Corps team member to receive Steel de Fleury Medal in Clewiston

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Dec. 7, 2011) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District will honor and recognize 44 years of outstanding service by Stephen E. Schneider as he receives the Steel de Fleury Medal Thursday, Dec. 8 at the South Florida Operations Office, 525 Ridgelawn Road, Clewiston at 10:00 a.m.

The historic de Fleury Medal was the first congressional medal struck. It recognizes both civilian and military personnel for outstanding contributions to the United States and to Army engineering. The prestigious award is named after Francois Louis Tesseidre de Fleury, a French engineer who served with the American Army during the Revolutionary War.

Schneider worked his entire 44-year federal career at the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. He began as a laborer in 1967 and was promoted to equipment operator, diving supervisor and Civil Engineering Technician. He is the most experienced Civil Engineering Technician for all major maintenance and repair projects in the South Florida Operations Office. His vast knowledge, skills, and abilities in dewatering, inspecting, repairing, and rewatering structures are shared with leaders and teammates who seek his guidance on the best ways to handle complex field tasks. Schneider provided much-needed emergency support through more than a dozen major hurricanes that struck the Lake Okeechobee Region.

"Steve shares his historical knowledge as well as his adaptive qualities with all on a daily basis,” said Edgar Mottley, Operations Section Chief for Navigation and Field Maintenance Readiness. ”He is always willing to be a part of our mission's projects and doesn't hesitate to share his expertise with all involved."

“Steve has dedicated 44 years to our office and helps others do their jobs better every day. He always finds the best solutions to field challenges," said Steve Dunham, chief of the South Florida Operations Office in Clewiston. “All supervisors, work leaders and fellow employees highly respect Stephen for his superb dedication, work ethic, and exceptional knowledge of Lake Okeechobee and its vast array of water control structures.”