NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 10, 2015) A mail clerk at the district office, in a position for only one month, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee of the Month for January 2015.
Theodore Caldwell, mail clerk with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Information Technology, is recognized for his significant contributions as the district’s lone mail room clerk combining several critical positions and providing continuous support.
“I am honored, grateful and humbled for this award,” said Caldwell. “My job is rewarding because I have the opportunity to interact with many great Corps employees who I consider my family.”
Lt. Col. John L. Hudson, Nashville District commander, commended Caldwell for his work and commitment to excellence during the transition of mail services from Goodwill Industries, a contractor, to a ACEIT managed mailroom.
Caldwell has been employed with the Corps since November 1989 through Goodwill. He holds a job done previously by three employees who worked in the mail room on the 6th floor. The mailroom is now located on the 4th floor.
When the contract ended with Goodwill Industries, ACE IT hired Caldwell for the federal position. Caldwell took over the operation of the Nashville District Office mail room in January 2015.
“We are very grateful to have Theo in this position because he knows how to do the job, is familiar with various offices, and can do it well,” said Joanne Booker, district mail manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Booker said timing was critical as the transition took place near the end of the year during the holidays.
"Theo's drive, willingness to adapt, and positive attitude has an impact throughout the district,” said Booker. He has 23 years of experience and takes a proactive approach to everything he does all while working with limited mobility,” Booker said.
Hudson said, ‘Theo is a one-man show,’ who is an exceptional versatile employee willing to take on new challenges and whose work contributes to the Nashville mission.
Sharon Rader, a legal assistant in the Office of Counsel, said he is very deserving of the award.
“Theo is nice, friendly, and an exceptional team player who is most deserving because of the tremendous effort he puts in his job,” said Rader.
Carol Haynes, chief, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, has been with the Corps since 1973, said Caldwell deserves the award because he not only works hard but is a great person to be around.
“I enjoy my job and being around people in the district,” said Caldwell. “Everyone is like my extended family, and I’m humbled and very thankful for receiving this award,” said Caldwell.
According to Booker, on top of his regular duties, Caldwell processes Fed Ex and UPS requests, provides additional assistance to anyone that needs it, and willingly goes above and beyond to ensure the mail mission is accomplished.
“Caldwell’s professionalism, dedication to mission execution and superior performance is a credit to the Nashville District, the region and the Corps of Engineers,” said Hudson.
Caldwell said over the years he has gained valuable friendships around the district but his biggest influence has been Randy Myers, a former mailroom supervisor from Goodwill Industries, because he taught him (Caldwell) to have faith in his work and encouraged him to have self confidence.
His hobbies include watching sports, cars, watching movies, spending time with family and he would love to travel around the world one day.
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