WINCHESTER, Va. – The Middle East District's Alan Zytowski, chief of Technical Services Branch, Engineering Division, helped some local Cub Scouts earn a badge Oct. 2.
Zytowski met with the scouts of Pack 63 Webelos-2, who are in the process of earning their Engineer Activity badges, at Greenwood Methodist Church to discuss the many different types of engineering and the important work that engineers perform.
Following a slideshow of interesting, and sometimes funny, facts about the history of engineering and famous engineers, Zytowski led the children to a display area where he explained specifically what the Middle East District does for America and its allies. The children also had an opportunity to try on a flack vest and Kevlar helmet similar to the ones district employees wear in a contingency environment.
"It's a particular treat to have the opportunity to promote a profession that has such an enormous impact on the lives of so many, all over the world," said Zytowski. "I've been involved in Scouting for years with my kids and these Webelos were fun to present to – dynamic and inquisitive in ways that would surprise you. We might have a couple future engineers there. It was a really cool experience."
The scouts still have to visit a construction site and complete some assignments, such as drawing a floor plan of their own homes, before they receive engineering badges, but they are now one step closer to their goal and well informed about the career field.
The Middle East District supports events in the local community whenever possible to help build good relationships with our neighbors and foster greater understanding about the U.S. Army and its subordinate commands, such as the Corps of Engineers. The unique mission of the Middle East District provides an opportunity to discuss a variety of topics with members of our community, including our mission and operations, the diverse cultures in the Middle East and Central Asia regions where we work, the different disciplines within engineering, project management, military service, and careers in federal government.
The district provides engineering, construction and related services in the Middle East, Central Asia and other areas. Its work includes designing and constructing facilities for use by U.S. forces, performing engineering activities for other U.S. government and foreign agencies, and providing operations and maintenance services for various customers. In addition, the district provides project management, engineering, contracting and support services to USACE districts in Afghanistan.