Post Notes: March-April 2024

The Honolulu Post held a rock-climbing event in January at Hiclimb. Afterward, members enjoyed a pau hana with plenty of opportunities for networking.

The Los Angeles Post held its first event of 2024, “Breakfast With The Chief,” drawing an audience of over 100 people.

Col. James Handura, USA, Commander, USACE South Pacific Division, along with the commanders of all four districts in the division, met with attendees, shared information on upcoming programs, and discussed issues affecting acquisition and project delivery. During the event, the Post also inducted the new members of its 2024 Board of Direction.

The Washington DC Post in January held its 28th Annual Post and Military Service Branch Awards at the National Press Club. At this prestigious event, members from each military branch and the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as many individual and corporate members, were recognized for their contributions and accomplishments. Attendees numbered over 200.

Sally Clark, Chair of the Small Business COI, served as Master of Ceremonies for the night of awards and networking.

The Denver Metro Post, Pikes Peak Post, and Frontier Post jointly held a sold-out Industry Day with USACE Omaha District in January. Headlining the event as presenters were Col. Robert Neubauer, USA, Commander, USACE Omaha District; and Col. Mark Cobos, USA, Commander, 1st Space Brigade, Fort Carson, Colo.

Attendees also enjoyed opportunities to hear from representatives from military bases across the region and engage in one-on-one small business networking sessions.

The Coastal Carolina Post at its January meeting recognized (at left) Col. Gil Burnet, USAFR (Ret.), with a 35-year SAME service pin, which was presented by the Post President, Cdr. Joe Angell, F.SAME, USN (Ret.).

The Philadelphia Post hosted a Scotch & Cigar Night this winter, which offered a chance for members to connect and network with fellow professionals in the local A/E/C industry and federal sector.


At the social event, the Post unveiled its recently framed original charter from 1920.

The Scott Field Post and St. Louis Post held their annual Joint Trivia Night, the proceeds of which are donated to a local charity. This year, the Posts presented the Gateway Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America with two checks of $5,250 each, for a grand total of $10,500.

The Jacksonville Post got 2024 underway with its Post Industry Day and NAVFAC Southeast Open House. This sold-out event offered agency briefings, networking, and one-on-one meetings with government officials.

Among the featured speakers were Capt. Miguel Dieguez, USN, Commanding Officer, NAVFAC Southeast, and Lt. Col. Matthew Miller, USA, Deputy Commander, USACE Jacksonville District. The agency leaders spoke as part of a panel on upcoming planned improvements, the importance of collaboration between government and industry, and answered questions on some of the intricacies of federal partnerships.

The Sacramento Post treated members at its first general meeting of 2024 to an in-depth tour of the Regional San EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility near Elk Grove, Calif. On average, 130-million-gal/day of wastewater is treated at this center before being discharged into the Sacramento River.

Attendees were able to get a first-hand look at the recent upgrades to the complex completed as part of the $1.7 billion Echo Water Project that was finished in 2023, including a biological nutrient removal facility.

Co-hosted by the Mid-Maryland Post, Baltimore Post, and Chesapeake Post, the 2024 SAME Maryland Leadership & Mentoring Program kicked off with a panel discussion on “Leadership Principles/Principals” led by Philios Angelides, F.SAME. Joining him on the panel were Lt. Col. Randy Westfall, Ph.D., F.SAME, USA (Ret.); Heather Polinsky, F.SAME; and Lt. Col. Tony Price, F.SAME, USA (Ret.).

The year-long program organized by the Posts in the Old Line State follows the theme, “Know Yourself. Know Your Team. Know Your Future.” Cohort members work with senior government and industry leaders to develop their leadership and mentoring capabilities while also building a strong peer network and helping develop a pipeline of future leaders.

The University of Cincinnati Student Chapter organized a trip for 13 students to visit the Summersville Dam in West Virginia. Standing at an impressive 390-ft tall, the dam forms the expansive Summersville Lake, offering recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and rock climbing.

The visit provided insights into the dam’s vital functions in flood control, water management, and hydroelectric power generation for the region. After learning about the dam’s significance, the students embarked on a rafting experience on the lower Gauley River to enhance teamwork and leadership skills.

The Space Coast Post kicked off its 2024 programming in January with an SAME national leader in attendance.

Mike Huffstetler, F.SAME, SAME National Vice President, traveled in for the meeting to connect with members and help swear-in the Post’s new and returning board members.

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