Army Reserve Col. Todd M. Heuser was retired July 13, 2019, at the George Washington Hotel in downtown Winchester, Virginia, after a 30-year military career. And, in an unusual twist, he was also “farewelled” from his civilian position as the Transatlantic Division’s Chief of Plans as he departs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to attend the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Usually, military colonels attend the Army’s senior service school while still in uniform; however, it is open to members of the civil service ranks. Heuser will be a part of the Class of 2020, where he will earn a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies following 10-months of rigorous study at the college.
As a reservist, “Colonel” Heuser deployed to Kuwait as TAD’s Deputy Commander Forward, where he was responsible for developing, integrating and supporting all USACE teams in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). He deployed three times to Iraq; as a company commander of the 79th Quartermaster Company in 2003-2004; as an operations officer with the USACE Gulf Region Division in 2008 and as the deputy S3 (Operations) for the 77th Sustainment Brigade in 2011.
During the retirement portion of the evening’s events, Heuser was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal and one of the highest awards a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can receive – the Army Engineer Association’s Silver Order of the de Fleury Medal.
The de Fleury Medal, presented to Heuser by TAD Commander Col. Chris Beck, is a symbol of leadership and devotion to the engineering career field presented by the US Army Engineer Association, to only a few Soldiers every year. The de Fleury Medal, was named in honor of François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, a French Engineer in the Continental Army.
When presenting the medal to Heuser, Beck gave a brief overview of its history and significance.
“The Engineer Regiment adopted the de Fleury Medal as an award because of the values demonstrated by the man for whom it was struck – values of special meaning to Engineer Soldiers. When the first de Fleury medal was awarded in 1989, it became the first Congressional medal struck, though not the first Congressional medal authorized,” according to Beck.
“The silver de Fleury Medal may only be awarded to an individual who has rendered outstanding and significant support or service to the Engineer Regiment,” Beck said, “and Todd Heuser – in his roles as both an Army Officer and a Civil Service Employee – exemplifies all the medal represents.”
Heuser also was awarded the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal for the work he performed as a member of TAD’s civilian workforce. He has been TAD’s plans chief since its inception in 2009, where he maintained awareness of the evolving theater and ensures the division is prepared to support emerging requirements. During his decade of service to the Transatlantic Division, he served as the interim USACE liaison officer to Army Central Command for six months in 2014 and frequently travels to Kuwait to serve as a USACE liaison officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Scott Lowdermilk, TAD Director of Plans and Operations and Heuser’s boss, praised Heuser’s dedication to duty and “service before self” attitude; qualities that will be missed.
“Todd deployed on behalf of USACE and TAD numerous times and became known for both his professionalism and expertise,” said Lowdermilk. “On his fourth deployment he set the groundwork for all USACE support to Operation Inherent Resolve as the first TAD Operational Command Post Officer in Charge/Deputy Commander Forward. Through those organizations his legacy continues.”
Lowdermilk said Heuser’s most profound character trait is his desire to help train and mentor the next generation. “He exercises this with professionalism and passion. The many, many individuals he has mentored and helped throughout his career – both as a military officer and a civilian – is truly the legacy Todd Heuser leaves behind everywhere he goes.”