Corps Talk

CORPS TALK: Bridging Futures - Facilitating Purpose (E10, S04) Sep 04, 2024

In this insightful episode, James Walker and Maj. Funkhouser sit down with Saniyah Roberts-Dove, a recent student intern at the Norfolk District, to discuss the impact of the ongoing partnership between the Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Saniyah shares her personal experiences, highlighting how this collaboration is shaping future leaders and providing invaluable opportunities for students, universities, the Corps, and the broader community. Tune in to learn more about how this partnership is creating a bridge between academia and practical engineering experience, supporting the development of a new generation of engineers who are ready to take on real-life challenges of tomorrow. For more information on the AMIE partnership, visit AMIE Partnerships. For more information on how you can potentially intern at USACE Norfolk District, reach out to Sharika Wannemacher, the Norfolk District Workforce Coordinator: sharika.s.wannemacher@usace.army.mil The video version of this podcast can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CowsAkmUeRI

Corps Talk: A Time for Change (S04, E09) Jul 22, 2024

In this episode of Corps Talk, Maj. Tony Funkhouser, James Walker, and Col. Sonny B. Avichal—the newly appointed 61st Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District—delve into the transformative nature of change and its impact on both personal and organizational development. On July 12, 2024, Col. Brian Hallberg officially relinquished command of the Norfolk District to Col. Avichal. In this engaging discussion, Col. Avichal addresses the community served by the Corps and the Corps employees themselves, assuring everyone that USACE will continue to uphold its esteemed reputation. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership transition, the future of the Norfolk District, and the ongoing commitment of USACE to excellence and community service. Link to the full video version is HERE: https://youtu.be/Hzi-G3Am0vo?si=39JBoBTNS6b_fEtp

New b-roll video shows Baltimore bridge cutting at wreckage processing yard Jun 24, 2024

This is b-roll filmed April 11 at the new 10-acre laydown yard being used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to process wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge site. An estimated 50,000 tons of concrete and steel collapsed; once removed, wreckage is sorted and transported two miles away by barge to Sparrows Point. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel. Sections: 1) Waterfront: 0:00-1:00 2) USACE official inspection: 1:00-2:43 3) Processing yard (wide & closeup): 2:43-5:55 4) Steel - torch cutting: 5:55-7:32 5) Steel - machine cutting: 7:32-11:05

Corps Talk: Building the Future (S04, E08) Jun 07, 2024

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James and Maj. Tony Funkhouser sit down with Aubrey Moore, a student from Princess Anne High School. Aubrey shares her passion for research and environmental restoration, detailing how she and her classmates gain hands-on experience at a wetlands restoration site right behind their school. This effort is part of the larger Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project, a collaborative initiative between the City of Virginia Beach and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The podcast also features interviews with Gina Dotolo, a USACE Biologist, and Jim Milliken, a Water Quality Improvement Specialist with the City of Virginia Beach. They discuss the significance of the project and how their organizations plan to build a better future through their partnership. For more information about the wetlands portion of this project, click here: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Lynnhaven-River-Ecosystem-Restoration/Wetland-Restoration/ This learn more about the Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project go to: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/LynnhavenEco/

Corps Talk: The Honor of Service (S04, 07) May 01, 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 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.

Corps Talk: The Honor of Service (S04, 07) May 01, 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.

Corps Talk: Legacy of Continued Improvement (S04, E06) Apr 03, 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/

Corps Talk: Careers for Growth at USACE - Norfolk District (S04, E05) Mar 06, 2024

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.

CORPS TALK: Living and Working with Water (S04, E04) Feb 07, 2024

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.

CORPS TALK: A Legacy of Solutions (S04, E03) Jan 03, 2024

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.

CORPS TALK: A Great Time and Place to be an Engineer (S04, E02) Nov 30, 2023

In the latest episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser have an engaging chat with Norfolk District's own Abbe Preddy and Holly Berckenhoff. They dive into Abbe and Holly's inspiring career paths, from their academic days to playing pivotal roles in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. Tune in to hear how these two up-and-coming professionals gained valuable experience and unexpected levels of expertise, contributing to the Norfolk District's mission to provide innovated engineering solutions some of the nation's toughest challenges. You don't want to miss this insightful episode!

CORPS TALK: Glancing Back to Move Forward (S4, E1) Nov 01, 2023

In this episode of Corps Talk, Heather Lockwood and Drew Gebler, both project managers, take a retrospective look at their experiences from the past year. They discuss their team's achievements and the valuable insights gained in the areas of communication, commitment, and collaboration. Tune in to discover their sources of motivation and learn about their plans for applying these lessons in their future endeavors, as they continue their mission to provide engineering solutions to some of the Nation's most toughest challenges.

Corps Talk: It's all about balance, baby. (S2Ep2) Apr 02, 2023

In this episode, it's about the special balance maintained by the people. programs and projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We take a look into how the regulatory program balances the needs of the environment and the needs of progress; we see how our new equal employment opporunity chief balances people and the organization to create a strong and resilient workforce; finally, the balance of the Norfolk District's role in our military construction program -- delivering the project to are partners. Norfolk District website: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ Norfolk District Regulatory webpage: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Contacts/ Regulator of the Day 757-201-7652 Tom Walker, Chief, Regulatory Branch, 757-201-7657 Kim Prisco-Baggett, Deputy Chief/Chief, Special Projects Section, 757-201-7873 Todd Miller Chief, Southern Section, 804-323-3782 Pete Kube Chief, Eastern Section, 757-201-7504 Jennifer Serafin, Chief, Western Section, 540-344-1498 Tucker Smith, Chief, Northern Section, 757-201-7653

Corps Talk: Seeing the forest for the trees (S3:E3) May 05, 2022

In this episode, the host proven so very, very wrong. It's all about timber harvests and how cutting down trees in the Raystown Lake area of Pennsylvania is critical to the environment. Listen to Alisha Palmer, natural resource specialist at Raystown Lake Project; Glenn Warner, forester at Rayston Lake Project; and Andrew Wiley, forrester in the Real Estate Section of the Norfolk District. Shout outs for this episode go to: Andy Wiley Alisha Palmer Glenn Warner

Corps Talk: Listen, Learn & Lead (S3:E2) Mar 02, 2022

In this episode, we’re talking about leadership – the good, the bad and the habits of both. Andie kicks it off with the Norfolk District’s Leadership Development Program by asking about the pathways to leadership, lessons learned and a few good stories. In the second segment (00;31;00), we catch up with Mike Anderson, Norfolk District Operations Branch, Design Section chief, outside in Fort Norfolk to get the latest on his team’s top project (hint, it’s the Norfolk Harbor Deepening). While Andie and Mike are talking, they touch on the topic of leadership styles and how Mike keeps his engineers engaged and resilient – especially during the most challenging projects. https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB https://twitter.com/norfolkdistrict https://nao.usace.army.mil https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/CorpsTalk/ https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Archive/Story-Article-View/Article/2398266/leadership-development-program-grows-leaders-at-all-levels/#:~:text=LDP%20is%20a%20USACE%20program,each%20with%20different%20focus%20areas. Specials thanks to: Eartha Garrett Barry Kimbrough Jory Bunn Mike Anderson Col. Brian Hallberg Jae Walker Mark Haviland

Corps Talk: Agile & Educated (S3:E1) Feb 04, 2022

It’s January 2022 and this is Corps Talk, the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official podcast. The theme for this season's first episode is “Agile and Educated,” which is what the Department of the Army, the country, the commonwealth, the community and our partners need from us. Our first segment reviews the latest info related to our district's COVID measures, which was recorded late January – so by the time this episode drops will have probably been updated. OUr second segment is an education on the life and work of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., coordinated by our Equal Employment Opportunity Office and Mission Support Division here, and is unlike anything most of us have ever heard before. We loaded the entire presentation given by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Norfolk State University history professor, College of Liberal Arts dean, and Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center for African Diaspora Studies director. SIDENOTE: Segment 2 starts at about 37 minutes into the episode. https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/ https://www.cdc.gov/ https://www.nsu.edu/ https://www.nsu.edu/Academics/Research/Foundations-and-Centers-of-Excellence/Roberts-Center https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-norfolk-district Twitter: @norfolkdistrict Corps Talk on YouTube: https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-norfolk-district

Corps Talk: It's all about balance, baby. (S2Ep2) Nov 02, 2021

In this episode, it's about the special balance maintained by the people. programs and projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We take a look into how the regulatory program balances the needs of the environment and the needs of progress; we see how our new equal employment opporunity chief balances people and the organization to create a strong and resilient workforce; finally, the balance of the Norfolk District's role in our military construction program -- delivering the project to are partners. Norfolk District website: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ Norfolk District Regulatory webpage: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Contacts/ Regulator of the Day 757-201-7652 Tom Walker, Chief, Regulatory Branch, 757-201-7657 Kim Prisco-Baggett, Deputy Chief/Chief, Special Projects Section, 757-201-7873 Todd Miller Chief, Southern Section, 804-323-3782 Pete Kube Chief, Eastern Section, 757-201-7504 Jennifer Serafin, Chief, Western Section, 540-344-1498 Tucker Smith, Chief, Northern Section, 757-201-7653

Corps Talk: The Filter Episode (S2Ep1) Aug 26, 2021

In this episode of Corps Talk, it's all about filters. See how leadership filters are applied by the new district commander, Col. Brian Hallberg, to help deliver the mission; how an environmental restoration project is based on using natural filtration to help return the Chesapeake Bay to health; and, hear what Women's Equality Day 2021 looks like through the filter of one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' leading ladies, Ms. Karen Baker. https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.nad.usace.army.mil/ https://www.vbschools.com/ https://www.vbgov.com/Pages/default.aspx https://www.cbf.org/ https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/commemorations/womens-equality-day/ NAOonFB @norfolkdistrict

Corps Talk: ¡ponte las pilas! (S1Ep9) Nov 24, 2020

Title: Corps Talk: ¡ponte las pilas! (S1Ep9) YouTube Title: Corps Talk: ¡ponte las pilas! (S1Ep9) VIRIN: 200918-A-SO401-1001 It’s National Hispanic American Heritage Month, so this episode we're asking our listeners to “¡ponte las pilas!” or “wake up and listen!” to our special on Fort Norfolk – the home of the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Patrick brings us his final Corp Talk piece and gets the background on this little-known gem from a local historian. This two-chapter segment is broken up by Andie, who reviews that latest Great Places to Work opportunities, as well as news from around the district. For past episodes, go to our website or social media channels. SHOW NOTES: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB/ https://twitter.com/norfolkdistrict https://hispanicheritagemonth.gov/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/About/Visit-Fort-Norfolk/ Norfolk Historical Society: https://norfolkhistoricalsociety.wildapricot.org/ Usajobs.gov

Corps Talk: Dredging for Compliments (S1Ep10) Nov 24, 2020

Corps Talk: Dredging for Compliments S1:Ep10 Last episode, Corps Talk had a special segment about their home – historic Fort Norfolk. And this month’s episode is absolutely nothing like that. Andie qualifies her inability to make deadlines by blaming the District Commander’s Course, which the Norfolk District hosted in October to assist incoming district commanders and deputy commanders in the Corps. On the flip side, though, she was able to track down and interview leadership throughout the USACE to see who is best in shameless self-promotion of their district and its people (Hint: find out who the winner is in the final chapter of the episode). Next month’s episode will feature our SSPD (Shameless Self-Promoting District) Award winning district. To get the video + audio experience with this episode, go to our YouTube pages and head to our Corps Talk playlist, S1:Ep10 -or- use this link: https://youtu.be/3GWXbyKXBH8 Chapter 1 – How we delivered (00:03:47) Chapter 2 – Thoughts from a deputy commander (00:12:53) Chapter 3 – Inside the commander’s studio (00:29:05) Chapter 4 – Why it all matters (00:55:15) Chapter 5 – Corps Talk’s inaugural awards program (01:05:05) Norfolk District: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ Little Rock District: https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/ Little Rock careers page: https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Careers/Join-the-Team/ St. Louis District: https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/ Portland District: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/ https://www.facebook.com/PortlandCorps/

Corps Talk: Empowered to Deliver (S1Ep8) Aug 17, 2020

In this episode, we're not sure if it's Patrick's last time on Corps Talk or not! We DO know that he spent time talking with our award-winning Logistics Readiness Office team and quizzed the crew on what it takes to keep the district delivering during a pandemic. Andie eked out a last-minute interview with the Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist and got the skinny on what Women's Equality Day looks like at the district (hint: it's not just female). The episode rounds out with News from Around the District and Great Places to Work.

Corps Talk: Stop, Innovate and Listen! (S1Ep7) Jul 10, 2020

In this episode, Patrick talks with two members of the district who are knee deep in all things Florida studies. Andie catches up with the folks on the front lines of COVID-19 response and finds out how their creative thinking saved precious hours during alternate-care facility inspections. The chief of small business operations owns a segment in which she describes the roles of the small business program, as well as lists upcoming events for small business contractors to work with the Norfolk District. The episode rounds out with the Great Places to Work segment and news from around the district.

Corps Talk: An ounce of preparedness is worth a pound of sand (S1Ep6) Jun 12, 2020

In this episode, Andie has a candid chat with Norfolk District and city of Virginia Beach personnel about all things beach-renourishment. Patrick catches up with the Emergency Management Office amid all the happenings of 2020. The episode finishes up with the Norfolk District news for June.

Corps talk: Working in the Chrysalis (S1Ep5) May 08, 2020

In this episode our hosts explore what the Norfolk District's post-pandemic "new normal" may look like. Andie hosts a segment with the navigation support and survey team, discussing their role in clearing hazards to navigation. Patrick's segment serves as a Memorial Day observance as he finds out more about the district's work at Arlington National Cemetery. And as always, the team rounds out the show with this month's news segment.

Corps Talk: Not Business as Usual (S1Ep4) Apr 10, 2020

This episode is not business-as-usual as the Team figures out how to operate during the current global pandemic COVID-19. Patrick was able to catch up with a district member on the front lines, leading a team assisting partner agencies in building alternate-care facilities. Andie recorded a call with Lt. Col. Samms, the district deputy commander, to hear the timeline and the decisions made to deliver the mission, while keeping employees safe. Corps Talk continues with the monthly Great Places to Work segment and finishes with News from Around the District. www.nao.usace.army.mil www.nao.usace.army.mil/Coronavirus/ www.nao.usace.army.mil/Careers/ www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/ www.dvidshub.net CorpsTalk@usace.army.mil DLL-CENAO-PA@usace.army.mil 757-201-7606 https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Careers/ https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB/ https://twitter.com/norfolkdistrict https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CaHIglvcXQ

Corps Talk: The Recognition Episode Mar 13, 2020

In this episode, the hosts recognize the women of the Norfolk District and the role they play in floodplain management, as well as engineering and construction. The latest district news and the Great Places to Work segment round out this episode. CorpsTalk@usace.army.mil DLL-CENAO-PA@usace.army.mil/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Careers/ https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB/ https://www.twitter.com/norfolkdistrict https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ https://silverjackets.nfrmp.us/State-Teams/Virginia https://www.usajobs.gov/

Corps Talk: Who We Are (S1Ep2) Feb 14, 2020

In this episode we meet more members of the Norfolk District. The first segment addresses the Deep Creek Bridge project and some of the challenges the city of Chesapeake and District are working to overcome and deliver the mission. Then we introduce a marine biologist who has had a whale of a career that eventually led her to join the USACE team. Also, the Great Places to Work special guest answers questions from the District's Facebook page and offers some tips on applying for federal careers. Last, we hear an overview of what's been going on at the District since the last episode CorpsTalk@usace.army.mil DLL-CENAO-PA@usace.army.mil/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Careers/ https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB/ https://www.twitter.com/norfolkdistrict http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/

Corps Talk: The District Debut (S1E1) Jan 10, 2020

In the premier episode, we meet our hosts and the Norfolk District, U.S. Army of Engineers Commander Col. Patrick Kinsman. The commander and hosts talk about the purpose of both the podcast, as well as the missions of the Norfolk District. A district news segment follows a career segment titled, "Great Paces to Work." The episode ends with the hosts urging listeners for feedback for future shows. Contact Info: CorpsTalk@usace.army.mil DLL-CENAO-PA@usace.army.mil 757-201-7606 https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/ https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Careers/ https://www.facebook.com/NAOonFB/ https://twitter.com/norfolkdistrict https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CaHIglvcXQ

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