U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District employee James Myers was recently recognized with the Bronze Order of the de Fluery Medal during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan.
Myers, a deployed construction representative from the Savannah District’s Fort Gordon Area Office was presented the award by Colonel Richard Heitkamp, officer-in-charge of the Kabul Area Office, USACE Transatlantic District North. He was recognized for more than 33 years of exceptional service to the Engineer Regiment in many positions of increasing responsibility, including 12 years with USACE.
In a citation from Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, commanding general of USACE, Myers was praised for his “high degree of professional competence, strong devotion to duty and country, and high standards of integrity and character.” The citation continues,” Mr. Myers’ leadership, professionalism and technical competence are in keeping with the finest traditions of service and reflect great credit upon him, the Transatlantic District-North, the Transatlantic Division, the Engineer Regiment, the Corps, and the Army.
The Army Engineer Association on behalf of the Engineer Regiment awards the medal to honor individuals who have provided significant contributions to Army engineering. There are four levels of the de Fleury: Steel, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Engineer Regiment adopted the de Fluery Medal as an award because of the values demonstrated by the man for whom it was struck – French Engineer Francois Louis Tesseidre de Fleury, who in 1777 volunteered to serve with the American Army in its fight for independence from Britain.
“Words can’t explain what it means to receive such a distinguished award,” said Myers. “It was a great surprise!”
As a quality assurance representative, Myers is responsible for the execution, control, and inspection of a wide variety of military construction projects within the Corps’ Afghanistan Engineer District. Most notably during his time there, he provided quality assurance and construction control for a $30 million paved airfield for C-130 and C-17 aircrafts to land. Additionally, he provided training and guidance to contractor personnel on quality control, safety and construction procedures on project sites.
Previously he worked for the Corps’ Southwest District in Forth Worth, Texas; the U.S. Army Combat and Training Center of Excellence, Fort Jackson, S.C; and various other federal agencies.
“I can honestly say without a doubt that I have had a very good career,” said Myers who plans to retire Sept. 30 upon completion of his deployment. “Time and age eventually catches us all, and knowing when to stop is the hardest part, especially for me. Without a doubt, I will certainly miss being a part of continuing the Corps efforts to rebuild in Afghanistan. Perhaps after retirement when the economy is stable, and if the programs are still in place to return, I would consider it.”