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  • May

    Woman wearing personal protective equipment.

    From Iraq to Service: Alaa Jafar’s Journey of Resilience, Education, and Purpose

    Alaa Jafar, a USACE Project Engineer who overcame war and displacement in Iraq, immigrated to the United States to build a successful career in engineering through perseverance and education. Today, she draws on her profound resilience to support critical missions in the Middle East District, embodying a journey from refugee to dedicated public servant.

  • April

    Man applauds near woman holding certificate

    USACE Employee Earns Civilian Service Commendation Medal for Hurricane Helene Response

    Mary Ensogna, a realty specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal for her key role in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina. Supporting debris removal across 23 counties and over 125,000 homes, she ensured property ownership was verified and operations were conducted safely and legally. Her work helped accelerate recovery for affected communities while highlighting the critical impact of USACE personnel in disaster response missions.
  • 2 men in uniforms talk to 2 men in suits

    USACE Middle East District Aims to Slash Construction Roadblocks

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District is launching a collaborative initiative with industry partners to modernize construction and project delivery by addressing common barriers and testing innovative solutions. Through a “Townhall with Industry,” the District identified key challenges, such as regulatory, cultural, and logistical obstacles, and aims to pilot new, more flexible approaches on upcoming projects. The effort focuses on improving speed, quality, and collaboration to better support military and partner needs in the region.

  • February

    Image of the Additional Skill Identifiers

    A Marathon to Mastery: An Army Engineer's Journey to Lifelong Learning

    Lt. Col. Donald Lew has become the first and only active-duty Engineer Officer to earn all nine Engineer Additional Skill Identifiers (ASIs) after a 15-year journey. His pursuit was not initially a deliberate goal but was driven by a passion for self-improvement, particularly for his assignment with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Lew has utilized every skill acquired and encourages others to pursue these qualifications, stating that the main barrier is self-imposed limitations.
  • a group of people stand in front of the US flag and USACE flags after an internship presentation

    An Engineers Journey: A Blueprint for Success Beginning at the Middle East District

    From her first steps into the Middle East District as a high school intern to her current role as an Army Fellow, Chloe Koren’s journey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides a blueprint for success. Her progression through the District's internship programs and into the prestigious Army Fellows Program demonstrates how sustained investment and mentorship build the next generation of engineering leaders, paving the way for a dedicated career in service to the nation.
  • Two men posting by a fence overlooking water.

    Former Professor Finds Career Change Well Planned

    Dr. Joshua Kincaid, a former university professor with a background in ecological biogeography and dendrochronology, has successfully transitioned his academic skills to a community planning position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District. He now uses his expertise to forecast and plan the long-term infrastructure needs for U.S. and allied military bases. His unique career change highlights how non-traditional backgrounds can be a valuable asset in supporting mission requirements.

  • November

    Man stands next to a table with different objects he made.

    Creativity Fuels Capability for Industrial Designer

    Jackson Jenkins, an engineering technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, brings his industrial design background and creative passion to complex defense infrastructure projects across the region. His blend of creativity and technical precision strengthens the District’s modeling capabilities and consistently earns praise from teammates for accuracy and innovation.

  • August

    4 people pull unveil the Army Star flag.

    Middle East District Shines with Army Star Safety Award

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District celebrated its achievement as the fifth USACE district to earn the Army’s highest safety recognition, the Army Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Star, during a ceremony in Winchester, Va. on Tuesday.
  • A group pose with the 2024 chief of engineers safety award of excellence

    It Takes a District to Earn USACE’s Highest Safety Honor

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District earned the 2024 Chief of Engineers Safety Award of Excellence for its outstanding safety culture and performance. Led by Chief of Safety Vanessa Matheny, the District’s success reflects years of sustained effort, leadership commitment, and collaboration across teams and partners. From field inspections in high-risk environments to proactive hazard prevention and real-time safety training, the District integrates safety into every aspect of operations, ensuring mission success while keeping people safe.

  • July

    Round logo in black with white lettering that says Engineering Quality Risk Indicators with the Corps Castle and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    Quality Data Builds Quality Projects

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently introduced Engineering Quality Risk Indicators (EQRIs) to help project teams identify and address risks throughout both design and construction phases. Rather than replacing existing regulations, EQRIs offer a structured way to evaluate whether quality processes are being followed and if teams have the tools and skills to succeed. Feedback and honest responses from team members are central to improving project outcomes across the board.

  • June

    Man in uniform pointing to a screen while lecturing to students.

    No Explosives, No Problem, Sapper Training Provides Tactical Skills and Strategic Mindset

    Lieutenant Colonel Donald Lew, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, exemplifies how the Sapper spirit endures beyond the battlefield. A combat engineer with a distinguished military career, Lew now helps deliver critical infrastructure in support of U.S. and partner nation defense efforts across the Middle East. As USACE celebrates 250 years of engineering excellence, Lew’s journey underscores the strategic value of combining military leadership with the deep expertise of a civilian workforce, building not just structures but lasting global partnerships.
  • One man giving another man an award while shaking hands.

    USACE Employee Awarded for Adding Value to Projects

    Dale Hartmann, works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District, received the 2025 Distinguished Service in Government Award for his advocacy of value engineering (VE). Hartmann’s leadership in the Center of Standardization for Nonpermanent Facilities (COS) resulted in over $20 million in savings, demonstrating the impact of VE in optimizing performance and resources through innovative solutions.

  • May

    Woman wearing hard hat and safety vest at recovery site.

    Middle East District Employees Answer the “Essayons” Call

    Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District primarily supports military construction in the Middle East, several employees recently volunteered to assist with domestic disaster response missions, including wildfires in Hawaii and California and flooding in North Carolina. Guided by the Corps motto, Essayons—“Let Us Try”—team members provided critical support ranging from contracting and quality assurance to GIS mapping. Their contributions helped restore devastated communities and gave employees a deeper connection to USACE’s broader mission. From rebuilding schools and homes to offering comfort to survivors, each volunteer made a lasting impact during a time of crisis.

  • April

    Man stand in front of fire truck.

    From Marine to Firefighter: Ken Kajihiro’s Commitment to Service

    Ken Kajihiro, a former U.S. Marine and current attorney with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, balances his demanding legal career with volunteer firefighting in Winchester, Virginia. Driven by a lifelong commitment to service, he completed rigorous fire academy training to serve on the front lines, finding renewed purpose and camaraderie through community service.
  • Woman diagrams new process on whiteboard while team members watch.

    Efficiency Drives New Offboarding Process at the Middle East District

    A conversation between two colleagues at the Middle East District led to the creation of an innovative online offboarding system. Mary Beth Murray and Marcie Piper developed the tool in mid-2024 using SharePoint and Power Automate to replace outdated, inefficient processes. Their collaboration improved accountability, reduced risk, and streamlined employee departures. The system’s success highlights how creative problem-solving and teamwork can drive impactful change across an organization.
  • Two women review a document.

    USACE Project Oversight Part Art Part Science

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Middle East District focuses on ensuring its projects are led by a healthy Project Delivery Team (PDT), which consists of trained professionals, is mission-focused, and demonstrates innovation and adaptability. Success is assessed through both hard data, such as schedules and budgets, and softer factors like communication and stakeholder management. Improvements in project quality have been achieved through the implementation of data quality review boards. COL Christopher Klein emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement, noting that sometimes saying "no" is necessary to ensure a successful, realistic project outcome rather than one that is expedited.

  • February

    Employees on the Roof Taking Photos of an Event

    USACE Safety Program Made Me a True Believer

    In my 28-year federal career, first as an active-duty Air Force officer and then a Department of

  • December

    Group of people pose in front of a map of the Middle East.

    Fellowship Turns Participants an Army Shade of Green

    The U.S. Army Fellows Program introduces recent college graduates to the Army Civilian workforce through "Greening" events, which provide insights into military operations, rank structure, and the Army’s mission. Led by David Rackmales of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Middle East District, these events emphasize collaboration between civilians and soldiers while showcasing the unique mission of the Middle East District, including foreign military sales and infrastructure projects for allied nations. Fellows rotate across districts, gaining hands-on experience and broad exposure to USACE operations, fostering professional growth and a deeper understanding of their role in supporting the Army’s readiness and mission.

  • October

    3D Printed Map of Lebanon

    'Essayons' in Action: Perseverance Delivers 3D Map for Lebanon

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District (TAM) recently completed a 3D topographical map for Lebanon, showcasing their perseverance and commitment to their motto "Essayons" ("Let us try"). Despite numerous challenges, including defective materials and delays, the project was completed on budget and on time. Mark Whitacre, a key technical expert, played a central role in overcoming obstacles and ensuring the map's success. The map will aid the Lebanese Armed Forces in military planning and is part of a larger infrastructure project. TAM's dedication to problem-solving and innovation was crucial in delivering this valuable tool.

  • September

    Two men looking at a map

    ROTC Cadet Temin Sohn’s Summer Experience at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Office in Jordan

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM) hosted ROTC Cadet Temin Sohn as part of its cadet summer training program, providing him with a unique experience in Jordan. Sohn, a chemistry student at the University of Southern California, participated in construction site visits and cultural exchanges, shadowing TAM professionals and gaining firsthand knowledge of USACE’s operations. He appreciated the guidance from Army officers, including their positive mindsets and diverse experiences. His time in Jordan, which included visiting the historic site of Petra, left a lasting impression, and he highly recommends the program for its invaluable insights into military and engineering careers in the Middle East.