As Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United States in late September 2025, it left behind widespread destruction, particularly in Southwest Virginia. Two of the hardest-hit areas in Virginia were the City of Damascus and Claytor Lake in Dublin due to extreme flooding of both the New and Holston Rivers.

Hosts James Walker and LTC Tony Funkhouser traveled to Claytor Lake after the Debris Removal operation to sit down with the key leaders from the local, state, and federal levels who spearheaded the massive recovery operation and recorded this season finale episode of the Corps Talk podcast.

Watch or listen to this episode to discover how disaster response transitions from local public safety and first responders to state elements such as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and ultimately to federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and FEMA. The guests explain the timeline of operations, from initial emergency assessments to long-term environmental recovery, and the logistical challenges associated with such large-scale debris removal operations.

Featured Guests:

Aaron Jones – PRT Mission Manager, USACE - Baltimore District

Dave Dobyns – Board of Directors, FOCL

Ben Porter – Emergency Management Specialist, USACE - Norfolk District

Brody Havens – Park Manager, Claytor Lake State Park

Whether you're simply curious about how emergency response works, passionate about environmental restoration, or interested in how real-world interagency disaster response operations might affect you and your family during a large-scale emergency, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a community-driven recovery effort that you won't want to miss.

In this insightful episode, James Walker and Maj. Funkhouser sit down with Saniyah Roberts-Dove, a recent student intern at the Norfolk District, to discuss the impact of the ongoing partnership between the Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Saniyah shares her personal experiences, highlighting how this collaboration is shaping future leaders and providing invaluable opportunities for students, universities, the Corps, and the broader community.

Tune in to learn more about how this partnership is creating a bridge between academia and practical engineering experience, supporting the development of a new generation of engineers who are ready to take on real-life challenges of tomorrow.

For more information on the AMIE partnership, visit AMIE Partnerships.

For more information on how you can potentially intern at USACE Norfolk District, reach out to Sharika Wannemacher, the Norfolk District Workforce Coordinator: [email protected]

The video version of this podcast can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CowsAkmUeRI

In this episode of Corps Talk, Maj. Tony Funkhouser, James Walker, and Col. Sonny B. Avichal—the newly appointed 61st Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District—delve into the transformative nature of change and its impact on both personal and organizational development.

On July 12, 2024, Col. Brian Hallberg officially relinquished command of the Norfolk District to Col. Avichal. In this engaging discussion, Col. Avichal addresses the community served by the Corps and the Corps employees themselves, assuring everyone that USACE will continue to uphold its esteemed reputation.

Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership transition, the future of the Norfolk District, and the ongoing commitment of USACE to excellence and community service.

Link to the full video version is HERE: https://youtu.be/Hzi-G3Am0vo?si=39JBoBTNS6b_fEtp

This is b-roll filmed April 11 at the new 10-acre laydown yard being used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to process wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge site. An estimated 50,000 tons of concrete and steel collapsed; once removed, wreckage is sorted and transported two miles away by barge to Sparrows Point. Debris and wreckage removal is on-going in support of a top priority to safely and efficiently open the Fort McHenry channel.

Sections:

1) Waterfront: 0:00-1:00

2) USACE official inspection: 1:00-2:43

3) Processing yard (wide & closeup): 2:43-5:55

4) Steel - torch cutting: 5:55-7:32

5) Steel - machine cutting: 7:32-11:05

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James and Maj. Tony Funkhouser sit down with Aubrey Moore, a student from Princess Anne High School. Aubrey shares her passion for research and environmental restoration, detailing how she and her classmates gain hands-on experience at a wetlands restoration site right behind their school. This effort is part of the larger Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project, a collaborative initiative between the City of Virginia Beach and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

The podcast also features interviews with Gina Dotolo, a USACE Biologist, and Jim Milliken, a Water Quality Improvement Specialist with the City of Virginia Beach. They discuss the significance of the project and how their organizations plan to build a better future through their partnership.

For more information about the wetlands portion of this project, click here: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Lynnhaven-River-Ecosystem-Restoration/Wetland-Restoration/

This learn more about the Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project go to: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/LynnhavenEco/

In this special episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser sit down with some of the most esteemed figures of our team. Join us as we celebrate the exemplary careers of Ava Benson, Betty Grey Waring, Pete Reilly, Wirt Shinault, and Robert Pretlow, the latest inductees into our prestigious Gallery of Distinguished Employees. This conversation underscores how these distinguished individuals employed perseverance and passion during their decades of tenure in service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Each of these individuals has contributed 30-45 years towards enhancing Virginia’s infrastructure and conserving its ecosystems. Their stories are not just about personal achievements but about fostering community growth and building lasting relationships.

This induction comes after more than a decade-long pause. The District resumed its tradition of honoring the unparalleled dedication of its team members with induction into this "hall of fame" in March of 2024.

In this special episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser sit down with some of the most esteemed figures of our team. Join us as we celebrate the exemplary careers of Ava Branson, Betty Grey Waring, Pete Reilly, Wirt Shinault, and Robert Pretlow, the latest inductees into our prestigious Gallery of Distinguished Employees. This conversation underscores how these distinguished individuals employed perseverance and passion during their decades of tenure in service to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Each of these individuals has contributed 30-45 years towards enhancing Virginia’s infrastructure and conserving its ecosystems. Their stories are not just about personal achievements but about fostering community growth and building lasting relationships.

This induction comes after more than a decade-long pause. The District resumed the tradition of honoring the unparalleled dedication of its team members with induction into this "hall of fame" in March 2024.

Have you been wondering what steps the government and our community are actually taking to address climate and environmental changes?

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James Walker and Maj. Tony Funkhouser meet with Dr. Russ Burke (Environmental Biologist and Professor at Christopher Newport University), David Schulte (USACE Biologist and Project Planner), and Heather Lockwood (USACE Biologist and Project Manager) discuss some of the history, lessons learned, and successes associated with oyster population restoration efforts.

Highlighting improved water quality conditions within Chesapeake Bay tributaries, they discuss the vital roles played by local, federal, and non-profit organizations in ecosystem restoration initiatives such as the Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project. This comprehensive effort, led by USACE biologist Heather Lockwood, aims to rejuvenate wetlands, aquatic vegetation, and oyster reefs, contributing to the bay's wildlife, recreation, and local economy, especially for seafood businesses.

Watch this video to learn more about how the success of these projects will have a lasting impact on the Chesapeake Bay's wildlife, recreation opportunities, and local commerce, particularly for businesses that harvest fish, oysters, and other sea creatures.

For more information about the Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project, visit: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/LynnhavenEco/

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James and Maj. Tony Funkhouser meet with Thomas Booth (USACE - Norfolk District Chief of Engineering and Construction Branch) and Sharika Wannemacher (Workforce Coordinator) to discuss recruiting efforts, professional development opportunities and possible incentives to be had with a career at USACE. Watch this episode to learn how a career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District can be both personally fulfilling and professionally beneficial regardless of whether you are a real estate/contract specialist, executive assistant, lawyer, biologist or engineer.

In this episode of Corps Talk, hosts James and Maj. Tony Funkhouser meet with Lesley Dobbins-Noble (USACE - Norfolk District Chief of Operations Branch) and Chuck Sanders (civil structural engineer) to discuss how their respective branches often collaborate to help the District achieve its mission to provide effective engineering solutions for some of the Nation's and Commonwealth's toughest challenges. Watch this episode to learn how USACE projects in your backyard help support the local economy and national security.