Federal Workers Recognized for Service to Their Country

They answered the call when their country needed them. Not because they were seeking glory, but because it was the right thing to do. On September 28, 2004, the Service to America Medals, a prestigious national award paying tribute to America's dedicated federal workforce, recognized eight remarkable individuals for their commitment, innovation and creativity.
The awards, sponsored in part by Tyco International, also acknowledged the impact of the recipients' work on addressing the needs of the nation. Two of those winners were Stephen Browning, director, regional programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division and Brad Gair, federal coordinating officer, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both played significant roles in America’s recovery from the terrorist attacks of 9/11; they also have roles in rebuilding the infrastructure of Iraq.

Earth Tech Inc., a business unit of Tyco Engineered Products & Services, and global provider of consulting, engineering and construction services knows first-hand the massive undertaking and vital contributions of Browning and Gair. Earth Tech was on the ground after 9/11 working side-by-side with FEMA to clear debris and has been in Iraq rebuilding military bases and building water treatment facilities.

"The enormity of the projects undertaken by Mr. Browning and Mr. Gair is almost incomprehensible," said Alan Krusi, president of Earth Tech. "Our experience has shown us the multitude of challenges and roadblocks one faces with such large scale and vital projects. To rebuild the infrastructure of an entire nation or tackle the aftermath of 9/11 takes true courage, innovation and heroism."

That's just what these two outstanding individuals have.

As director, regional programs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Stephen Browning was one of the first civilians to volunteer to serve in Iraq and has helped rebuild the country's infrastructure that had been allowed to decay for decades under Saddam Hussein's oppressive rule. Browning's contributions in Iraq are virtually unparalleled by any other U.S. civilian. In August 2003, Browning was selected to be the Iraq Coalition Provisional Authority's Deputy Director for Infrastructure and Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Electricity, an assignment that reflects the utmost confidence in Browning's ability to resolve the most perplexing and important problem facing the nation of Iraq; rebuilding the nation's electrical system.

While extraordinary, Browning's service in Iraq was not unprecedented. Just two days after the 9/11 attacks Browning was working around the clock at Ground Zero to head up the Corps' Urban Search and Rescue operations, structural analysis, and debris removal and disposal.

It wasn't by chance that Stephen Browning found himself in these remarkable situations, he volunteered. "I felt I owed it to my country," said Browning. "I knew that I had an opportunity to make a difference and I didn't want to miss it."

Brad Gair is a public servant in the truest sense, as he oversaw the federal government's recovery efforts in New York after 9/11 and supervised other FEMA rebuilding work in the wake of multiple natural disasters. At Ground Zero, Gair delivered results ahead of schedule and under budget. It was originally estimated that removing the debris generated by the collapse of the towers would take two years and cost $7 billion. With Gair's help and oversight, the job took six months and cost $1.7 billion. Based on his expertise, Gair was asked to assist the Defense Department in rebuilding Iraq. While there, he helped shut down the troubled United Nations' Oil for Food Program and transfer its operations and responsibilities to the Coalition Provisional Authority.

Gair downplays his achievements. "I was given an opportunity," said Gair. "I was honored to have the chance to serve my country."

Emergency responders must spend weeks, months and sometimes years to rebuild the destruction left in the wake of a disaster. Gair is currently overseeing tornado and flood recovery efforts in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.

Tyco International, a global, diversified company that provides vital products and services to customers in five business segments: Fire & Security, Electronics, Healthcare, Engineered Products & Services, and Plastics & Adhesives is a proud sponsor of the 2004 Service to America Medals.