GALVESTON, Texas (Feb. 23, 2012) - Developing a love and respect for the open seas came naturally to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District’s Small Craft Operator Joe Vernier, a Galveston, Texas, native, who spent much of his youth recreating along and exploring the Gulf of Mexico. So it’s not any surprise that Vernier chose a career that would enable him to continue doing what he loves – spending time on the water.