US Army Corps of Engineers
Vicksburg District

District Announces Annual Engineer’s Day Awards

Published June 15, 2017
The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana that holds seven major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline levees. The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and supports disaster response in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana that holds seven major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline levees. The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and supports disaster response in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

Vicksburg, Miss… The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District recently hosted its annual Engineer’s Day awards ceremony at District Headquarters.

Darrell W. Sorrels, chief of the office engineering section of Engineering and Construction Division, received the Vicksburg District’s Employee of the Year Award. Sorrels received this award for his exceptional performance in support of the District’s challenging construction mission. While interfacing almost daily with field offices, Office of Counsel, Contracting Division, Project Managers, and Engineering personnel, he diligently and reliably provided sound construction management leadership.

Among other team members receiving awards were:
Michael W. Sorrels, chief of hydraulics branch of Engineering and Construction Division, was the recipient of the Commander’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Equal Employment Opportunity. Sorrels received this award for his commitment to encourage his staff’s participation in outreach events to inform underrepresented minorities of opportunities associated with engineering and the Vicksburg District, as well as his commitment to building a highly capable and diverse team.

Danny L. McPhearson, cost engineer in the technical support branch of Engineering and Construction Division, received the Engineer of the Year Award. He has been instrumental in providing the cost engineering support needed for high priority regional projects when in-house resources were insufficient at other Districts. He is a valuable asset to the District and a resource to the region.

Brandy B. Morrow, park ranger at Sardis Lake, was the recipient of the Park Ranger of the Year Award for her continuous demonstration of willingness to tackle any challenge presented to her. She has exhibited leadership and selfless service in her role at Sardis Lake and routinely demonstrates the ability to excel while completing routine and new tasks.

Alexis L. Murrell, student aide in the hydraulics branch of Engineering and Construction Division, received the Student of the Year Award. Murrell was recognized for her motivation, enthusiasm, and high standard of performance that have resulted in a level of productivity which has greatly enhanced the accomplishment of the District’s mission.

David R. Johnson, chief of water quality section of Engineering and Construction Division, received the STEM Employee of the Year Award for his pattern of excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. He is known and respected for his work and expertise locally, regionally, and nationally pertaining to water quality, environmental planning, and ecological stream restoration.

Lorenzo Minter, registered architect, design branch, Engineering and Construction Division, received the Scientist Award for his willingness to take on challenging projects. He was instrumental in the successful execution of the Vicksburg District’s support to the Transatlantic Afghanistan, New Orleans, and the Memphis Districts.

Marla G. Sigman, budget analyst, Ouachita Project Management Office, Operations Division, received the Administrator Award. Her expertise in accounting and budgeting has been instrumental in the overall execution of obligations and expenditures along six business lines at three lakes, three power plants and the project office.


Contact
Shirley J. Smith
601-631-5223
shirley.j.smith@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-011