6 May 2026

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.

15 Apr 2026

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.

13 Apr 2026

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.

24 Feb 2026

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.

19 Feb 2026

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.

2 Feb 2026

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.