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Author: Shannon Moeck
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  • 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 Mary Beth Murray and Marcie Piper developed the tool in mid-2024 using SharePoint and Power Automate to replace outdated, inefficient processes.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.

  • 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.
  • A man in uniform, adds weights to a basket as four students eagerly watch.

    COL Klein Engages STARBASE Academy Students with Engineering Program

    Students at the STARBASE Academy in Winchester, Va., recently explored the world of engineering with Col. Christopher Klein, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM). STARBASE, a Department of Defense program, aims to inspire elementary students in STEM fields. Klein, whose son's class participated, shared his experiences, emphasized the importance of engineering, and led students in building popsicle stick bridges to test their strength. Klein's presentation highlighted TAM's commitment to developing future engineers, encouraging students to imagine themselves shaping tomorrow's technology.

  • August

    One man in uniform administering the oath of office to another man in uniform.

    Lieutenant Colonel Donald K. Lew Promoted in USACE Ceremony

    Lieutenant Colonel Donald K. Lew was promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel during a ceremony on August 28, 2024, at the Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM) Headquarters in Winchester, VA. The event, attended by family, friends, and distinguished guests, highlighted Lew’s exceptional service and potential for future leadership.

  • June

    A group of people eating a meal around a table.

    Building Leaders: The Technical Engineer Competency Development Program

    Capt. Andrew S. Pitsenberger exemplifies the transformative impact of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment’s Technical Engineer Competency Development Program (TEC-DP), designed to equip junior captains with essential skills in both military and civilian engineering.

  • March

    Woman in safety gear standing in front of heavy machinery,

    New Safety Chief Inspires District to Reach for the Star in Safety Performance

    Vanessa Matheny, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District's (TAM) newly appointed Safety and Occupational Health Manager, started when TAM achieved its stage 3 certification in the Corps Safety and Occupational Health Management System (CE-SOHMS). Now she has set the district on a course to achieve another safety accolade, the Army’s Safety and Occupational Health Star Award.

  • February

    Person gets help with safety helmet strap.

    New Safety Helmet – The Transatlantic Middle East District Leads USACE in Protecting its People

    TAM Introduces the new safety helmet to the field.
  • Andres Restrepo at TAM HQ

    TAM Employee Gains Professional Development on a Deployment

    Andres Restrepo's deployment presented him a unique opportunity to further develop his professional skills as a civil engineer.
  • Sammy Nmair at a project site in Bahrain.

    EWeek 2024 Employee Spotlight - Sammy Nmair

    When Sammy Nmair began his job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM), as a project engineer for the district’s Bahrain area it was like joining the family business.
  • A group of men inspecting a construction site.

    A Proactive Rather than a Reactive Approach to Safety – TAM Completes Safety Milestone!

    TAM completes CE-SOHMS stage 3.

  • January

    A group of people pose for a photo wearing their spirit week clothing.

    Employee Spotlight Featuring Stephanie Langhorne

    Stephanie Langhorne is proud to be a third generation U.S. Army Corps employee.
  • Peter Smith and Mikayla Shanholtzer review contracts.

    Employee Spotlight Featuring Peter Smith

    Peter Smith, a contracting officer for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM) in Winchester, Va., said one of the things he learned early in life was to always be open to the next opportunity. It’s that philosophy that led him to his current job and that he followed when offered a yearlong assignment in with Kuwait. 

  • September

    Man in front of the pyramid

    Employee Spotlight Featuring Brian Struntz

    Brian Struntz, the chief of special programs, planning and requirements with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM), takes great pride in his many years working for the Army in various capacities. 

  • August

    Woman standing outside under a shade.

    Employee Spotlight Featuring Stephanie Gates

    Stephanie Gates is a structural engineer supervisor at the U. S. Army Corps of Engineer Middle East District. She has a passion for problem solving and providing engineering excellence for our mission partners.
  • Woman in front of building

    TAM Team Spotlight Intern Melissa Pierson

    Melissa Pierson grew up in the rural farmlands of Pennsylvania. Little did she know that her interest in old farm buildings would lead her to a career with military design and construction.

  • July

    Two women working at a desk.

    Employee Support Cell Team Spotlight

    Two women with two different paths leading to careers in the Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM) Employee Support Cell (ESC). Meet Wendy Carter and Teresa Conklin, the Admin Support Specialist duo.

  • June

    3 people standing in front of a dam.

    Employee Spotlight featuring Army Fellow Andres Restrepo

    Army Fellow journey to become a civil engineer with the USACE Transatlantic Middle East District.