June 12, 2025 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District recognized dedicated personnel at the annual Corps of Engineers Day Awards Ceremony at the District headquarters on Thursday, June 12.
The following employees received individual honorary awards:
Mason Jarabica, Dam Safety Program Manager in the Engineer and Construction Division, received the Employee of the Year Award for his deep commitment to Army values through a strong work ethic and dedication to the Corps’ mission. He has been the embodiment of the best in USACE and the Vicksburg District by daily demonstrating the Army values through a tireless commitment to the Corps’ mission and to dam safety with a true attitude of servant leadership.
Noah Vroman, Director of the Levee Safety Center, received the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). He was recognized for outstanding leadership in recruiting, developing, and mentoring minorities and women in the Engineering and Construction Division of the Vicksburg District.
Thomas Fowler, a Construction Quality Control Representative at the Greenwood Area Office, received the Paddle Wheel Award for distinguished service, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to the USACE mission. His technical excellence, project delivery leadership, and mentorship of future quality assurance professionals reflect great credit upon himself, the Greenwood Area Office, and the Vicksburg District.
Karlee Barfield, Budget Analyst for the Management Support Branch in the Operations Division, received the Volunteer Leadership Award which recognizes employees who lead special projects that benefit the community, fellow employees, and the district. She was recognized for selfless service on the Employee Recreation Outreach Committee and other volunteer activities in the Vicksburg District and the Vicksburg community.
Thomas McCoy, the Chief Engineer with the Dredge Jadwin, received the Wage Grade Leadership Award, which recognizes a wage system supervisor who has demonstrated a pattern of excellence in performance of their duties leading their crew to accomplish quality, productive and safe work, serving as a role model for other wage system employees.
Vickie Williams, Budget Technician in the Construction Branch, received the Administrator Award, which recognizes non-supervisory employees in the business-technical or administrative support occupations.
Ronnie Mackey, Plant and Facilities Manager for the Operations division, received the Professional Award, which recognizes employees in positions covered by the Office of Personnel Management’s qualification standards for administrative, management, professional and scientific positions other than engineers and scientists.
Cowan Hunter, Park Rangerat Sardis Lake,received the Park Ranger Award for his outstanding performance in visitor assistance, water safety and natural resource management duties.
Dakota Kolb, Geologist with the Geotechnical Branch, received the Scientist Award, which recognizes employees in environmental fields who demonstrate hard work and dedication to their field.
Leah DeYoung, Chief of Dredging Unit, received the Engineer Award for exemplary performance by applying engineering principles, communicating objectives, organizing, and executing work while engaging with personnel and customers.
Michele Moore, A-E Coordinator for the Tech Support Branch, also received the Engineer Award for exceptional dedication, commitment, and selfless service to the Engineering & Construction Division, the Vicksburg District, and the region.
Peggy Thorne, a Workforce Management Specialist in the Project Resources Management Branch,received the Emergency Manager of the Year Award for providing valuable services to the ESF Debris Team in response to the 2024 Hurricane Helene Emergency Response in East Tennessee.
Public Affairs Specialist, Helen Wright, received the Vicksburg District Emergency Manager Award for her efforts as a volunteer on the Vicksburg Debris Planning and Readiness Team where she has deployed three times to East Tennessee to help assist residents after Hurricane Helene.
Dendy Davenport, a Civil Engineer in the Hydraulics Branch of Engineering and Construction Division, received the STEM Employee of the Year Award, which gives special recognition to the employee who has demonstrated a pattern of high achievement, excellence, and leadership in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Two 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.
The following teams received honorary awards:
The Subsistence Unit Team was commended as the recipient of a Team Award based on outstanding service supporting seven mission-critical vessels, such as the Mat Sinking Unit, Dredge Jadwin, and MV Mississippi, across the Vicksburg and Memphis Districts.
The Team Safety Award was presented to the Load Handling Equipment Team for their outstanding dedication and performance during 2024 reflecting their commitment to safe operation and training, as well as their unmatched professionalism and dedication to the USACE Load Handling Equipment Mission.
The Rope Access Team also received a Team Safety Award for exceptional dedication to safety and mission success by completing high-risk inspections across multiple sites. The Rope Access Team consists of six members from the Engineering and Construction Division.
The Wage Grade Team Award was presented to the Lake Chicot and Tensas-Cocodrie Pumping Plants Teams for exceptional performance in operating and maintaining four critical pump stations across the Vicksburg District by supporting multiple maintenance projects, pumping operations, and upheld a strong safety record.
The following employees were also recognized:
Rebecca Sigh received a Commendation Medal for her outstanding achievements as a Budget Analyst in the Budget and Manpower Office, Resource Management Division.
Catherine Lott received a Commendation Medal for her exceptional service as a Civil Accountant in the Finance and Accounting Office of the Resource Management Division.
Diamonde Wilkerson received a Commendation Medal for her outstanding achievements as acting Finance and Accounting Officer in the Finance and Accounting Office, Resource Management Division.
Brad Arcement received a Commendation Medal for his exceptional service as Branch Chief for the Levee Safety Center. He inspired and compelled the Vicksburg District staff to seek professional growth and excellence. Achieving professional licensure reflects the Corps’ commitment to quality while delivering vital engineering solutions.
Adam Hamby, Professional Land Surveyor in the Technical Support Branch, received a Commendation Medal for his outstanding achievements while serving as a professional land surveyor on the team that has been monitoring the foundation issues at Columbia Lock & Dam.
Lane Vargas, A-E Coordinator for the Tech Support Branch,received a Commendation Medal for her outstanding achievement while leading and assuming additional duties to the Architect-Engineer (A-E) Services Team, Technical Support Branch, Engineering and Construction Division.
Vicksburg District Commander Jeremiah Gipson, and employee of the year, Vicksburg District Dam Safety Program Manager Mason Jarabica. (Courtesy photo)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District news release
