September 9, 2024
2024 Excellence in Partnerships Award and Volunteer of the Year Nominations
On behalf of Mr. Thomas P. Smith, Chief of Operations and Regulatory, I'm pleased to request your nominations for an outstanding partner within your area of responsibility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Excellence in Partnerships Award and outstanding volunteer(s) for the National Volunteer of the Year Award. These awards will be presented in 2025 at the award recipients' locations in ceremonies that recognize their outstanding partnerships and service to USACE.

The Excellence in Partnerships Award began in 2001 and is now in its twenty-third year recognizing exceptional contributions by a partner providing substantial support to the USACE Recreation and/or Environmental Stewardship programs. Each year, the award recipient is selected based on accomplishment of management objectives, creativity, improvements in public awareness and education, serving a diverse public, and involvement of other partners.

The National Volunteer Award began in 2014 and was created to nationally recognize the extraordinary service provided by volunteers, draw attention to their vast skills and contributions, and encourage an attitude of stewardship and responsibility in caring for USACE lands, facilities, and resources. The intent of the award is to distinguish those individuals, couples/family units who give their skills, talents, and time beyond the normal call of duty and whose creditable service to USACE has resulted in the significant enhancement to one or more of the USACE NRM business lines.

Nominations must be routed through each District to the MSC. Each MSC recreation/stewardship business line manager will electronically forward nomination packages assembled in accordance with the enclosed criteria and instructions to Francis Ferrell, CESAW- OP-LRJ, no later than 29 November 2024. A selection committee will review the nominations and provide Jeff Krause, HQUSACE Chief, Natural Resources Management with recommendations for final selection. Two informational webinars will be provided to explain the application process and answer any questions. Webinar invitations will be sent out one week in advance.

More information about these awards can be found on the NRM Gateway at https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/pa rtners/awards.cfm

Please encourage your staff to nominate worthy partners and volunteers. Their service is invaluable to our NRM mission!

Thank you,
Heather Burke

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