Musk named Nashville District Employee of the Month for May 2018

Photo By Mark Rankin | Brandon Musk, Shift Operator at Wolf Creek Power Plant, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee for the month May 2018.  

NASHVILLE , TN, UNITED STATES

07.10.2018

Story by Mark Rankin 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 15, 2018) – Brandon Musk, Shift Operator at Wolf Creek Power Plant, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee for the month May 2018.
Musk is being recognized for his initiative, ingenuity and significant contributions in support of the Wolf Creek Power Plant and exceptional contributions to the community.
“He is an invaluable asset to the Wolf Creek Power Plant team and we are glad that he is recognized for this award,” said Anthony Watters, Wolf Creek Dam powerhouse superintendent.
Watters said Musk was recently commended for his exceptional contribution to the community, as he was heading home after his work shift and stopped to help a young lady near the Wolf Creek Dam overlook.
Musk noticed the young woman in tears and sitting over the guard rail on the south end of the overlook. He stopped and checked to see if she was okay. The woman climbed back over the guard rail and began to talk to Musk.

She explained that she was grieving over the death of her father and brother whose vehicle went over the top of the dam 25 years ago. It was the anniversary and she was hurting. Watters said Musk’s efforts may have saved the woman’s life.
“He is a big guy with a huge heart and this is part of Brandon’s character,” said Watters. “We are extremely happy to have Brandon working with us and he is an invaluable asset to the Wolf Creek Power Plant team.”
Watters credits Musks’ his sharp attention to detail , work ethic and professional competence by the work he does day to day working as a shift operator in the power plant. He said he truly cares about his work, co-workers, the community, people in general and continuously demonstrates selfless service by taking initiative, going above and beyond what is necessary to see that others do better.
“He is a top notch guy, his peers trust him and I think a few of his best qualities are that he has a great personality, is always cool under pressure, always looks to help others and improve his work,” said Watters. “He always has a smile and plays a big role in our success of our Wolf Creek Power Plant team.”
Musk began working at Nashville District in December 2010 and completing the Hydropower training and development program for hydroelectric power plant personnel.
Watters said Musk’s role at the Wolf Creek Dam is unique, as with all Shift Operators at the power plants, Musk is responsible for monitoring, inspecting, communicating, and during emergency responses, operating the power plant and switch yard.

equipment. On a daily basis, Musk and all the teams at the power plants ensure power is provided to meet the demands of the public and assist in operating USACE projects.
“He is a self-starter who is motivated, resourceful and routinely applies ingenuity in solving difficult tasks,” said Watters. “He is highly respected among peers for his kindness, courtesy and support.
Watters said Musk manages a flexible and sometimes heavy work load and routinely demonstrates excellent responsiveness and ensuring all equipment operates.
As for being selected employee of the month, Musk said he is very humbled, excited and it’s a good feeling that his peers noticed his efforts.
"I'm proud and excited to be noticed for just doing my job that I take pride in doing every day," said Musk. This can be a very tough and tedious job but training continues to help me focus.
Musk said he loves his job and working and interacting with people.
“I enjoy working at the power plant every day because I’m surrounded by great people that love what they do, which makes my job easier,” said Musk.
"He is most deserving (for this recognition) because of the extra effort, he puts forth in doing her job, in all cases exceeding the requirements of his position," said Watters.
Musk and his wife Lorie have hobbies include boating, fishing, camping and spending time with family in his boat on beautiful Dale Hollow Lake.
He lives in Albany, Ky and lives between Dale Hollow Dam and Lake Cumberland.
In his off time Musk enjoys spending time with his wife Lorie Phyllis and two children, Mason, 8 and Rowan 4. He grew up around Dale Hollow Lake and still loves spending time boating and fishing on both Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland. He said he likes all outdoor activities.
The Nashville District operates nine multi-purpose projects with hydroelectric power plants. These power plants have 28 generators and produce about $32 million each year in revenue for the U.S. Treasury.
Lt. Col. Cullen Jones, Nashville District commander, said Musk’s actions on that day are a reflection of his values and bold initiative and his initiative and commitment to the Nashville District mission make him an outstanding employee.
“Brandon is a role model employee whose ‘can do’ attitude is an example for others to emulate,” Jones said. “His professionalism, dedication to mission execution and superior performance is a credit to the Nashville District, the region and the Corps of Engineers.”
For more news, updates and information please follow the Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can also follow Lake Cumberland on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lakecumberland.

• Date Taken: 07.10.2018
• Date Posted: 07.26.2018 12:33
• Story ID: 285814
• Location: NASHVILLE , TN, US