USACE recognizes employee excellence at annual awards day

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District honored outstanding employees and teams at its annual awards ceremony, recognizing excellence, leadership, and dedication across a wide range of roles and missions.

Mason Jarabica, Dam Safety Program Manager in the Engineering and Construction Division, received the Employee of the Year Award for his tireless commitment to the Corps’ mission and Army values. Known for his servant leadership and dedication to dam safety, Jarabica exemplifies the best of the Vicksburg District.

Noah Vroman, Director of the Levee Safety Center, earned the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for his leadership in recruiting and mentoring women and minorities in engineering and construction roles.

Thomas Fowler, Construction Quality Control Representative at the Greenwood Area Office, was presented the Paddle Wheel Award for distinguished service and mentorship of future quality assurance professionals.

Karlee Barfield, Budget Analyst in the Operations Division, received the Volunteer Leadership Award for her selfless work with the Employee Recreation Outreach Committee and volunteer efforts throughout the community.

Thomas McCoy, Chief Engineer on the Dredge Jadwin, earned the Wage Grade Leadership Award for excellence in supervisory performance and commitment to crew safety and productivity.

Vickie Williams, Budget Technician in the Construction Branch, received the Administrator Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions in administrative support.

Ronnie Mackey, Plant and Facilities Manager, was presented the Professional Award, which honors exemplary service in administrative and technical professional roles.

Cowan Hunter, Park Ranger at Sardis Lake, was recognized with the Park Ranger Award for his commitment to visitor safety and resource management.

Dakota Kolb, Geologist in the Geotechnical Branch, earned the Scientist Award for excellence and dedication in environmental science.

Leah DeYoung, Chief of the Dredging Unit, and Michele Moore, A-E Coordinator, both received the Engineer Award for their leadership, engineering expertise, and dedication to mission success.

Peggy Thorne, Workforce Management Specialist, received the Emergency Manager of the Year Award for her critical support during the Hurricane Helene response in East Tennessee.

Helen Wright, Public Affairs Specialist, earned the Vicksburg District Emergency Manager Award for her volunteer service on the Debris Planning and Readiness Team.

Dendy Davenport, Civil Engineer in the Hydraulics Branch, received the STEM Employee of the Year Award for his leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Student of the Year Awards

Two USACE employees received Student of the Year awards. First is Alysha Murrell, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, ingenuity, and commitment to excellence within the Design Branch of the Engineering and Construction Division. The second is Tanner Chambers, who is commended for his exceptionally meritorious service as a Student Trainee in the Technical Support Section, Project Resources Management Branch, Operations Division.

Honorary Awards

• The Subsistence Unit Team earned a Team Award for supporting seven critical vessels across districts.
• The Load Handling Equipment Team and the Rope Access Team were recognized with Team Safety Awards for their safe operations during high-risk projects.
• The Lake Chicot and Tensas-Cocodrie Pumping Plants Teams received the Wage Grade Team Award for maintaining critical infrastructure and safety performance.

Commendation Medals Awards

• Rebecca Sigh, Catherine Lott, and Diamonde Wilkerson for outstanding work in budget and finance.
• Brad Arcement for his leadership in the Levee Safety Center.
• Adam Hamby for contributions in land surveying at Columbia Lock & Dam.
• Lane Vargas for leading the Architect-Engineer Services Team.

With a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees, the USACE Vicksburg District oversees a 68,000-square-mile area across Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, managing nine major river basins and 460 miles of levees. The district continues to lead with distinction in solving the nation’s toughest engineering challenges.