Deployments aren't permanent, but worthwhile

Published Dec. 12, 2019
Lt. Col. Dan Hayden, Afghanistan District Deputy Commander presents the Global War on Terrorism Medal to Derland Ellison, who redeployed from the Afghanistan District, while Adam Walker, Deputy Construction Chief, Bagram Resident Office displays the NATO medal certificate Ellison was awarded.

Lt. Col. Dan Hayden, Afghanistan District Deputy Commander presents the Global War on Terrorism Medal to Derland Ellison, who redeployed from the Afghanistan District, while Adam Walker, Deputy Construction Chief, Bagram Resident Office displays the NATO medal certificate Ellison was awarded.

Medals are strategically placed on USACE Afghanistan District redeploying team member Derland Ellison by Lt. Col. Dan Hayden, Deputy Commanding Officer Afghanistan District.

Medals are strategically placed on USACE Afghanistan District redeploying team member Derland Ellison by Lt. Col. Dan Hayden, Deputy Commanding Officer Afghanistan District.

You voluntarily choose to deploy as a Civilian member of the USACE team to support the construction mission taking place in overseas countries. One member who chose to selflessly serve was Derland Ellison, an Office Engineer/Contract Closeout Manager.

Deployed with the USACE Afghanistan District he processed construction change orders/modifications for the Kabul Resident Office, performing Quality Assurance and oversight on the District closeout policy, making sure contracts were properly closed out.

Ellison, who also served in the U. S. Air Force for nine years in two Red Horse squadrons, arrived at the Afghanistan District in late August from the Mobile District at MacDill Air Force Base Resident Office, Tampa, FL. “People who know about USAF Civil Engineers know Red Horse,” said Ellison.

He has been with USACE for 10 years, starting with the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in the Geosciences Lab, and was recruited by USACE ERDC after performing several Airfield Damage Test/Repair studies that included Red Horse and the Navy Seabees.

“If you are looking to make money while in a fast pace and steep learning curve environment, then this is the place for you as long as you can handle a little distance from your loved ones,” said Ellison as he spoke about his shortened deployment with the District.

His message to those planning to join this great team at the Afghanistan District or on any overseas deployment is to prepare for deployment as much as you can. Prepare your home, car, family, and mail personal affairs, etc. before you get to where you are going, because the less stress you have at home he says the less stress you will have deployed. He mentioned that five previous deployments have taught him this lesson.

Ellison was offered an opportunity he couldn’t turn down and had to redeploy sooner than expected. For his service to the NATO mission and the USACE mission in Afghanistan he was presented with the NATO medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.


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.

  • April

    US Army Corps of Engineers delivers readiness capabilities in US Central Command

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the force behind the force, delivering mission-critical infrastructure that sustains and strengthens military readiness in one of the most complex operational environments. Across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the Army Corps of Engineers designs and constructs facilities that enable U.S. forces to operate, train, and sustain mission readiness. A Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility, or TEMF, sets the standard for sustainment operations. A TEMF is a standardized facility designed to provide the U.S. Army with the necessary infrastructure to maintain, repair, and sustain its equipment.
  • March

    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

    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

    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.
  • 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

    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.