Great Lakes and Ohio River Division LRD Employee Spotlight: Barry Wright, Safety and Occupational Health Manager
What is your name?
Barry Wright
What is your official job title?
Safety & Occupational Health Manager
What section/department do you work in?
LRD Safety Office
How did you first learn about USACE?
Through my experience as a DoD civilian in the Air Force.
How has LRD helped you in your career development?
It has given me opportunities for advancement and to continue my service as a DoD Civilian employee
What advice do you have for prospective LRD candidates?
Always seek opportunities to learn and build your knowledgebase.
What do you like most about the Corps of Engineers?
The history of the Corps and the expanse of the mission throughout the world.
If you could have any job in the world what would it be?
Teacher in my profession
Before working here, what was an interesting job you had?
Working as an Industrial Hygienist for the NASA Space Shuttle program Medical Recovery Team
What is your hidden talent?
Used to be painting and drawing but I’m way out of practice, however looking forward to picking it up again in retirement
Describe what you were like at age 10.
kind of an introvert, Momma’s boy
Do you have a favorite quote?
"If a man has done his best, what else is there?" ~ General George S. Patton
Do you have an office nickname? What is it?
Not that I’m aware of but would be curious to know.
Do you recall any embarrassing moment at work?
The time I wore one black shoe and one brown shoe to work, that’ll teach me to get dressed in the dark!
How do you define success?
Accepting the challenges put in front of you, and feeling the pride of accomplishment.
What is your favorite quote? Why?
"If a man has done his best, what else is there?" ~ General George S. Patton
What's your favorite sports team?
I don’t know if I have just one, but I’m a Tennessee fan and like the St. Louis Cardinals as well as the Seattle Seahawks.
If you could meet anyone, living or deceased, who would you meet and why?
Orville and Wilbur Wright, I have had flying in my blood as far back as I can remember, from my first ride in a plane at 6 y/o to becoming a pilot, these are the pioneers of aviation, and amaze me of what they accomplished in their time.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Iron Maiden, 1985, World Slavery Tour, yep a metal head at heart
What was the last book you read?
Protecting the President by Dan Bongino
What's your favorite book?
Travels with Charley: In search of America ~ John Steinbeck
If you could visit anywhere in the world you've never been, where would you go?
Japan
If you could be an animal, which would you be?
Either one of our dogs, if I could be spoiled like they are!
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
An usher at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Kevin James
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Woodworking
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
Flying and Riding my Harley
What is the last movie you watched?
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
What is your personal philosophy?
Simply, don’t be lazy, don’t be stupid, never stop learning, be happy with the one that stares back at you in the mirror.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Semi retired and being a college professor at Columbia Southern University.
Do you have pets? If so, what kind(s)/name(s)?
Miniature Schnauzer – Rigby, and Yorkie Poo – Eileen (a.k.a. Baby)
What's your favorite food or meal?
Fuddruckers, medium burger with all the fixin’s, NO PICKLE
What's your favorite family tradition and why?
Christmas get togethers, only time we get to see the whole family.
Would you say you are an introvert or extrovert?
Depends on the audience
If you were stuck on a desert island but your food and water were already taken care of, what two things would you bring?
Sunscreen and a hat
What type of music/artists/bands are on your current playlist?
Classic Rock, Hair Bands, Heavy metal
What was the last gift you gave someone and why?
Wine, electric wine opener and Starbucks card for Birthday
What's the most adventurous thing you've done (i.e. mountain climbing, skydiving, white water rafting)?
Flying
Three words to best describe you:
Loyal, Realist, Conservative
Which cartoon character would you most like to switch lives with?
Thomas the Tank Engine
Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?
Flying Cars
What are three things on your bucket list?
Get my Hot Air Balloon License, get my CSP Certification, Travel across the US for an entire summer in an RV.
What is your favorite way to spend the weekend?
Hanging out with the grandkids or staycationing in the state.
If you could go back to any time in history, where would you go and/or why?
Early 1900s, aviation pioneering
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you…
I lived in Antarctica for a year of my life, I used to scuba dive, I like to cook
Top three life highlights?
Traveled to the North and South Pole, my children being born, getting my pilots license
What are your three most overused words/phrases?
Dang, Howdy, and Man
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
Don’t quit and do your best
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
Yesterday watching a JibJab video with my Granddaughter
Where is your favorite place to eat?
Krystal or White Castle
Where is your hometown?
Memphis, Tennessee
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
Japan but would settle for Hawaii my wife hasn’t been to either
Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster?
Tiny Elephant
You’d like to be famous for?
My Dad jokes
You’re happiest when?
Flying