OMAHA, Neb. – More than 500 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District team members attended the inaugural district awards ceremony at the Holland Performing Arts Center Oct. 17, 2024.
For many years, awards have been presented during the annual Corps Day event, so the goal of this ceremony was to create a separate event where award winners are properly recognized for their efforts.
“This is a great organization filled with great people, and they deserve to have an event like this where we can highlight just a few of our outstanding performers,” said Col. Robert Newbauer, Omaha District commander.
Bret Budd, a retired, longtime district member, was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees, while Edward Brown, a facility services assistant at the Missouri River Program Office, and Brittney Raggett, a program analyst, were named the Norma I. Kolbe Memorial and General William M. Hoge award recipients respectfully.
Also honored during the ceremony were the Army Civilian Commendation or Achievement medal recipients for their role in the June 2024 flood fight as well as length of service, safety, and other district award categories.
“The ceremony was really, really good,” said Lee McCormick, Contracting Division civil branch chief. “During Corps Day the award winners really didn’t get the same attention, so this was a good way to put the focus on those individuals.”
In addition to the aforementioned awards, nine individuals and two teams were recognized for winning USACE level awards.
“The event was a great platform to honor the award winners,” said Zachary Michka, Engineering Division engineer technician. “And it was funny as well as not too long or too short.”
Overall, more than 300 district members and six teams were recognized.
The plan moving forward is for the awards ceremony to be held annually at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
“I’m hopeful this event continues on long after I’ve moved on from command,” Newbauer said. “The Omaha District is filled with dedicated Americans who serve our nation on a daily basis, and they deserve to be formally recognized for their achievements.”