NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Matthew Hubbell, maintenance mechanic at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Cordell Hull Lake Resource Manager’s Office, is the employee of the month for September 2019.
Hubbell is being recognized for his work to maintain facilities at Cordell Hull Lake, and as a member of the district’s dive team to set the floating caisson during the unwatering of the upper end of the approach at Kentucky Lock in Grand Rivers, Ky.
“Matt had to safely conduct dives prior to setting the caisson, ensuring that the area was clean and free of debris and other foreign substances that could impede the sealing system of the caisson,” said Maj. Justin Toole, Nashville District deputy commander. “Matt also provided instruction and assistance to the new divers in training and went out of his way to assure that the less experienced divers felt comfortable and confident in their new roles.”
Toole said Hubbell’s determination and positive attitude combined with resourcefulness, initiative and commitment to service is a huge benefit whether he is diving or working as a maintenance mechanic.
Mark Herd, Cordell Hull Lake Resource manager, lauded Hubbell for always doing a great job maintaining the recreation areas at the lake, which includes repairing electrical pedestals and water leaks to maintain 305 campsites with water and electric hook-ups at the project’s campgrounds.
“He not only repairs restroom doors, partitions and fixture, but he is ever mindful of the needs of others,” Herd said. “When another team member asks for assistance Matt is always there and willing to help. He is not only an asset to Cordell Hull, but he is also willing to assist with diving jobs all across the district.”
Herd said Hubbell is a hard worker and family man, and recently attended a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) event at his kids’ school, demonstrating diving equipment and telling the Corps’ story.
Hubbell said he is humbled by his selection as employee of the month, and just tries to do his best job to support the team that maintains 24,000 acres of public lands, five beaches, a dozen bathrooms, eight boat ramps, and more than 300 campsites.
“The job responsibilities are vast,” Hubbell explained. “Some days we have to work on plumbing in our pipe chases to digging up a water line with a mini excavator to replace the broken water line. We have to maintain campsites where there are electrical problems and bad breakers that need to be repaired.”
As a member of the Nashville District Dive Team, Hubbell added that there were challenges supporting the work at Kentucky Lock. He said the team had to sweep the caisson of debris, adjust valves and chambers with air and water, and then position it to create a temporary coffer dam to make it possible to make repairs in the dry.
“Setting the caisson is really unique,” Hubbell said.
Herbie Merritt, Cordell Hull Lake facility manager and civil engineering technician, supervises Hubbell and said he values him because he performs duties with little or no supervision.
“Matthew is a value to our team because his work throughout our project allows our visitors to have a safe recreational experience during their visit to Cordell Hull Lake,” Merritt said. “Matthew is deserving of this recognition because he completes numerous job duties and responsibilities throughout the project.”
Merritt added that his work is typically performed alone and his duties are spread out within several different areas that are miles apart. With recreation areas and campgrounds closing for the season, Hubbell is also credited for cutting off power and winterizing the facilities. Hubbell is also credited with lending a hand with the disassembly and repair of a fire suppression system water pump at the project.
In his off-time, Hubbell said he likes to play racquet ball, hunt, and spend time with his wife and four kids, whom he thanks for their love and support.
For more news, updates and information please follow the Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can also follow Cordell Hull Lake on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cordellhulllake.