil authorities conducted analysis and projected bed space requirements, USACE developed facility modification options for accommodating additional beds. Districts completed site assessments and provided project management support for converting existing buildings into alternate care facilities (ACFs).  In April 2020, three weeks after the President declared a national emergency, the U.S. Army Engineer School (USAES), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, deployed more than 30 Soldiers in support of the USACE response effort; Cpt. Alex W. Burruss was deployed to the Memphis District, USACE Mississippi Valley Division, Tennessee, for more than 60 days.

  • March

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Division Deputies were recently in Memphis, Tennessee, for a Deputies Summit and tour of the area. As part of their tour, the group traveled to the Memphis District’s Ensley Engineer Yard to learn about the Mississippi River and Tributaries Regional Channel Improvement Program. Following their briefing, the deputies toured the Motor Vessel Mississippi, spoke with Dredge Hurley Master Adrian Pirani about the previous dredging season, visited with emergency operations staff, and then ended the tour by observing day-to-day operations at the Metals Shop, which is where much of the maintenance and repairing of our Revetment fleet and machinery take place. (USACE photos by Jessica Haas)

    USACE Division Deputies visit Memphis for Summit, Engineer Yard tour

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Division Deputies recently met in Memphis, Tennessee, for a Deputies Summit and tour of the Memphis District area. "The USACE HQ Deputy Summit enables the MSC/Centers/Labs and 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) Deputies to share lessons learned, best practices and engage key HQs staff on Enterprise challenges, policies, and processes in order to Take Care of our People, Support National Readiness, Modernize, Strengthen Partnerships, and Revolutionize Delivery," Mississippi Valley Division Deputy Division Engineer Col. Jeremy Chapman said.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, a team of mechanics, electricians, carpenters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and revetment workers all got together to completely renovate the Tractor Shop’s breakroom, literally from the ground up. These are the before photos of the breakroom.

    Project Makeover: Tractor Shop Breakroom

    The Memphis District's skilled tradesmen are at it again, demoing and remodeling one building at a time until they've covered every structure in need of a makeover at Ensley Engineer Yard. Recently, a team of mechanics, electricians, carpenters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and revetment workers all got together to completely renovate the Tractor Shop’s breakroom, literally from the ground up.
  • IN THE PHOTOS, this month, we are highlighting Carla Wells. She is a government purchase card business manager for the Contracting/Oversight Branch. Here are a few photos of her during her time as a government purchase card business manager.

    Employee Spotlight: Carla Wells

    In any business, it’s the people that make it work. Without them, organizations ultimately fail. That’s why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District values each and every one of its employees so much. To show how much we do, we highlight one employee every month by asking a few questions about the position they’re in and how they got to where they are today. This month, we are highlighting Carla Wells. She is a government purchase card business manager for the Contracting/Oversight Branch.