Webb Mason, a senior-level civil engineering technician in the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), was named recipient of the 2013 Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability Award. Mason was critically injured during a voluntary deployment to Afghanistan in July 2008 when the base where he was stationed was attacked. He returned to work after seven months of intensive medical care and rehabilitation, continuing his dedication to the ERDC mission.
“If I had not had the support, the patience and, yes, even the tolerance of everyone at ERDC over the last few years, I know that I would have been working under a far more severe handicap than what my physical disabilities limit me to,” said Mason. “My thanks to everyone for their help.”
Mason began his ERDC career in 1985 as a contract welder and transferred to the Airfields and Pavements Division, now known as the Airfields and Pavements Branch, in 1991. He deployed three times in support of the Global War on Terror – first to Iraq in 2004, where he was a contracting officer’s representative for the USACE Gulf Region, North District. In 2005, he again deployed to Iraq and was placed in charge of the country’s most important airfield project at that time, overseeing construction of parking aprons for 200 helicopters in an effort to clear the runway for air traffic flying into a critical airfield.
In 2008, Mason deployed to Afghanistan, where he served on a Provisional Reconstruction Team until the time of the attack. He received the Defense of Freedom Medal in recognition of his sacrifice. He continues to work in the Airfields and Pavements Branch, Engineering Systems and Materials Division, where he has served for the last 22 years. Mason leads a team of technicians in managing GSL facilities, overseeing remodeling efforts throughout the laboratory, relocating soils and asphalt laboratory equipment for the standup of the Materials Testing Center and the future Fiber Optic Research Laboratory and planning current and future changes in GSL laboratories, equipment storage and office space.
“Webb is a hero of mine, not just for what he did in Iraq and Afghanistan, but for what he’s done since he got back,” said GSL Director Dr. David Pittman. “He’s never let any of it slow him down and, honestly, he is paving the way for all of us.”
Mason’s award citation commended him for service to USACE and the nation, demonstrating initiative and expertise in projects involving road and airfield construction materials and ably leading technician teams in upgrading facilities at ERDC while establishing the groundwork for future facilities. His service in Iraq and Afghanistan was also highlighted, specifically the improvement to living facilities and quality airfield pavements for our Warfighters, as well as schools, roads and other facilities for our Southwest Asia partners.
“Through his hard-fought battles to return to his home station as a productive DoD employee, Mr. Mason has provided a shining example of courage during difficult challenges and an unfailing dedication to duty,” wrote Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, USACE Commander and Chief of Engineers, in his endorsement memorandum. “He is an exemplary example of the Army core values in action and is truly worthy of being the recipient of this award.”