In January 2014, Col. Paul Owen, commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, visited Caven Point Marine Terminal in Jersey City, NJ, for a town hall meeting recognizing staff for years of service, updating employees on current news, and touring the facility.
EMPLOYEE BRIEFING
After a brief update on plans for a new building at Caven Point from John Tavolaro, deputy chief, operations, Col. Owen addressed an audience of nearly 60 employees gathered inside the warehouse. He spoke on a number of items: building a new barracks at West Point Military Academy, the largest project in the region; completion of the New York Harbor deepening project in fall 2014, which could generate interest from military and elected officials; passage of a $1.1 trillion government-wide spending bill averting a shutdown or furloughs through September 30, 2014; the possibility of the District’s Manhattan offices relocating to 1 World Trade Center in 2015 (no impact on Caven Point); and the workload returning to a more “steady state,” conservatively expanding staff to meet demands.
Some 31 District employees were then recognized for years of service. Greeted individually by the colonel, employees received framed certificates and pins recognizing their achievements and took photos with the colonel. Col. Owen thanked them for their efforts and, discussing the excellent reputation of the New York District, said, “I continue to get accolades about the work you’ve done.”
EMPLOYEE AWARD NOMINATION
Col. Owen also recognized Anthony Lauria, heavy mobile equipment supervisor, for his outstanding work after Hurricane Sandy in fall 2012 and noted that Mr. Lauria has been nominated for the Operations and Maintenance Castle Award, Support of Civil Work Infrastructures, recognizing employees demonstrating the principles of Army’s values, Corps’ vision, command goals and mission in the accomplishment of their assigned duties. Nomination criteria included: performance, career accomplishments, specific contribution, self-development, customer service, safety and technical innovation.
The visit then moved outdoors where the colonel boarded several District vessels to speak with personnel. He also spent time with construction and survey divisions to discuss ongoing projects and initiatives related to Hurricane Sandy.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
The following staff were recognized for years of service:
5 YEARS: Linda Doherty-Guenther, Ronald M. Greenbaum, Dominick Parlatti, Raymond W. Ryan.
10 YEARS: Karen C. Cadeumag, Eugene Fountain, Bruce Gardner, Lee R. George III, Patrick Kearns, Daniel J. Smith.
15 YEARS: James F. Branigan, III, Eric Gundersen, John L. Mraz.
20 YEARS: Hugh M. Booker, William Carl, Daniel W. Florio, Michael Marcello, Daniel S. Petrie, Francis Postiglione.
25 YEARS: Gerald Giacchetti, Jerome L. Hawkins, Maritza Lopez, Reginald Smith.
30 YEARS: Constance Black, Mark C. Forte, Anthony Lauria, Adam Manzano, Stanley D. Miksza, Elizabeth Post.
35 YEARS: Brian C. Aballo, Raymond Drayton.