Celebrating Engineer Regimental Week at Fort Leonard Wood

Introduction to Engineer Regimental Week

From April 28 to May 2, 2023, Fort Leonard Wood became a hub of activity as U.S. Army Engineers gathered for Engineer Regimental Week. This annual event, held at the home of the U.S. Army Engineer School since 1988, celebrated two significant milestones: 250 years of the Engineer Regiment and 40 years of the Sapper Leader Course. The week was filled with events aimed at fostering camaraderie, professional development, and honoring the legacy of those who served.

Kickoff with the Best Sapper Competition

The festivities kicked off on April 28 with the conclusion of the 18th Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers Best Sapper Competition. This year, Capt. James Mitchiner and 1st Lt. George Madden from the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia, emerged victorious. Col. Stephen Kolouch, the commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School, emphasized the importance of this competition, stating, “You can draw a straight line from these warriors to lethality on the modern battlefield. They exemplify what it is to have a warrior culture and be lethal.”

Professional Development Sessions

Following the competition, Soldiers participated in leader professional development sessions. One session was hosted by Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Zachary Plummer, while another featured Chief Warrant Officer 5 Willie Gadsden Jr. Gadsden highlighted the focus on modernizing Army Professional Military Education and integrating protection initiatives. “The discussions were incredibly valuable,” he noted, emphasizing the need for a forward-looking approach to address future challenges.

Industry Symposium and Engineer Spouse Day

On April 29, the event expanded to include an Industry Symposium held in the Engineer Regimental Room of the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex. Concurrently, Engineer Spouse Day provided an opportunity for spouses to engage in hands-on learning about military engineering. They visited the U.S. Army Engineer Museum and participated in simulator training for operating heavy equipment like bulldozers and hydraulic excavators. This initiative aimed to build camaraderie and deepen understanding of the engineering military occupational specialties.

Dedication of the Mount Vernon Red Maple

May 1 marked a poignant moment as Soldiers gathered in the Chief of Engineers Grove of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza for the dedication of a Mount Vernon Red Maple tree in honor of retired Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, the 55th Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Col. Kolouch spoke about the rich 250-year history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, emphasizing the leadership of its chiefs. Spellmon, reflecting on his time at Fort Leonard Wood, expressed pride in being part of the regiment, stating, “This is an unforgettable day.”

Memorial Service in Sapper Grove

That evening, a solemn memorial service took place in Sapper Grove, where Soldiers, Gold Star families, and community members gathered to honor fallen engineer Soldiers. Col. Kolouch underscored the significance of this ceremony, explaining the unique hazards engineers face in combat, from clearing routes to engaging in close combat. He noted that 377 engineers have died in the war on terror, each memorialized with their name engraved on the wall in Sapper Grove.

Panel Discussions and Expert Engagement

Throughout the week, several panel discussions were held, covering topics such as Task Force Engineer, Engagement Area Development, and Transformation. These sessions featured subject matter experts from across the regiment and those who support it, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and strategies.

Culmination with Chief of Engineers Address

The week concluded on May 2 with a keynote address by the Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. William Graham Jr., in Lincoln Hall Auditorium. Following the address, attendees celebrated at the Engineer Regimental Ball held at Nutter Field House, marking a fitting end to a week dedicated to honoring the past, present, and future of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment.

This structured week of events not only celebrated the rich history and achievements of the Engineer Regiment but also reinforced the commitment to professional development and community among Soldiers and their families.