Corps Talk Patrick Bloodgood

In this special episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser sit down with some of the most esteemed figures of our team. Join us as we celebrate the exemplary careers of Ava Benson, Betty Grey Waring, Pete Reilly, Wirt Shinault, and Robert Pretlow, the latest inductees into our prestigious Gallery of Distinguished Employees. This conversation underscores how these distinguished individuals employed perseverance and passion during their decades of tenure in service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Each of these individuals has contributed 30-45 years towards enhancing Virginia’s infrastructure and conserving its ecosystems. Their stories are not just about personal achievements but about fostering community growth and building lasting relationships.

This induction comes after more than a decade-long pause. The District resumed its tradition of honoring the unparalleled dedication of its team members with induction into this "hall of fame" in March of 2024.

In this special episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser sit down with some of the most esteemed figures of our team. Join us as we celebrate the exemplary careers of Ava Branson, Betty Grey Waring, Pete Reilly, Wirt Shinault, and Robert Pretlow, the latest inductees into our prestigious Gallery of Distinguished Employees. This conversation underscores how these distinguished individuals employed perseverance and passion during their decades of tenure in service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Each of these individuals has contributed 30-45 years towards enhancing Virginia’s infrastructure and conserving its ecosystems. Their stories are not just about personal achievements but about fostering community growth and building lasting relationships.

This induction comes after more than a decade-long pause. The District resumed the tradition of honoring the unparalleled dedication of its team members with induction into this "hall of fame" in March 2024.

Have you been wondering what steps the government and our community are actually taking to address climate and environmental changes?

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser meet with Dr. Russ Burke (Environmental Biologist and Professor at Christopher Newport University), David Schulte (USACE Biologist and Project Planner), and Heather Lockwood (USACE Biologist and Project Manager) discuss some of the history, lessons learned, and successes associated with oyster population restoration efforts.

Highlighting improved water quality conditions within Chesapeake Bay tributaries, they discuss the vital roles played by local, federal, and non-profit organizations in ecosystem restoration initiatives such as the Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project. This comprehensive effort, led by USACE biologist Heather Lockwood, aims to rejuvenate wetlands, aquatic vegetation, and oyster reefs, contributing to the bay's wildlife, recreation, and local economy, especially for seafood businesses.

Watch this video to learn more about how the success of these projects will have a lasting impact on the Chesapeake Bay's wildlife, recreation opportunities, and local commerce, particularly for businesses that harvest fish, oysters, and other sea creatures.

For more information about the Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project, visit: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/LynnhavenEco/

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James and Maj. Tony Funkhouser meet with Thomas Booth (USACE - Norfolk District Chief of Engineering and Construction Branch) and Sharika Wannemacher (Workforce Coordinator) to discuss recruiting efforts, professional development opportunities and possible incentives to be had with a career at USACE. Watch this episode to learn how a career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District can be both personally fulfilling and professionally beneficial regardless of whether you are a real estate/contract specialist, executive assistant, lawyer, biologist or engineer.

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James and Maj. Tony Funkhouser meet with Lesley Dobbins-Noble (USACE - Norfolk District Chief of Operations Branch) and Chuck Sanders (civil structural engineer) to discuss how their respective branches often collaborate to help the District achieve its mission to provide effective engineering solutions for some of the Nation's and Commonwealth's toughest challenges. Watch this episode to learn how USACE projects in your backyard help support the local economy and national security.

Join us in this special podcast episode as we explore the career of Richard Klein, recently retired Chief of the Programs and Civil Works Branch at the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). With a remarkable 45-year tenure that ended on December 19, Mr. Klein offers a wealth of stories, insights, and inspiration from his journey in civil engineering.

Listen as James, Maj. Funkhouser and Mr. Klein delve into topics like professional development in engineering, the value of mentorship, adapting to changes, and building lasting relationships with partners and stakeholders. This episode is a valuable resource for both current engineers and those about to embark on their career path.