FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- An individual who has been instrumental in transforming Fort Drum from a small post-World War II training station to a booming Army post was recognized during a retirement ceremony held Thursday at the Commons.
James W. Corriveau's 41-year tenure on the installation began in 1974 when he arrived at Fort Drum as an engineer and lieutenant, responsible for overseeing National Guardsmen and Reservists as they constructed timber trestle bridges, range towers and tank trails.
After completing four years of active-duty service, Corriveau became a Department of the Army Civilian Employee and joined the Army Reserves. As a DA Civilian, he was instrumental in assisting with the $1.4 billion expansion of Fort Drum, including utilities systems upgrades and operations that ensured uninterrupted service of the installation during the 1980s.
Promoted to deputy director of public works in 1994, Corriveau has played a major role in planning and implementing the changes necessary to provide the infrastructure capable of supporting a Soldier population that has nearly doubled since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
In 2006, he was promoted to director of Public Works. Corriveau is known for his ability to look at mission requirements and anticipate the changes necessary to meet these needs -- allowing him and his team to successfully manage the task of sustaining the facilities and resources that under-
write every activity on post.
For his efforts, Corriveau was awarded the Department of the Army's Decoration for Exceptional Service -- the U.S. Army's highest civilian honor -- in 2011.
Col. Bryan J. Laske, Fort Drum garrison commander, spoke of the many U.S. Army Installation Command Management engagements that he has recently attended and said that Corriveau's reputation within IMCOM precedes him.
"Wherever you go in (the IMCOM) community, as soon as someone hears Fort Drum, the topic turns to Jim Corriveau very quickly," he said. "The short time I've had at Fort Drum with Corriveau, I know he is tremendously valuable."
Laske said that since moving to the area, he has become aware of the impact that Corriveau and his wife Mary have had on all those with whom they come in contact.
"Anywhere I go in the community, they are there," he said. "They're completely networked within the community, Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the Army."
Mike McKinnon, Fort Drum deputy to the garrison commander, spoke of the structural changes that Corriveau had been a part of during his time on the installation, including the construction of brick-and-mortar buildings, which replaced outdated World War II-era structures.
He spoke of the literal foundations that Jim Corriveau had built, as well as the ways in which Mary Corriveau has strengthened the North Country community. As such, he said it was fitting that Jim and Mary Corriveau were each presented a brick to be installed in the Heroes Walk in Memorial Park on post.
McKinnon also presented a gift from the installation directors -- a snowshoe bearing the inscription "Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."
"Jim, you have touched every single corner of this installation," McKinnon said. "Everything that you have done has been absolutely critical to the progress of this installation as a premier projection platform, a great place to raise Families, a great place to train, a great place to live and work, and we owe you a deep debt of gratitude."
Retired Col. Gary A. Rosenberg, former garrison commander, said that Corriveau also was to be commended for his leadership qualities and for the emphasis he placed on taking care of his employees.
"He is very passionate about taking care of all his people, and he's very passionate about the mission," he said. "Jim, you should be proud because you have made a positive difference in the lives of everybody here."
Corriveau began his remarks saying how proud he was to be a part of the Fort Drum and North Country communities.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself for being so fortunate," he said. "The opportunities afforded me and my family here over all these years (have been) just extraordinary."
He said that in all of his years working on Fort Drum, he had never sought the spotlight. Rather, the spotlight had found him as a result of the hard work and dedication displayed by the many employees within the Directorate of Public Works. His role as director, he said, was to support and empower these individuals.
"Leadership exists to support the front-line employees so that they can become independently creative while providing services," he said. "In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater."
Corriveau spoke of the Public Works logo, designed in 1994, which depicts two Canada geese flying in front of the sunrise.
"This logo is a Public Works cornerstone, representing a program of deliberate and purposeful movement forward -- a new era of customer service took flight in Public Works," he said. "This is all completely relevant today."
He said that Canada geese can provide a lot of lessons to the leaders and employees of an organization.
Flying together in formation, the flock adds 41 percent greater flying range than individual birds can manage when flying alone.
"The lesson? People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they want to quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another," he said.
More than anything, Corriveau said that he is proud of the opportunity that he and the Public Works team have had to work with and support Soldiers and Families.
"Fort Drum, without the 10th Mountain Division, is just another piece of federal real estate," he said. "It's the Soldiers and Families that bring this place to life and give us purpose."
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