KUTTAWA, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2026) — Twenty-three thousand hours. That is the equivalent of working a full-time job for more than 11 years without a single paycheck — and it is exactly what Tom and Kristi Battles have poured into Lake Barkley over the past decade.
What began in 2015 as a simple desire to pitch in has transformed the landscape of the lake and the community around it. In recognition of their decade-long devotion alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the couple recently received well-deserved recognition with the prestigious 2025 Enduring Service National Award for Lasting and Distinguished Volunteer Achievements.
The award, presented in cooperation with the Corps Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Kuttawa Recreation Area, highlights a volunteer partnership that touches nearly every corner of Lake Barkley’s operations.
Kristi has dedicated her time to visitor services, water-safety outreach, public events and community projects that enrich the visitor experience. Meanwhile, Tom has lent his heavy-equipment expertise directly to the maintenance team, tackling labor-intensive projects ranging from shoreline stabilization with riprap and water-control structure replacements to campsite rehabilitation and facility maintenance.
Operations Section Chief Trey Church praised the couple’s lasting footprint on the region by volunteering at Lake Barkley, which is operated and maintained by USACE.
“Together, they have demonstrated that enduring service isn't measured only in hours, but in the lives touched and the difference made,” Church said.
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.
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