ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA. National Engineers Week (Feb 17-24), founded in 1951, coincides with the birthday of President George Washington, also known as America's first engineer. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Institute for Water Resources (IWR), in conjunction with USACE HQ, held a special event to commemorate the week. The speaking program was broadcasted from USACE HQ and included remarks by Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite, USACE Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, as well as presentations on the local D.C. United soccer stadium, an update on the power grid restoration in Puerto Rico, and the completion of Olmsted Lock & Dam.
Engineers Week is a time for everyone to honor the Army engineers and the important work they perform under the directorate of USACE. For example, USACE's Civil Works mission includes a key component of the nation's public infrastructure. It includes flood risk management, navigation, recreation, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Another important part of the mission includes emergency response. All of this work is often taken for granted but is extremely important to our country because it protects our lives and safety, and facilitates economic growth, environmental health, and national security.
IWR supports engineering education throughout the year to inspire a future workforce in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. USACE employees participate in science fairs, robotics competitions, teacher-training workshops, recreational events, and camps. IWR is also a big supporter of training on the non-technical aspects of the industry, including important matters like risk communication, collaboration and conflict resolution, planning and policy support. On this note, IWR has had an official mentorship program for the past several years, and numerous employees have organized and taught engineering sessions at local schools and Boy / Girl Scout troop events.
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For more information on the Army and USACE’s role in National Engineers Week: U.S. Army STAND TO