The crisp, early morning air slices through the fog and whips fiercely against the banks of the Cooper River Rediversion Project Dam. As relentless waves crash against the rocks, veterans perched on the Dam banks participate in the annual Wounded Warrior Fishing Day. A fisherman stands tall with rod in hand while his worn boots slip on the slick stones and sends him into a tumble, as he crashes down the steep hill with a thud.
For a moment, time stops. Everyone holds their breath. In the near distance, her eyes, sharp and steady, lock in on the fallen veteran, and with a fluid motion, born from years of training and experience, she rushes forward towards the individual. Her hands cool and confident, she immediately performs triage. She is his anchor that day, as she pulls him back from the abyss.
Meet Emily Russell, an occupational health registered nurse (RN) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Charleston District.
“I love my job,” said Russell. “I care about the job that I do and want to do it well.”
On March 25, 2025, at the Cooper River Rediversion Project (CRRP) facility located in St. Stephen, Russell played a key role in the 11th annual Wounded Warrior Veterans Fishing Day held for military veterans to promote relaxation and recreation.
“During the event, Russell showed dedication to USACE by providing her professional expertise in the medical field,” said Joseph A. McElveen, Charleston District Senior Safety Specialist.
“I feel that people are glad that I am around,” she said. “I’ve gotten good feedback about my health programs that I bring to the District.”
Occupational health professionals are crucial in USACE organizations because they promote employee well-being, prevent illness and injury through hazard assessment and safety programs, and support legal compliance by ensuring a safe work environment. Their expertise improves productivity and morale by reducing absenteeism, managing employee health issues, and facilitating return-to-work programs for injured or ill staffing.
“Her dedication to service provides leadership with the ability to develop future plans and prioritize accessibility improvements, ensuring the safety and inclusivity for all veterans here at the District,” said McElveen.
According to McElveen, her duties and responsibilities are quite diverse, ranging from clinical to educational, in addition to administrative tasks.
Three years with USACE and the District, Russell started out as a contracted part-time nurse and has since been hired as the District’s full-time RN.
Russell organizes two health fairs each year—one in the fall and one in the spring— said McElveen.
“These events, along with monthly health awareness materials like flyers and infographics, help promote wellness and education,” he said. “Her goal is to encourage long-term health, emphasizing that physically and mentally healthy employees are more productive, balanced, and mission ready.”
USACE is responsible for various engineering and military functions within the Department of War, and it’s the occupational health nurse in this setting that supports the well-being of employees who may be involved in these diverse operations, ensuring a healthy and safe work environment.
Always keeping the health of others in mind, she encourages taking health breaks, whether it be a daily walk or a working on a puzzle.
She also works on a variety of programs such as “lunch and learns,” health fairs, and yoga sessions. Earlier this year, she provided a 90 Day Stress Less Programs and regularly offers CPR and First aid training.
“I love to make a difference in the health of our team members,” she said. “I love to help people.”
Russell earned a Bachelor of Science at the State University of New York (SUNY) and has an associate's degree in nursing where she is RN in both New York and South Carolina.
She is married and has three children.
By investing in these professionals, organizations can also reduce costs associated with workers' compensation and healthcare.
Whether Russell is leading a yoga session, a lunch group walk or setting up and executing health fairs and activities for the District, she continues to shine as an important member of the organization.
While we strive for perfection when it comes to accidents, it’s good to know that Russell, is surveying the area, alert and ready for the moment when it arrives.