In a remarkable display of commitment to service, employees from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Middle East District have stepped beyond their primary mission of engineering and construction for the military and allied nations in the Middle East to assist in disaster response efforts across the United States.
Despite their usual focus on civil works and military construction projects, the recent wildfires in Hawaii and California, alongside flooding in North Carolina, compelled Middle East District employees to volunteer for deployment.
The Corps’ motto, “Essayons,” which means “Let Us Try,” inspired many to take action when given the opportunity to contribute.
Lt. Col. Jerry Andes, a contracting officer with the district, seamlessly transitioned from his regular duties in the Middle East to responding to wildfire emergencies in California.
“I was able to provide contracting support to the Los Angeles District issuing services contracts for things like debris removal,” Andes explained.
He expressed amazement over how quickly military and civilian personnel from multiple districts aligned their efforts, successfully executing their mission just days after arriving in California.
“Most of the USACE personnel I worked with daily, I had never met before, but we became like a well-oiled machine surprisingly quickly.
As personnel rotated in and out due to their 30–45-day assignments, we lost very little continuity,” Andes added.
Another volunteer, Zachary Roberts, a program analyst in the construction division of the Middle East District, took on the role of a quality assurance inspector during his deployment.
His regular responsibilities usually involve managing funding and issuing purchase requests for contract modifications, but this experience provided him with a compelling new perspective.
“While deployed, I was literally at the ground level where the dollars were being spent, seeing the excavator load the trucks,” Roberts said.
He shared that working long hours, often exceeding 12 a day, felt surprisingly rewarding due to the palpable difference they were making in the affected communities.
“It wasn’t just homes; it was every aspect of the community: schools, the library, grocery stores, churches, gas stations, banks, and restaurants.
Everything a community needs to function was just gone.
After 29 days, the drastic difference was visible in how many properties were cleared or turned back over to homeowners.
It felt good to know I was a part of that,” commented Roberts.
Megan Hoover, a design quality manager with the district who also volunteered for the mission, echoed the sentiment of personal growth and fulfillment.
She emphasized the impact of USACE’s work during significant events and how her first deployment provided valuable exposure.
“The duration set at 29 days was the ‘selling point’ when considering the role – not too long to be away from my family, yet not too short to miss out on a great learning experience,” Hoover said.
She encouraged other USACE civilians to consider volunteering, highlighting the important role the organization plays in helping communities in distress.
While Roberts and Hoover’s deployments lasted just a few weeks, Tony Sirna, a geographical information systems (GIS) specialist with the district, dedicated over six months to support USACE’s response efforts across the country over the last 15 months.
His GIS work is crucial for mapping and analyzing response areas during disasters, which helps prioritize recovery efforts.
“I really appreciate the recognition that I have received for my expertise and performance in my field, but I don’t go on these missions for recognition.
I feel that since I am willing and capable, I have an obligation to serve the public in times of crisis,” Sirna stated.
The volunteers all agreed that while tangible measures like the amount of debris removed or areas mapped are significant, it is the personal interactions with affected families that left the most lasting impact on them.
Roberts shared a touching story about a homeowner he worked alongside throughout the recovery process.
“The best part of the job was getting to meet and spend time with the homeowners and listening to their stories, being a source of comfort during such a painful process,” Roberts reflected.
The homeowner, a contractor well-versed in building homes on slopes, shared fond memories of enjoying evenings outside, listening to the frogs near his creek.
“On the last day of our cleanup, he approached and said that he hung around after the crew finished for the previous day and was just sketching his plans for the rebuild when he heard it.
After things had quieted down and the evening was approaching, the frogs started singing. ‘They’re still here!’ he said with a big smile. ‘After all of this, they are still here,’” Roberts recounted, highlighting the emotional connection that formed through their joint efforts.
As USACE continues its mission in disaster response, the dedication and heartwarming stories from its employees underscore the essential role they play in healing communities and restoring hope.
image source from：https://www.army.mil/article/285816/middle_east_district_employees_answer_the_essayons_call
