District Digest News Stories

Breazeale named District Employee of the Month for May 2016

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published July 20, 2016
NASHVILLE, Tenn. July 17, 2016.) – Bobby Breazeale, a Lock and Dam Equipment Mechanic stationed at Fort Loudon Lock, is the Nashville District Employee of the Month for May 2016.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. July 17, 2016.) – Bobby Breazeale, a Lock and Dam Equipment Mechanic stationed at Fort Loudon Lock, is the Nashville District Employee of the Month for May 2016.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. July 17, 2016.) – Bobby Breazeale, a Lock and Dam Equipment Mechanic stationed at Fort Loudon Lock, is the Nashville District Employee of the Month for May 2016. 

 Breazeale is for his significant contributions and demonstrated professionalism as a lock and dam mechanic, while performing many duties above and beyond his position description to keep operations moving forward efficiently at Fort Loudon and Melton Hill Locks while the Lockmaster position was vacant.

 “Bobby stepped up and helped out immediately to fill a vacant gap, despite an already heavy workload for this district, that’s the sign of a leader,” said Lt. Col. Stephen F. Murphy, Nashville District Commander.  “Organizations succeed because of dedicated people like this and I appreciate Bobby doing more than he had to so that we could accomplish our mission.” 

 Breazeale’s normal duties include working as a Lock and Dam equipment mechanic but in the absence of a Lockmaster, he volunteered to steer the helm at Fort Loudon and Melton Hill Locks while the Lockmaster position was vacant.

“I really appreciate this award and I am very humbled with this award but it was a team effort,” said Breazeale.  “When I say, I love doing this job, I really mean it.”  “I’m all about the team and it is rewarding to have the opportunity to work with a great people here who understand the mission of the Corps.”

 Lt. Col. Stephen F. Murphy, Nashville District commander, commended Breazeale for his work and commitment to excellence.  Murphy said Breazeale’s character, commitment, and courage to step forward are evidenced by his voluntarily taking on these additional responsibilities without any kind of promotion or extra benefits. 

 Matt Emmons, East Tennessee River Area Navigation Facilities Manager for the Nashville District, said Breazeale joined the Corps in 2008 through the Co-op program and has never looked back.

 “He is a great team player, a leader and dedicated employee who is most deserving of this award because of the tremendous effort he puts into work with others and to tell them about Corps jobs,” said Emmons.  “He continuously demonstrates a great deal of personal initiative, dedication to duty, and selfless service in all his work here at Fort Loudoun Lock  to keep the mission moving forward and keeping our customer's needs at the forefront while the Lockmaster position was vacant for an extended period of time.”

 Breazeale said he is glad he had the chance to work at Fort Louden because of its unique area, location and importance to the Tennessee River. 

 "It’s really nice that your work is recognized as being outstanding,” Breazeale said.  “I was really pleased.”

 Murphy said Breazeale represents what makes the Nashville District great – “hard working, competent, and caring employees who answer a call for help – wherever it may come from within the Corps’ family – with timely and innovative solutions.”

 Breazeale is a native of Knoxville and attended Tennessee Technology Center in Knoxville, Tenn.  His hobbies include working or any outdoor activities.  He loves hiking, backpacking and spending time with his three children, 4-year-old twin girls and a 16-year-old son.

“Family is very important to me and I really enjoy every minute of it,” said Breazeale.

Murphy said Breazeale is an exceptional versatile employee willing to take on new challenges and whose work contributes to the Nashville mission.

“I enjoy my job and interacting with other employees in the district,” said.  “It makes me feel honored to do this job because it is a team effort,” he said. 

 “Bobby’s professionalism, dedication to mission execution and superior performance is a credit to the Nashville District, the region and the Corps of Engineers,” said Murphy.

 (For more news, updates and information please follow the Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can view photos from the Nashville District on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/nashvillecorps and videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/armyenginrsnashville. )