Home / Media / News Stories

Commander's Thanksgiving message to the TAD team

Transatlantic Division
Published Nov. 26, 2019
Updated: Nov. 26, 2019
PRINT | E-MAIL

Team,

Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude that reminds us to take time to acknowledge all the blessings we enjoy as Americans. Too often we get caught up in the everyday pace of our lives and forget how fortunate we are for all we have. Over the next several days, hopefully as you spend time with family and friends, I urge you to take the time to reflect on the gifts of community, liberty, and opportunity that we have been given.

Please also pause to remember our teammates deployed overseas, selflessly serving in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar this holiday season. Your in-country experiences many times provide an up-close contrast to all we have to be thankful for in the United States – something most Americans will never see or completely understand. While most Americans are unaware of the impact your work has on the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities overseas, I am thankful that for the past several months I have had the opportunity to observe first-hand the dedication, expertise, and self-sacrifice displayed across this organization. I continue to be inspired by your efforts, commitment, and skill.

Command Sergeant Major Delapena and I appreciate all you do, and we are privileged to serve alongside you. If possible, enjoy time off and stay safe, especially when traveling long distances to be with friends and loved ones. For those forward deployed, hopefully you can speak with friends and family, as well as spend time with quality teammates you work with.  We want you all to return to work next week energized and ready to continue this team's great work. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Sincerely,

COL Chris Beck


thanksgiving

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division serves as USACE’s tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING CAPACITY, and ENHANCING SECURITY for our nation, allies, and partners. 

We SAFELY deliver agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other global partners to advance national security interests.

  • March

    Roger Vogler during his U.S. Army service.

    From Soldier to civilian: An Army engineer’s life-long dedication to those on the front lines

    Roger Vogler’s journey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one defined by dedication, experience, and a commitment to supporting Soldiers. Marking 40 years in federal service in February and celebrating 30 years as a licensed Professional Engineer, Vogler – a U.S. Army veteran – reflects on a career that has spanned both military and civilian service and made a lasting impact on the lives of warfighters on the front lines.

  • February

    (U.S. Army photo by Catherine Carroll, USACE Transatlantic Division public affairs.)

    How an Army Engineer is Making an Impact with USACE in CENTCOM

    In the ever-evolving operational landscape of the U.S. Central Command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands as a crucial force in strengthening infrastructure, enhancing security, and delivering the engineering support and services essential for sustained military and partner-nation success. For U.S. Army Sergeant Major Alan E. Thomas, Jr., a seasoned Army engineer and project manager currently serving with the Expeditionary District in Kuwait, the experience of working within USACE is proving to be a career defining experience.
  • (U.S. Army photo by Catherine Carroll, USACE Transatlantic Division public affairs.)

    USACE and Kuwait mission partners align on missile facility renovation

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers professionals recently joined Kuwaiti defense leaders and industry partners for a weeklong planning session focused on the renovation of the Kuwait Missile Assembly/Disassembly Facility. Held Jan.19-23, 2025, at the Al Hashemi Marine Museum in Kuwait City, the event brought together representatives from the USACE Kuwait Program Management Office, the U.S. Office of Military Cooperation – Kuwait, the Kuwait Air Defense, Kuwait Ministry of Defence Armament & Procurement Authority and Military Engineering Projects, and private industry partners. The goal of the session was to define the full scope of the renovation project and ensure alignment across all stakeholders, reinforcing Kuwait’s air defense capabilities and overall mission readiness.
  • (U.S. Army photo by Catherine Carroll, USACE Transatlantic Division public affairs.)

    USACE Breaks Ground on Warehouses for Kuwait’s legendary 35th Brigade

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marked a major milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for a critical infrastructure project in Kuwait, Jan. 21. The $39.9 million initiative will deliver five multi-functional warehouses for Kuwait’s legendary 35th Armored Brigade, reinforcing USACE’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and building capacity for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense.
  • U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eder C. Ramirez, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District commander, holds the district's new challenge coin before presenting it to selected individuals recognized for excellence at a townhall during District Governance Week in Kuwait, on January 14, 2025.

    Charting Success: Governance Week at USACE’s Tip of the Spear

    In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, success is no accident—it’s the result of careful planning, insightful analysis, and decisive leadership. Sitting at the tip of the USACE spear in Kuwait, the Transatlantic Expeditionary District supports U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, executing a $520 million dollar program that delivers critical infrastructure and engineering solutions across the region. Once a month, the district’s leaders, directors, and chiefs gathered District Governance Week, an essential event where collaboration meets strategy, and data drives decisions that shape the future.
  • Tanner Cowan, newly licensed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District professional engineer, preparing to travel to a project location in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

    USACE Engineer earns PE, strengthening the mission from the frontlines

    Balancing a high-tempo mission in the U.S. Central Command area of operations with the rigorous demands of professional certification, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District engineer Tanner Cowan pushed himself to new heights—earning his Professional Engineer license while actively supporting critical engineering, design, and construction efforts. His achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also enhances USACE’s ability to deliver engineering excellence in one of the world’s most complex operational environments.

  • November

    Col. Klein and Col. Haupt on either side of a sign saying HIVE

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division attends opening of facility supporting Veterans

    Officers assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division attended the grand opening of Shenandoah University’s Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) last month.
  • U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse passes the colors to Col. Craig S. Baumgartner, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, as he relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Arroyo during a Change of Responsibility ceremony in Winchester, Va., Nov. 7.

    More than a ceremony: The weight of leadership for an Army CSM

    While a new commander’s arrival brings a Change of Command—a formal passing of authority—the role of command sergeant major, or CSM, carries a different weight. For the CSM, it isn’t about authority; it’s about responsibility. The Change of Responsibility ceremony is a testament to that unique and often unseen duty—a duty that runs through every layer of the U.S. Army, from the strategic missions to the day-to-day lives of Soldiers and civilians.

  • October

    A debris crew works to remove debris from the last multi-unit residential property, The Spinnaker condominiums, in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' debris removal program, August 26, 2024. The completion of all residential debris removal in Lahaina is expected in the coming weeks, just over a year after the August 2023 wildfires destroyed more than 2,200 structures. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Susan Lee)

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Personnel Support Hawaii Wildfires Recovery

    Several staff members assigned to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division were activated to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers response to the Hawaii wildfires.
  • Three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standing on a project site in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

    Engineering the Future: The USACE’s Role in Regional Security

    When it comes to delivering engineering, design, and construction support and services in one of the world's most dynamic operational environments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division stands as a model of excellence, adaptability, and commitment. Known as USACE’s tip of the spear, the Transatlantic Division excels in providing agile, responsive, and innovative design, construction, engineering, and contingency solutions. Supporting U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other regional partners, the division plays a key role in sustaining and advancing enduring U.S. interests.