USACE Vicksburg recognizes long-serving staff at Founder’s Day

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District marked its 152nd anniversary last Friday with a Founder’s Day ceremony recognizing employee service and achievements.

District Commander Col. Jeremiah Gipson honored employees for federal service ranging from five to 45 years. Several individuals received top civilian honors, including the Meritorious Civilian Service Award presented to Lanny Barfield, Donald Ladd, Michael Navin, Julie Vignes, Neal Lewis, Jennings Hayes, Perry Williams, Carter Brandon, Daniel Carney, John White, Anthony Lobred and William “Bill” Richards.

The Yazoo Backwater Pump Environmental Impact Statement Assessment Team was recognized as USACE Project Development Team of the Year, an award highlighting excellence in planning, coordination and execution.

Laura Barlow, James Cumberland and Natalie Kneipp received the Civilian Service Achievement Medal, while Tim Campion and Eric Ricks were awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal. K.C. Ellis was honored with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his role in transitioning operations and maintenance of five locks and dams along the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway.

Nine employees graduated from the Vicksburg District Leadership Program, which prepares personnel for supervisory roles: Destiny Garcia, Chase Gartrell, Heather Jackson, Richard Jacobson, Shawn McBay, Anthony Miller, Erin Pettway, Kelvin Phillips and Willie Thomas. Nine more employees were announced as members of the next class, along with three selected for the 2026 Emerging Leader program.

The Vicksburg District oversees a 68,000-square-mile area across Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. Its work includes management of nine river basins, 460 miles of Mississippi River levees, and hundreds of projects with support from roughly 1,100 employees.