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TAD commander issues MLK Day message

Transatlantic Division
Published Jan. 16, 2020
Updated: Jan. 16, 2020
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020

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Team,

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” Each year in January Americans answer his question by coming together on Dr. King’s birthday to serve their neighbors and communities. We celebrate the life of Dr. King and acknowledge his achievements as a citizen, a civil rights leader, and a tireless advocate of the American ideals of liberty, equality, and justice for all. But this commemoration is not just about remembering a man who had a great impact on our nation. It is a day to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by engaging in community service. In fact, the national theme of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is, “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day on, Not a Day Off!” It is intended to encourage everyone to dedicate the day to community service and make their communities better places to live and work.

Dr. King is widely regarded as America’s preeminent advocate of nonviolent resistance. He always stressed that men and women everywhere – regardless of color or creed – were equal members of the human family. He was a key figure in the 1963 March on Washington, where over a quarter-million people where listening when he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. This moving speech, which even today is regarded as one of the finest speeches in the history of American oratory, helped inspire the nation to act on civil rights.

The federal holiday honoring Dr. King and his legacy is observed on the third Monday of January each year, near the time of his January 15 birthday. This Monday, as we celebrate what would have been Dr. King’s 91st birthday, let’s also honor the spirit of what the day represents:  An opportunity to start the year off right by making a positive impact in our local community and in the larger world. Let’s continue to carry out his dream, celebrate his life and accomplishments, and act to build a community that reflects our great potential.

Today we see Dr. King’s messages of equality, non-discrimination and respect embedded in our society, in our Army, and across our Districts and Division. We embrace the different attributes, experiences and backgrounds of our Soldiers, civilians and family members – it enhances our global capabilities. Further, Command Sergeant Major Delapena and I are dedicated to ensuring that everyone who is able and willing to serve within our Division has the opportunity to do so, regardless of the color of their skin, their gender, sexuality or religious beliefs. We owe it to our workforce to ensure those courageous young men and women from different backgrounds and walks of life who volunteer to join our team are given the opportunity to serve equally with their fellow citizens – to realize and embrace their unique potential.

Our Army and our nation are faced with many challenges that threaten our safety, security and peace of mind. We must celebrate our diversity and channel all our skills, resources and talents into shaping our country for the generations to come.

Sincerely,

COL Beck


MLK Day
Transatlantic Division

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.

Transatlantic Division News

  • November

    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.
  • U.S. Army Col. Christina L. Burton, the U.S. Army Central engineer director, views the results of the Assessments and Solutions for Survivability from Emerging Threats live-fire demonstration at a U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center test range at Fort Johnson, La., Sept. 18.

    Building Tomorrow's Solutions: USACE's Commitment to Innovating Force Protection

    In a world where threats to military personnel and operations are ever-evolving, safeguarding lives has never been more critical. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is at the forefront of this mission. Providing engineering, design, and construction support and services within one of the world’s most dynamic operational environments, USACE’s Transatlantic Division is committed to providing the innovative solutions essential for protecting those serving downrange.

  • June

    ChatGPT Four U.S. uniformed male soldiers standing in a circle, one passing a long gold flagpole wrapped with a red flag with white fringe wrapped to another soldier.

    USACE Expeditionary District welcomes new leadership

    The “Always Forward” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District conducted a combined change of command ceremony welcoming new leadership to the only forward-deployed district serving in the Central Command area of responsibility.
  • one person on a ladder speaking to another person.

    USACE Transatlantic Division observes National Safety Month

    June is National Safety Month, and employees here are engaging in a variety of trainings designed to keep them safe on the job.

  • April

    Male civilian engineer stands in front of a structure on a runway that is under construction.

    Expertise at the Front: How USACE Experience Powers U.S. Army Success

    In the vast, dynamic landscape of the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, the success of the U.S. Army's mission is intricately linked to the infrastructure that supports it. For more than 70 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has played a crucial role in providing the critical engineering, design, and construction expertise that ensures operational readiness and resilience across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Levant. The Transatlantic Expeditionary District, as USACE's only forward deployed district in support of contingency operations, continues this legacy by being the sharpest tip of the spear, strengthening partnerships, building capacity, and enhancing security for our nation, allies, and partners.
  • U.S. Army command sergeant major speaking to group of Soldiers.

    Empowering the Future: USACE Division CSM Visits U.S. Army Engineers in Kuwait

    In a significant event aimed at fostering professional growth among U.S. Army Engineer Regiment Soldiers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse held an open forum discussion with active duty and reserve component engineer Soldiers deployed to Kuwait. The engagement offered a platform for non-commissioned officers to engage directly with one of USACE’s division level senior enlisted leaders, exploring the pivotal role of engineers in achieving Army objectives and the value of mentorship and professional development within the NCO ranks.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander (center), along with district engineers and the regional safety chief, discuss ongoing progress during a site visit at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Apr. 8, to review the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair project, demonstrating USACE’s dedication to maintaining operational excellence and ensuring project success.

    Building Resilience and Respect: USACE’s Role in Sustaining Military Capacity at Camp Buehring During Ramadan

    Strategic Infrastructure is crucial for sustaining military capability, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in ensuring its effectiveness. As a part of monthly rotational site visit engagements, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, along with a team of district engineers and the district Safety chief, traveled to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to review two key projects: the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair projects. These engagements exemplify USACE's commitment to operational excellence and project oversight.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary commander (left), along with Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., USACE Transatlantic Division commanding general (right), discuss infrastructure projects at a meeting in Iraq, Sept. 15, showcasing the leadership and commitment that drive USACE's efforts in advancing infrastructure developments across the U.S. Central Command region, including Kuwait. (U.S. Army Photo by Richard Rzepka)

    USACE Strengthens Partnership for Global Infrastructure in Kuwait

    In a significant meeting held on March 17, at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, and Viet Nguyen, Expeditionary District deputy district engineer, engaged in strategic discussions with The U.S. Ambassador and the Economic Counselor from the American Embassy in Kuwait. The engagement centered around enhancing the role of USACE in the context of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, PGII, and its implications for U.S. and allied economic and national security interests.