Valley Water Capital Engineering Manager Rechelle Blank has always stood out on the job. She has been described as dedicated and selfless, while providing exceptional service. This week she received a high honor from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Public Service Commendation Medal, for her dedicated service to the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project.
“Rechelle’s passion and leadership, it’s immeasurable,” said Lieutenant Colonel Travis Rayfield.
LTC Rayfield pinned the medal on Blank during a special ceremony during the Valley Water Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 11. Blank’s family and friends were in attendance when the Board of Directors and entire audience gave her a standing ovation.
Rechelle has been with Valley Water since 1992, and has worked on the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project for 9 years.
The Public Service Commendation Medal is the fourth highest public service decoration the U.S. Army can give to a civilian. LTC Rayfield says they can’t find any record of the San Francisco District handing out this medal before Blank.
“I’m not one for fanfare, to be really honest,” said Blank, “and I didn’t mind this as much as I thought I would, just because it was nice. It was humbling. I really wanted to recognize it’s not just me, it’s many people.”