Corps supports WTC, Pentagon recoveries

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two of them into the twin towers of New York City’s World Trade Center [WTC] and a third into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania Countryside, killing all on board. Both Trade Center towers collapsed, and part of the Pentagon was destroyed. More than 250 people on the airplanes, and thousands more on the ground, were killed.

All of NYC was thrown into chaos. Power and communications were lost, all bridges and tunnels were closed, and lower Manhattan traffic became a nightmare. The Corps of Engineers NY District became a victim District when the building it’s located in lost power and communications. It relocated in the days following the attack and operated out of several locations, including its Caven Point facility in Jersey City, NJ and at Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY.

The Corps immediately sprang into action under Emergency Support Function 3 (Public Works and Engineering). Seven Corps vessels helped evacuate 2,000 people from Manhattan. Many were covered with concrete dust and were visibly shaken. Corps boats also carried more than 200 firefighters and emergency personnel from New Jersey to Lower Manhattan, and refueled New York City fireboats with 3,300 gallons of fuel, much of it transferred by hand in buckets.

The Corps established a Disaster Field Office at Pier 90 in Manhattan, headed by COL Brian Osterndorf, New England District Commander. FEMA assigned the Corps missions to assist New York City with emergency power, technical assistance, debris-removal assessment, and structural safety assessment.

In aftermath of Pentagon attack

Corps swings into action

by Marshall Hudson, Baltimore District

Baltimore District received a request to assist in preparing temporary and swing office space for 4,000 Army employees displaced by the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, which destroyed the newly renovated [by the Corps of Engineers] Wedge 1. Three days later the District had helped to configure 85,000 square feet of temporary office space for 1,200 people and had let close to $10 million in contracts and agreements for 425,000 square feet of long-term swing space.

“If you had asked me a month ago how long it would take to do this, I’d have guessed a minimum of three months, and probably closer to six,” said Manal Ezzat, Baltimore District project manager, permanently attached to Army Space and Building Management Service, an office of the Secretary of the Army. “We’ve done it in less than a week. I’m very happy and proud to be part of this effort.”

The temporary space is being used until permanent swing space to house the displaced Pentagon workers is ready. The renovation of the damaged part of the Pentagon could take several years, says Lee Evey, director of the Pentagon Renovation Program.

In the temporary office space, the General Accounting Office provided desks, phones and basic office supplies. Verizon, Dell, Microsoft and other private companies also provided equipment.

Both the temporary offices and swing space are located in the Zachary Taylor building in Crystal City, a section of Arlington, Va., just a few miles from the Pentagon. The swing space will accommodate about 2,000 workers. The other 2,000 Army personnel displaced by the attack will be given redistributed space in the Pentagon.

The Corps has a long history with the Pentagon. Army Engineer officers helped design it. Construction began Sept. 11, 1941. In December 1941, the Corps took over construction from the Army Quartermaster Corps. Despite the material shortages caused by World War II and the numerous changes to the design as the building progressed, the first tenants moved into the building in April 1942. The Corps completed the Pentagon Jan. 15, 1943, in a record 16 months.

Corps to help USPS with anthrax testing

Representatives from Corps of Engineers headquarters and the Rapid Response Group from Omaha District met with United States Postal Service representatives in Washington, D.C., on October 26 to initiate Corps emergency contracting support for anthrax testing services in USPS facilities.

The Rapid Response Group maintains rapid response contracting capability for the Corps with standing contracts that can be quickly initiated to support Corps and other federal agencies for crisis response requirements.

Proud of the Corps’ disaster response

It is said that the true measure of an organization is its response to adversity. Based on that, the Corps of Engineers wrote a new chapter in its proud legacy of stellar service with its response to the terrorist attacks on our country on September 11. As you’ve read above and learned in countless media reports since that time, the Corps was there at the WTC and Pentagon sites from the beginning, doing whatever was necessary to aid in rescue and recovery.

Here in NYC, at the site of the most malicious, tragic and horrifying disasters our nation has ever known, we had tremendous offers for assistance from Corps employees around the country and world, especially the six North Atlantic Division districts. At one point we had over 100 Corps employees in place from outside, over 300 alerted and on standby, and many more identified. All 700 plus members of NY District and NAD headquarters were intimately involved and made at least some contribution to rescue and recovery efforts. In every instance, Corps of Engineers people exceeded all expectations. They were true professionals, using their talent and expertise swiftly and efficiently, always with the care and sensitivity the Corps is noted for. They worked long and hard under trying conditions in an emotionally charged, heartbreaking environment, with no thought of their own personal needs.

I am very impressed with the way all Corps employees in the NY area responded to the tragic events of Sept. 11, especially those employees in NY District, who were directly impacted by events. Using alternate worksites and mobile equipment, sound judgment and creative solutions, the district overcame many challenges and performed admirably in support of NYC and FEMA. The district greatly exceeded my expectations in recovering from this disaster, and was the epitome of Corps dedication and responsiveness.

We suffered a terrible blow on September 11, but we survived and will recover. And we’ll be stronger and smarter as a result. Our nation can and WILL overcome any challenge, and the Corps of Engineers will be in the forefront, as it has been for more than two centuries.

New medal honors DoD civilians

On September 26 Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld unveiled a new Defense of Freedom medal that will honor DoD civilian employees injured or killed in the line of duty.

He said the medal would be the civilian equivalent of the military's Purple Heart.  Its first recipients will be DoD civilians injured or killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Criteria for the Defense of Freedom medal parallels the Purple Heart. It will be awarded to civilians who suffer serious injuries. The medal was designed by artists Sarah LeClerc and Costella Alford at the Institute of Heraldry, an Army organization at Fort Belvoir, Va., responsible for military insignia.

Waters joins North Atlantic Division 

On September 20 Tom Waters, formerly Chief, Engineering-Construction Division, Nashville District joined the North Atlantic Division [NAD] as an emergency senior executive service (SES) appointee associated with the WTC attack.  He will assume his permanent SES appointment as Director, Civil Works and Management Directorate, on December 16.

“I’m happy and excited to be here,” Waters says. “NAD is an outstanding division with a proud heritage and reputation and a lot of diverse, complex challenges. I’m looking forward to helping the good people of NAD meet those challenges.”

Tom is a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia and Pennsylvania.  He attended the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. He also has a Masters Degree from Boston University and has completed graduate work in Civil Engineering at Clemson University. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my career, the opportunities it has presented, and the people I've met as an engineer in the Corps,”  Waters says. “I believe the Corps is unique among federal agencies, primarily because we live our values as an organization.  My career goals never included SES.  I'm humbled and honored to receive this appointment.  I must admit that the assignment to New York caused me a bit of apprehension.  Now that I'm here, I wouldn't trade it for any of the other assignments.  I love the job and the people, and the New York area is growing on me.  I believe my wife and I will enjoy our New York experience. It's an exciting area."

Tom served on active duty in the Army from 1972 to 1977 as a Field Artillery officer and is a Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) in the Engineer Corps.

He joined the Corps as an Engineer Intern in 1979, and has served as a Design Engineer and Supervisory Design Engineer in Savannah District, and as Chief of Design Branch, Chief of Planning Branch and Chief, Engineering/Planning Division in Charleston District. While serving as Chief of Engineering-Construction Division in Nashville, he also served a temporary assignment as Deputy District Engineer for Project Management.

“We’re very fortunate to add Tom Waters to our staff,” says COL John Carroll, Deputy Commander. “He’s a talented, dedicated professional who brings a lot to the table.”

Tom is active in the Society of American Military Engineers. While in Nashville District he served as First Vice President and President of the Nashville Post. 

"As a senior executive, my goal will be to return to the Corps some portion of what it has done for me.  As an NAD member, I couldn't be prouder.  All of our people should feel proud of how they served the nation in the emergency following the WTC attack.  It's been said that New Yorkers have inspired the nation.  I believe that the North Atlantic Division has, likewise, been an inspiration to the Corps!"

McRae ends nearly half century of service 

By Lou Fioto

In late September Lem McRae, Chief HTRW/SFO Division, retired, ending a Federal government career that spanned 49 years.  For his stellar Corps service during those years, he was inducted into the NAD Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees. PHOTO

My personal dealings with Lem began in the late 1970’s when I was a new trainee in Engineering, then later in Public Affairs. When I needed help, he was there, no matter what, a proud man of strong principles, a role model for any generation. His EEO guidance was invaluable to me, and his follow-up concerns showed me he was a man of his word. He kept tabs on me throughout my career and regularly offered guidance and support that helped me grow and develop, both as an employee and as a human being. He’s truly a great man.

“I’ve had a long, successful and very satisfying career,” he said recently. “I worked with many outstanding people on some very challenging projects and programs during some challenging times.”

Lem worked for the Post Engineers, Ft. Dix, NJ for two years in the early 1950’s, then moved to the 1st Army, Ft. Jay, Governors Island, NY, where he worked for nine years as Assistant Chief of Utilities. From 1965-1967 he served the 3rd Coast Guard District as Chief, Electrical Section. While there he designed the first total electrical system for the Coast Guard Station at Governors Island.

“I came to the Corps of Engineers in September 1967,” Lem said. “I was hired as an Electrical Engineer in the Construction/Operations Division.  I also served as the NAD Staff EEO Officer from 1969 -1980. The EEO position was a collateral assignment in addition to my duties of Electrical Engineer [the dual work earned the Commanders Award for Civilian Service in 1980]. I witnessed some significant things during my career, like our work in Israel and Kosovo, the changes in the Corps, the move to Ft. Hamilton.”

Lem became Chief, Quality Assurance Section in 1980, and Chief, Engineering Management Division, Directorate of Engineering in 1990.

“It’s been my pleasure to have known Lem McRae for almost 30 years,” says John Kerkowski, Chief, Engineering and Construction Division.  “I not only worked with him, but I also worked for him and am a better person for both experiences.  Lem was never afraid to speak his mind and always willing to help you if you needed him.  With Lem as my supervisor, working in the Quality Assurance Branch was a truly unique and rewarding experience.  Lem never wavered from his principles and would always back us up if there were issues or problems.  I learned a lot of lessons during that time, lessons that stay with me to this day.  To me, Lem's retirement is the end of an era.  I will miss his sage advice, wealth of knowledge and, most of all, his friendship.  He's earned his time in the sun and I sincerely hope he enjoys it for many more years to come.”

“I have known Lem McRae for well over two decades and always respected him for his knowledge and skills in EEO and as an electrical engineer,” says Dave Lipsky, Chief of Public Affairs, NADO. “He is a very good listener, problem solver, instructor and advisor.  I will miss having him around.”

In 1994 Lem served as Acting Director of Engineering and later was assigned as Director of Construction.  He assumed his final position after the restructuring of Divisions in 2000.

”I’ve always tried to give my best to our customers, our partners and, especially, to you, my co-workers,” Lem said in a farewell message to the NAD staff. “I consider you my friends because together we have developed a friendship based on honesty, loyalty, devotion and respect, and we have accepted and encouraged one another, respected each other's abilities, and delighted in each others accomplishments. Thank you for the constant source of comfort, support, and joy in my life. Thank you for being my friends.”

Keeping Walter Reed on the cutting edge

by Marshall Hudson, Baltimore District

Baltimore District’s $7 million project to renovate Washington, D.C.’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center reached a milestone on Sept. 4. with the turnover of two newly completed cardio-thoracic surgical suites

Five rooms were turned over earlier this year, bringing the total number of completed operating rooms to seven, one-third of the 21 being refurbished.

“It’s great that we’re going to have a facility that equals any civilian hospital,” said Lt. Col. Patricia D. Malek, operating rooms manager. “We’re really anxious to start using them.” PHOTOS OLD ROOM AND NEW ROOM

The design was a collaborative effort that included the Corps, clinical personnel, the hospital’s public works department, facility management, medical equipment specialists and the contractor, Brown and Root.

A priority for the team was addressing the increased use of electrical equipment. Technological advances, while providing better tools for the medical staffs, were making the rooms cluttered and disorganized. To solve this problem, 61 state-of-the-art medical columns, known as teletoms, are being installed.

The teletoms, which drop from the ceiling, provide a point-of-use machine with power outlets, medical gasses, communication systems, laser capability and general shelving. They also provide tele-medicine and tele-surgery capability.

Other key elements of the renovation include new intercoms, emergency call systems, in-the-room inventory control of surgical supplies, upgraded medical gas valve boxes, alarms and monitoring systems, a new fire suppression system, digital x-ray capability, and a new waste anesthesia gas disposal system.

New infection control measures including ceilings, walls and floors that are easy to keep clean, as well as new scrub and decontamination sinks, are also being installed.

The hospital requires that at least 14 operating rooms always remain open, so only four rooms are being upgraded at a time. The project should be completed in mid-2002.

Norfolk wins two Corps planning awards

Norfolk District’s project delivery team recently won the Corps'  "Outstanding Planning Achievement Award for fiscal year 2000” for its feasibility study for environmental restoration of the Elizabeth River. The team’s technical leader, Craig Seltzer, was selected a co-winner of the 2000 Chief of Engineers Planning Excellence Award.  It’s the 2nd straight year that an NAD district won the Planning Achievement award.  Last year NY District was a co-winner for its NY Harbor Deepening study, sharing the award with Jacksonville District.

The Norfolk team formulated an acceptable environmental restoration plan that includes using environmental dredging for contaminated sediment remediation, and constructing wetland areas for habitat restoration.

During the award ceremony, Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers praised Seltzer and the project delivery team for making a significant contribution to the restoration of a nationally and regionally vital water resource. 

Seltzer, an oceanographer, used his technical creativity to guide the team, the Steering Committee, and the subcommittees in developing an innovative means of determining various target levels of sediment cleanup.  Seltzer and the team also devised a unique functional scoring system for quantifying the contributions of wetland restoration.

“This study was a tremendous learning experience for all who participated in its development,” said Seltzer.  “One of the most rewarding aspects was to see our five cost-sharing sponsors gradually take ownership of the project and become intimately involved in the decisions which eventually led to the study recommendations. When it became apparent that the river’s restoration would not be accomplished without a cooperative effort among all of its users, political boundaries suddenly became meaningless, and the focus shifted from an individual to a group effort.”

The Elizabeth River is one of the more seriously degraded urban rivers in the United States.  Originally a broad, shallow estuary of the Chesapeake Bay, the river has been dredged to twice her normal depth and filled to 75 percent her normal width to accommodate three centuries of development.

Army museum to be housed at Ft. Belvoir

In mid-October the Army announced Fort Belvoir as the location for the future National Museum of the United States Army.

"I am pleased to announce Fort Belvoir as the location for the National Museum of the United States Army," said Secretary of the Army Thomas White.  "After a rigorous review of potential sites, Fort Belvoir emerged as the best place to display the Army's historical artifacts for generations of visitors.  Soldiers, veterans, and all Americans can take pride in these educational displays and documents showing the long and storied history of America's Army."

In 1814 Congress passed a law directing the Secretary of War to bring captured flags of enemy units to the seat of the capitol for appropriate display.  $500 was appropriated to fund this effort and was the root the Army museum.   For almost two centuries, however, the Army's extensive collection of artifacts and documents has lacked a permanent home.  Construction of this facility will be funded with private donations.

Secretary White also announced that the Military History Institute at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania will become part of a United States Army Heritage and Education Center in order to make the Army's invaluable archival holdings more accessible to the United States Army and to the American people.  To that purpose, White stated, "We will relocate the Army's documents and holdings to create the premier historical research facility of the United States Army--one state-of-the-art archive, with an educational facility and an associated museum."

The National Museum of the United States Army should open in June 2009.

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES

We have witnessed many funerals lately with honor guards that pay meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times. Each fold is significant.

The first fold is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.  It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust".  After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Just One More Day

Just for this morning, I’ll smile when I see your face, and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I’ll let you choose what you want to wear, smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I’ll step over the laundry, pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I’ll leave the dishes and let you teach me how to put your puzzle together.

Just for this afternoon, I’ll unplug the phone, shut the computer, sit and blow bubbles with you.
Just for this afternoon, when you whine for ice cream, I’ll buy it for you when the truck comes by.
Just for this afternoon, you can help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you and try to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, we’ll both have Happy Meals so you can have TWO toys.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you’ll be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I’ve made where you’re concerned.

Just for this evening, I’ll let you splash in the tub and I won’t get angry.
Just for this evening, we’ll stay up late, sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I’ll miss my favorite TV shows so I can snuggle beside you.
Just for this evening, I’ll hold you tight and tell you how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I’ll run my fingers through your hair as you pray and cherish you just a little bit more.
 
Just for today, I’ll think about mothers and fathers searching for missing children, watching helplessly in hospital rooms, or visiting graves instead of bedrooms.
Just for today, I’ll think of promises broken, words unspoken, hearts untended, and deeds not done.

Just for today I’ll put everything else aside and concentrate on the truly important things in life.

Just for today…and every day.

And tonight…and EVERY night…when I kiss you goodnight, I’ll hold you just a little tighter, just a little longer, and appreciate the greatest gift ever given. I’ll thank God for you and ask him for nothing…except just one more day.

We need your help!

ESSAY-Online is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-81. It is published monthly for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Editorial views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Corps of Engineers or the Department of Defense. Inquiries and comments can be forwarded to editor by e-mail to essayons@usace.army.mil.