Post Notes: July-August 2023

The Blue Ridge Post hosted a presentation and networking event in May that drew over 75 industry and government participants. To kick off the program, the Post installed its new board members for 2023, which was officiated by Mid-Atlantic RVP Summer Gladden. A number of members, including Col. Dan Grey, USA (Ret.), John Hilker, Ben Wham, Lois Muller, Bob Merrill, and Tim Rodriguez were presented an RVP Coin for efforts on behalf of the Post. After the program update from the USACE Middle East District, attendees enjoyed a social hour with opportunities to connect and expand their professional networks.


The Omaha Post held a record-breaking Industry Day in May, with more than 500 people in attendance. Lily Wang, Ph.D., University of Nebraska, College of Engineering, gave the keynote. Participants also heard presentations from Col. Mark Himes, USA, Commander, USACE Omaha District, and other agencies including the General Services Administration, Small Business Administration, and Offutt AFB, Neb.

During the event, attendees had an opportunity to tour Omaha’s Riverfront Parks, currently under construction, and get a first-hand look as the project takes shape. Additionally, there was an evening networking event that offered the chance to come together while supporting the Post’s Scholarship Fund.


The Houston-Galveston Post on a boat tour of Buffalo Bayou

The Houston-Galveston Post took members of its Leader Development Program, along with the chairs of the program, on a boat tour of Buffalo Bayou. During the tour, members had a chance to get to know each other and learn more about the Space City.


The Korea Post held an industry government-engagement social with invited guest, Mike McAndrew, SES, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Construction

The Korea Post held an industry government-engagement social with invited guest, Mike McAndrew, SES, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Construction. Attendees also heard from senior leadership on how SAME can best support bi-lateral efforts in Korea.

The event gathered more than 70 participants from across industry and different defense agencies throughout the Korean Peninsula, including from the Republic of Korea.

Korea Post held an industry government-engagement social with invited guest, Mike McAndrew, SES, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Construction.

The Central Virginia Post held its Third Annual Bo Temple Memorial Golf Tournament in June at the Fort Gregg-Adams Cardinal Golf Club. Proceeds from the event helped support the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond as well as the Post’s STEM Outreach Program.


The Honolulu Post provided volunteers to support a microplastics beach cleanup to celebrate Earth Day in April. Members of the Post joined with area high school students to help clean up a local beach and give back to the community.

volunteer picture holding plastic. Honolulu Post volunteers support microplastics beach cleanup to celebrate Earth Day in April.

The New Jersey Post hosted a day-long technical program addressing coastal resilience in New Jersey. Attendees gained valuable insights into planning, funding, and implementation efforts, taking in presentations from USACE, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. They also heard a keynote from Katrina Angarone, Associate Commissioner for Science & Policy, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

New Jersey Post, coastal resilience conference, Katrina Angarone

The Black Hills Field Chapter in April co-sponsored the Black Hills Defense Symposium. The event featured presentations from several government leaders, including Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.); Maj. Gen. John Allen, USAF, Commander, Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center; and Nancy Balkus, SES, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety & Infrastructure. The program also offered several technical sessions on issues like PFAS and critical minerals, panel discussions, and briefings.


Members of the University of Cincinnati Student Chapter volunteered this spring at the 2023 Raider Challenge, where local high school JROTC programs competed on physical and mental fitness challenges, including teamwork, collaboration, leadership, and adaptability through a variety of different exercises.


DC & NoVA Post, Panel session

The Washington DC Post and Northern Virginia Post hosted their 15th Annual Small Business Conference in April. With over 350 attendees, a sold-out exhibitor space, and more than 15 state, local, and federal agencies represented, it was one of the largest and most successful events in its history.

Highlights included opening comments provided by both Post Presidents (Capt. David Harvey, USPHS, and Jenny Bowers), along with keynote remarks from then SAME President Elect Col. Charlie Perham, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.); and Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, CEC, USN, NAVFAC Commander, who spoke on the agency’s future direction and focus.

Attendees also enjoyed three moderated panel sessions and opportunities for matchmaking with government representatives and large, mid-sized, and small businesses.