Post Notes: September-October 2023

Members of the Buffalo Post took a tour this summer of the New York Power Authority’s Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant, which diverts water from the Niagara River above Niagara Falls.

Among the largest hydroelectric plants in America, the 66-year-old facility can provide up to 2.6-million-kW of clean electricity.

At the July meeting of the Denver Metro Post, members enjoyed a visit from Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, F.SAME,USA (Ret.), who shared his thoughts for what is needed to develop an effective team, communicate to that team, and how this translates to successful project delivery.

A total of 65 attendees, comprised of industry and government members as well as cadets and junior high students, were inspired by his energetic and instructive presentation.

In May, members of the San Antonio Post met at the Endeavors Veteran Wellness Center to present checks in support of two Pink Berets programs: Equine Therapy and Culinary Arts. The Pink Berets address, educate, coordinate, and provide aid and relief to active duty women, veterans, and first responders seeking assistance with invisible injuries.

Post members in attendance, representing the Service Members & Veterans Support Team included Col. Dean Hartman, USAF (Ret.), Andra Clapsaddle, F.SAME, and Capt. Mike Monreal, F.SAME, USN (Ret.).

The Mid-Maryland Post held its Small Business Federal Industry Day in July. Aimed at helping attendees prepare for supporting upcoming agency programs, the annual event brought together speakers from a variety of federal and state agencies, including the Department of Energy, General Services Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Smithsonian Institution.

Daraius Irani, Ph.D., from Towson University gave the keynote, which focused on recent statistics on the current economy.

The Northern Virginia Post gathered at Tyson’s Shipgarten in July for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and networking. Over 45 attendees enjoyed the opportunity to mingle, listen to live music, and test their knowledge with trivia.

The Lake Michigan Post in June hosted 50 golfers at its annual golf outing to raise funds for its scholarship program. This year, the Post awarded $12,500 to 16 well-deserving candidates pursuing engineering and related degrees.

The Post also took the opportunity to present a plaque and acknowledge the long-time support of Cdr. Ken Endress, F.SAME, USNR (Ret.), who celebrated his 50th year of membership. SAME President Col. Charlie Perham, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.), on hand for the event, joined in the recognition.

The Anchorage Post recently hosted its Scholarship Golf Tournament, which supports the BG Benjamin B. Talley Fund and also its general educational fund.

The players had a great time golfing out on Moose Run Golf Course while helping secure scholarships for engineering students and financially supporting a variety of STEM programs and events in Alaska.

In June, the Savannah Post held its Annual Program Review “Creating the Future”—bringing together more than 350 members, sponsors, speakers, special guests, and attendees. Highlights of the event included a keynote address from Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, USA, Commander, USACE South Atlantic Division, and the presentation of the Post’s Connolly Award to Doug Saxon.

Attendees at the July meeting of the Space Coast Post enjoyed a program on “Doing Business with Kennedy Space Center,” presented by Gerald Norris, Director of Procurement, and Edwin Martinez, Deputy Director of Procurement.

The event also provided an opportunity for the Post to recognize Corporate Members that achieved membership tenure milestones in 2023.

Members of the San Diego Post volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in May.

Young Professionals with the Post took the lead in participating in the community outreach event, cooking up a BBQ rib and chicken dinner for families who have children seeking medical care at the hospital.

Co-hosted by five California Posts (Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and Oxnard-Ventura), the 2023 Camp Pendleton Day brought together over 450 industry and government attendees. The event offered numerous educational and networking opportunities, including a special Young Professionals Night Out and a venue for transitioning military and veterans to explore employment opportunities in the A/E/C industry.

This summer, the Houston-Galveston Post hosted a Joint Scholarship Meeting with the American Public Works Association and the Water Environment Association of Texas, during which the 19 area students who received SAME scholarships were recognized alongside their peers.

Mark Vogler from the Fort Bend County Drainage District provided the keynote message, sharing his leadership journey, wisdom, encouragement, and advice to the scholarship recipients.

CHARLIE, ON THE ROAD

Col. Charlie Perham, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.), SAME National President, has hit the ground running with trips to visit Posts, connect with stakeholders, and see where members are being the value for the Society. Follow along online on SAME’s social channels: #findthevalue, #bethevalue, #SAMEontheroad!

In June, while visiting the Lake Michigan Post he recognized Cdr. Ken Endress, F.SAME, USNR (Ret.), for 50 years of membership with the presentation of a Presidential Coin.

In July, he visited the SAME/Navy Camp at Port Hueneme, Calif., to witness the next generation of STEM professionals challenge themselves with a week of hands-on engineering and construction challenges.

In early August, he stopped by the SAME National Office to meet with staff and be part of the transition from Brig. Gen. Joe Schroedel, F.SAME, USA
(Ret.) to Maj. Gen. Mike Wehr, USA (Ret.) as SAME Executive Director.

Then at Post Leaders Workshop, he met with volunteer leaders from across the country, joined in the fun, and shared his insights on how to be the
value at the local, regional, and national levels.

Spotlight on Our Members

SAME’s multidisciplined membership spans the uniformed government, government civilian, private industry, academia, nonprofit, and student sectors. Through our uniquely joint environment, Society members collaborate and drive solutions for some of the toughest engineering challenges facing the A/E/C industry and our national security. Learn more about the benefits of SAME membership.