FORT BELVOIR, Va. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its Civilian workforce at a national awards ceremony last month at Fort Belvoir.
The event on August 5, which coincided with the 2013 USACE Strategic Leaders’ Conference, was attended by nearly 100 at Fort Belvoir Officers’ Club, to include Army Senior Leaders, Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members.
The evening’s host, Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, and the Command Sergeant Major, Karl J. Groninger, honored each recipient. Col. Richard Toy, Chief of Staff, served as Master of Ceremonies.
Mr. Robert A. Pietrowsky, Director, U. S. Army Engineer Institute for Water Resources, Alexandria, VA, was recognized as the recipient of the 2013 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Gen. John W. Morris Civilian of the Year award, which recognizes the civilian employee determined to have achieved the highest overall standards of excellence as a Corps employee throughout the previous calendar year.
Other winners:
- USACE Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Outstanding Team Achievement Award went to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center: Engineer Research and Development Center.
- The National Contracting Office Leadership Award: Mr. John W. Mayes, Huntsville Engineering and Support Center.
- Sustainability Hero Award: Ms. Sara G. Robert, Baltimore District.
- Operations and Maintenance Castle Award: Mr. Shane C. Roe, Tulsa District.
- USACE Researcher of the Year: Dr. Mihan H. McKenna, Engineer Research and Development Center.
- Program Manager of the Year: Mr. Robert L. Klein, Los Angeles District.
- Project Manager of the Year: Mr. Patrick W. Naher, Far East District.
- Construction Management Excellence Award: Mr. Robert P. Guillot, New Orleans District.
- USACE Engineer of the Year: Mr. Michael F. Zoccola, Nashville District.
"It's always special when we get to take some time out and recognize the hard work and achievements of our USACE personnel and teams,” said Semonite. “The award winners we honor tonight, and those around the world, are an integral part of USACE's legacy of outstanding support to our Army and our Nation through their many programs and initiatives."