District Commander Col. Rhett A. Blackmon and Deputy District Engineer Byron Williams recognized more than 100 “Champions of the Texas Coast” during the Fiscal Year 2023 First Quarter Awards Ceremony, December 1, 2022, at the Jadwin Building and virtually via WebEx.
The ceremony recognized employees for their significant individual achievements and group accomplishments.
Several District employees received the commander’s coin for their stand-out efforts during the fourth quarter. Honoring someone with a commander’s coin is a way for the district commander to show their appreciation for a phenomenal job, on the spot. More than just a ‘thank you’ or a pat on the back, the commander’s coin is something tangible to remember the occasion. Recognized were:
- The Regulatory Division’s guidebook team: Andria Davis; Kara Vick; and Tasha Metz. The team created a guidebook repository to train future District regulators.
- The Evaluation Branch’s senior regulators: Elizabeth Shelton; Tasha Metz, Brian Bader; Sterling Adams; and Cecilia Askins. The senior regulators went above and beyond to help onboard new members to the regulatory team.
- Angela Trant, for managing daily e-mail queries to the Regulatory Division.
- Bradley Dawe, for completing an alleged unauthorized activity investigation.
- Diana L. Ray, for completing jurisdictional determinations for the Texas Department of Transportation.
- Jackie Seaman, for her support as a mechanical engineer on the Corpus Christi Border Patrol station.
- Jacob Garrett, for his work as a hydraulic engineer in the Coastal Engineering Section.
- John Davidson, for his efforts as branch chief.
- Kristi McMillan, for her work as hiring manager in the Regulatory Division.
- Kristie Wood, for her work as a project manager and endangered species expert in the Regulatory Division.
- Kristin M. McKnight, for completing 102 alleged unauthorized activity investigations.
- Michael E. Ritz, for his efforts as a hydraulic engineer on the Coastal Engineering Section.
- Ronnie D. Baker, for his support as a construction project scheduler at the Corpus Christi Resident Office.
Blackmon and Williams then awarded several employees with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in preparing and executing several public open houses for the Port Arthur and Orange County projects. They were:
Blackmon gave an “On-the-Spot” award to Strategic Outreach Specialist Bobby Petty for his outstanding efforts in the Mega Projects Division.
Several Champions earned some time off for their efforts and support in a series of open houses for the Port Arthur and Orange County projects:
- Toniette Addison
- Garrett Sullivan
- Rick Villagomez
- Dr. Kelly Burks-Cope
Ten Champions received a Certificate of Achievement:
- Alexis Bragg, for her contributions as a civil engineer for the Hurricane Flood Risk Management Design Branch.
- Fernando Miranda, for his contributions as a construction manager in the Construction Management Support Section.
- Gregory Bertoglio, for his contributions to the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay (S2G) Orange County Coastal Storm Resiliency Management project.
- Jarod C. Jantz, for his contributions as a construction manager in the Construction Management Support Section.
- Joe W. Pollard, for his support of the Society of American Military Engineers’ Small Business Conference.
- Jose J. Nazario-Salas, for his contributions as a construction manager in the Construction Management Support Section.
- Jose L. Medina-Ramirez, for his contributions as a construction manager in the Construction Management Support Section.
- Dr. Mohammad S. Islam, for his contributions as a subject matter expert in the Coastal Engineering Section.
- Tiffiny L. Mims, for her meritorious civilian service in support of the Resource Management Division.
- Zachary Hinojosa, for his continued commitment and dedication to the S2G Port Arthur project.
Blackmon awarded several Champions with the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal for their commendable service and noted records of honorary service:
- Latonia L. Hulse, for her 27 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force and 11 years of service as a Department of Defense civilian employee.
- Teresa A. McFetridge, for her achievement as a budget officer for the Resource Management Division.
- Charles R. Wheeler, for his commendable service as the project manager for the S2G Port Arthur project and his expertise during critical open house engagements.
- Sheila A. McCarthy, for her commendable service as the project manager for the S2G Orange County project and her expertise during critical open house engagements.
The District Commander then called everyone to attention as he awarded the Army Commendation Medal to Capt. Macauley J. Hoyt. Hoyt received the medal for his meritorious service as a project manager for the S2G Coastal Storm Risk Management Program.
“Capt. Hoyt’s leadership and accomplishments on the Port Arthur Project and Mega Projects Division were vital to protecting the Texas coastal residents,” the award citation read.
The district’s “Heroes of the Week” for the quarter were also recognized:
- Maria Rodriguez, for the week of September 30.
- Antoinette Fonseca, for the week of October 14.
- Regulatory Division’s Evaluation Branch Team: Andria Davis and Marie Taylor, for the week of November 4.
- Mathilda Montgomery, for the week of November 18.
The District also recognized employees who have reached career milestones with length of service certificates. The certificate is used to recognize federal civilian service in five-year increments.
Recognizing 5 years of service were:
- Frederick L. Fenner
- Lionel C. Martin
- Paul Rodriguez
- Jon P. Stacy
- Tau B. Ly
Recognizing 10 years of service were:
- Kenneth Darko-Kagya
- Jeremy S. Babb
- Kelley McDade
- Luke V. Stevens
- Michael F. Prymula
- David P. Paschall
- Ronald A. Thoman
- Wayne C. Fitzpatrick
Recognizing 15 years of service were:
- Harmon Brown III
- Garret Sullivan
- Joel E. Evans
- Jose L. Lugomartinez
- Kristin Shivers
Recognizing 20 years of service were:
- Clark Bartree
- Kecha N. Bray-Coleman
- Tiffiny L. Mims
Recognizing 25 years of service were:
- Tracey A. Gardner
- Kimberly E. Roberts-Strouds
- Paul A. Petty
Recognizing 30 years of service were:
- Michael E. Braden
- Carlos Hidalgo Jr.
- Carol W. Hodges
Recognizing 35 years of service was Tina Ybarra.
Recognizing 40 years or service was David P. Orr.