Ryals, chief of Programs and Project Management Division's Support for Others Branch, has worked for USACE for 34 years and came to the Middle East District nine years ago. During his time with the district, Ryals discovered a class taught by the Beekeepers of the Northern Shenandoah Valley at Blandy Experimental Farm, State Arboretum of Virginia. However, with his constant travel to Iraq, he was unable to attend but never gave up his interest. Three years ago, he was able to attend the six-week course and learned the basics of apiculture, or beekeeping.