Congrats to Breanna Trovillion (Whitley), Rend Lake Natural Resources Specialist, on earning the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal as the 2024 MVD Water Safety Employee of the Year! Her leadership & innovation greatly expanded water safety outreach at Rend Lake.

The Rend Lake Visitor Center Exhibit Hall is now dedicated to Natural Resource Specialist Tim Bischoff, honoring 33 years of service, leadership and interpretation. The only two-time Hiram Chittenden Award winner, Tim’s legacy will inspire all who visit Rend Lake.

Come Work with Us! The St. Louis District is looking for someone to serve as a Dredging Equipment Operator onboard the Dredge Potter. Application Deadline is August 10, 2025 If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit: usajobs.gov/job/842306100

Col. Pannier recently visited Rend Lake to recognize Jerry Baldwin for 35 years of service and give coins to Daniel Wilke, Rich Crane and Keith Glenn for outstanding teamwork on the Woodduck Loop rehab. Thank you all for your dedication and contributions to the mission.

ICYMI: The Mississippi River Commission will hold a public meeting in St. Louis on Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. aboard the M/V MISSISSIPPI. Hear from Corps leaders and share your input on river issues. RSVP by Aug. 8. Written testimony due Aug. 22.

Before you set out on your next water adventure, please make sure everyone including yourself is wearing a properly-fitted life jacket. Please Wear It

We’re hiring a Lock and Dam Operator at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam. Serve as shift head operator, managing site operations during off shifts/leave days. Apply by Aug. 15: usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDet…

The St. Louis District is hiring a Realty Specialist (GS 9 – 11) to manage real estate projects, acquisitions, and government property. Apply by Aug. 20, 2025: usajobs.gov/job/842822900

Yesterday, the St. Louis District hosted the annual RRAT trip aboard the M/V Mississippi. The vessel is in town this week for tomorrow’s MRC public meeting at the St. Louis Riverfront, continuing more than 50 years of collaboration to protect the Upper Mississippi River.

The Mississippi River Commission held its St. Louis public meeting today onboard the M/V MISSISSIPPI. Thanks to all who joined and shared their voice. Written testimony will be accepted through Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Email: [email protected]

Many adults drown not wearing a life jacket, and their dog and children were wearing theirs and made it out of the water safely. Please wear a life jacket for those that love you! Share a picture of you and your dog wearing life jackets in the comments.

While enjoying some fun in the sun please wear a life jacket when in, on, or near the water. Also, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect you from the sun. @PleaseWearIt

Cadet Spotlight — Meet Rader Rhodes! From Fort Mill, SC, Rader studies Forensic Chemistry at Ole Miss. He’s eager to learn about the Corps’ geospatial work and visit Fort Leonard Wood. Fun fact: he can speak Russian and wants to “box a kangaroo!”

Cadet Spotlight — Meet Austin Grant! From Fishers, IN, Austin studies Aquatic Sciences at Purdue and is eager to build his leadership skills while working on Corps projects. Fun fact: he’s been bitten by a raccoon!

Col. Andy Pannier presented Public Service Commendation Medals to Matt Vitello, Matt Mangan and Butch Atwood for exceptional partnership in advancing navigation and ecosystem restoration missions on the Mississippi River.

Cadet Spotlight — Meet CDT Celine Vu! From the Bay Area, CA, Celine studies Math & Computer Science at Fordham and is eager to apply her skills to engineering projects with the Corps. Fun fact: she has 11 tattoos and trains in MMA!

Join us Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for the Jerry F. Costello Lock & Dam Public Meeting and Industry Day in Modoc, Ill. Hear project updates and take a tour of ongoing construction. Open to all. Info: (618) 284-7160 | KaskyL&[email protected]

Cadet Spotlight — Meet CDT Nolan Costa! From Cumberland, Rhode Island, Nolan studies Psychology and Finance at Providence College. He’s here to learn about leadership, career planning, and the Corps’ technical opportunities. Fun fact: he can juggle!

The Mississippi River Commission recently visited Wappapello Lake to review dam safety, recreation, and cultural resources. Tours highlighted the Greenville Recreation Area and Bill Emerson Visitor Center. Maj. Gen. Peeples recognized Wappapello Lake staff for their service.

Take some time to unwind by spending time on the water with family and friends. To help ensure nothing interferes with your rest and relaxation please wear a properly-fitted life jacket and encourage others to wear theirs too. @PleaseWearIt