October 9, 2008
Meritorious Civilian Service Awards for Park Rangers Alfred Chavez and Eric Garner, Albuquerque District
I'm pleased to announce that LTG Van Antwerp will be presenting the Department of the Army's Meritorious Civilian Service Award (for Bravery) to Park Rangers Alfred Chavez and Eric Garner in a special ceremony to be held this Saturday, 11 October 2008, at the Albuquerque District Office. Chavez was shot in the line of duty last December at Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico and Garner came to his immediate rescue.

Park Ranger Chavez, who distinguished himself under extreme duress, will be receiving his award for exceptional courage in surviving a life-threatening gunshot wound and subsequently acquiring evidence to assist authorities while performing his visitor assistance duties as a Park Ranger at Abiquiu Lake. Chavez has returned to light duty and is still recovering from injuries to his right knee.

Park Ranger Garner will be receiving his award for great courage and competence in a deadly situation while rendering first-aid to a Park Ranger wounded by gunfire. Garner risked his own life to save another by coordinating emergency response and medical evacuation.

Abiquiu Operations Project Manager Dave Dutton and the Albuquerque District Office have been working closely with the FBI to identify the suspects which are still at large despite a $20K posted reward.

In addition to the Chief, Secretary Woodley (ASA/CW), BG McMahon, LTC Farnsworth, LTC Colloton, MAJ Blayoz, Mark Yuska, Dave Dutton, Stephen Austin and a strong contingent from the Operations community will be present at the award ceremony.

Chavez and Garner epitomize the bravery and competence of all Corps Park Rangers who often face difficult and potentially dangerous situations in the performance of their duties. I commend them all for their selfless service and devotion to duty. Rangers Chavez and Garners actions certainly reflect greatly on themselves, the Abiquiu Project Office, the Park Ranger Community of Practice and the entire U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Jonathan Davis
Acting Deputy Chief, Operations & Regulatory CoP
Directorate of Civil Works

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