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Col. William H. Graham was welcomed to the Pittsburgh District US Army Corps of Engineers on July 16 during a traditional military change of command ceremony at the Senator John Heinz History Center. The transfer of leadership to Graham from previous commander, Col. Michael P. Crall, was represented by the ceremonial passing of the command colors. Graham, a western Pennsylvania native, comes to the Pittsburgh District from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he served as the Army War College Fellow to MIT’s Security Studies Program. Graham was commissioned through the University of Pittsburgh’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program in 1988 as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers and has spent most of his career as a combat engineer. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert

Pittsburgh Corps welcomes new commander

Storm, Graham served as a platoon leader in the 23rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Division. Previous commands include A Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. He also commanded the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, where

he deployed the battalion to Kuwait, Ramadi and Bahgdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005 to 2007. Crall, who commanded the Pittsburgh District for three years, retired after 25 years of military service and made Pittsburgh his home. --PAO

From left to right, Ohio River Division Commander Maj. Gen. John Peabody, outgoing Pittsburgh District Engineer Col. Mike Crall, incoming District En-gineer Col. William Graham, and Deputy for Programs and Project Manage-ment Lenna Hawkins.

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Story and Photos by Patrick Kline, Mahoning On June 26, Mahoning Creek Dam hosted the Kittan-ning Volunteer Fire Department, Hose Company No. 6, for swift water rescue training. Students were given instruction on self-rescue, the H.E.L.P. (Heat Escape Lessen-ing Posture) and Huddle techniques, traversing swift water, and the use of rescue ropes. Due to the rescue profes-sionals being in the classroom in recent weeks and

Mahoning hosts water rescue training

Students practice with throw bags in slack water conditions.

a cancelled swimming pool session, both the slack water and moving water portions of the training were held down-

stream of the dam’s stilling weir. After the students got the feel for the water during minimal discharge, Corps dam operators opened the service gates an ad-ditional two feet to replicate ‘whitewa-ter’ conditions. Each student was also given the opportunity to float down a “chute” in the rapids between a small island and the far bank. The remaining students then tried to reach them with rescue lines. Dam personnel were happy to host the students because this

type of training better enables first responders during life and death situations.

First responders get accustomed to slack water downstream of the stilling weir at Mahoning Creek Dam and take their seats in the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.).

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Army Reserve Soldiers of the 411th Engineer Brigade, Johnstown, Pa., dig carefully around the power supply to Mahoning Dam.

Army Reservists make repairs at Mahoning

Pittsburgh District lock and dam crews assisted Mimi Hughes as she swam the length of the Ohio River (981 miles) in June. Hughes’ cause she said, is “for the life skills and academic education of girls and women, locally, nationally and internationally.”

Swimmer tackles Ohio with Corps help

Above: Hughes jumps back into the Ohio after her stop at Pike Island. Left: Hughes, center, is flanked (from left to right) by Gerald Woodward, Joseph Langley, Willie Maynard and William Ellenberger from the New Cumberland Locks and Dam.

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Story and photos by Patrick Kline, Mahoning A February memorandum of understanding allowed Johnstown Army Reserve soldiers to have their weekend training in June at Mahon-

ing Creek Dam, a Pittsburgh District reservoir. The agreement was signed in February by the two Army agencies and was mutually ben-eficial, providing training to the soldiers while repairing the aging dam. Troops of the 411th Engineer Brigade removed and replaced a 24-inch drain pipe that travelled from the foot of the right abutment to the stilling basin. The drain pipe had been in place almost as long as the dam, and was severely rusted. The 411th brought their own heavy equip-ment and soldiers to operate it. The unit biv-ouacked in the Outflow Recreation Area on Sat-urday night and completed the work on Sunday. The area was restored to nearly original condition, and Mahoning Creek Lake project staff will be reseeding the area as the weather permits.

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By Rachel Fay Haring, PAO Not many people today would consider a trip to the Gulf of Mexico a

“dream come true.” Then again, not many people are as driven and professionally motivated as Pittsburgh District Physical Scientist Jennifer Crock. When the opportunity arose for Crock to travel to the Gulf to take part in a team-structured evaluation of the oil spill crisis and participate in formulating clean-up methods, Crock immediately started making travel arrangements. The massive BP oil spill is considered the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history and will require professionals, such as Crock, to come together to assist in the restoration of the ecology of the entire Gulf region. “The Corps should be involved in the clean-up efforts,” Crock said. “With our techniques, we can help.” Crock and a team of 45 Corps employees from 12 districts spent a week in June determining which Corps techniques would be the most useful to the cleanup efforts. “It was an intense experience,” Crock said. “As soon as I arrived I received my itinerary that was broken down into 15-minute increments. Each night I had homework and every day my team had to prepare a briefing of possible clean-up techniques.” Three different teams were formed, each one with a different

Crock travels to Gulf, assists in oil spillfocus. The mission team focused on how the Corps mission can be incorporated with clean-up methods. The remediation team evaluated different methods to clean-up the spill and how realistic they were in terms of time and budget. Lastly, the restoration team formulated plans to restore the ecology to its previous state, or better. As part of the remediation team, Crock and fellow Corps employees determined there were four possible avenues of clean up: mechanical, biological, chemical and hydraulic methods. “We were told to think outside the box and to be bold and aggressive with our ideas,” Crock explained. Mechanical methods such as dredging and skimming; biological methods such as using oysters to filter the oil out of the water; introducing chemicals to the water to congeal the oil together; and

using natural tides to push the water to hydraulically aid in the clean-up, were some of the solutions discussed. With each of the three main teams formulating fact sheets of their findings, Crock said, they were able to compile a comprehensive 25- to 30-page report which was sent to Headquarters for review. Along with formulating clean-up plans, Crock and her teammates had to make judgments on a budget for the various methods and estimate how long each clean-up technique would need to be effective. Furthermore, they had to be prepared for complications that could arise due to the current hurricane season. “From an environmental standpoint, the oil spill is the worst U.S. disaster,” Crock said. “It’s awful to see what is happening there, but it has been one of the coolest experiences to have an impact on cleaning this up.”

Soldiers from the Alabama National Guard build and maintain miles of HESCO barriers to protect Dauphin Island, Ala., beaches from the BP oil spill on July 23, 2010.

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Deployees receive Defense Secretary medalStory and Photo by Rachel Fay Haring, PAO On June 25, fourteen District employees were honored with the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism. District Engineer Col. Mike Crall presented each award on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. The medal is representative of the honor and achievement of Department of Defense (DoD) civilians who have served on foreign soil during the global war on terrorism. Each stripe on the medal is symbolic. The blue stripe is associated with the DoD; gold represents excellence; black and red symbolize the threat of terrorism; and red, white and blue are for patriotism and the love of freedom. Pictured below are Crall and the award

recipients present at the ceremony. From left to right in the back row are Crall, Shawn Castro, Jeff Horneman, Bob Szemanski, Dave Black, Russ Moore, Ed Jones and Chris Denning. In the front row,

also from left to right, are Steve Davidson, Jon Zatezalo, Harry

Friend, Moe Derewecki, Emily Calla and T.J. Fichera. Award recipients not pictured are George Boguslawski, Angel Carey, Michael Donesec, Gregory Dorward, Richard Dowling, Michael Dragoo, Jeffrey Fritz, Andy Harkness, Dan Hitchings, James Kelly, Lonnie Krogstad,

Rob Lesko, Henry Maswewr, Mitchell Mosler, Fredrick Sasinoski,

Mark Smith, Clinton Tubbs, Steven Zalis and William Zelina.

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Kinzua ranger recounts volunteering at Gettysburg

Virginia Worm Fence at Gettysburg

Story and photo by Rodney Daum, Kinzua Several years ago I joined an organization called “Friends of Gettysburg/Gettysburg Foun-dation,” a non-profit that works closely with the National Park Service. We help raise funds for battlefield improvements; purchase of in-holdings; removal of structures and vegetation that were not there during the battle; maintenance of historic structures; and construction of various historic reproductions like the Virginia Worm Fence. The weekend of June 5-6, I made my pilgrimage to Gettysburg to participate in one of the largest annual volunteer weekends of the year. This year, 237 people volunteered. I signed up for a new group designated as the “Iron Bri-gade,” which borrowed its name from the famed Union Iron Brigade. This is one of my favorite brigades from the Civil War. They were known for their tenacious fighting ability and black hats. The Iron Brigade suffered the highest percentage of casualties of any brigade in the war. On Saturday morning, I quickly found out why this was to be a tough assignment. Although we had the smallest group with 20 volunteers, we became engaged with some of the most tenacious types of vegetation to be removed from long seg-ments of rock wall and fence line. Using only hand tools, we removed several nasty species of thorny, invasive vegetation. Amazingly, we finished early. It was actually a great area to work at despite the vegetation and the water puddles from the storms the night before. It was in sight of the Penn-sylvania Memorial and the historic Trostle Farm (where Gen. Daniel Edgar Sickles III Corps lost his

leg to a confederate cannon ball). Finishing early meant our group could elect to join another volunteer project group. I chose to help construct a Virginia Worm Fence, also known as a snake fence. The fence has six over-lapping layers of wooden beams. It is basically self-supporting with two rounded beams of wood set to cross each other in a “V” shape near the top of the fence. The beams have to be driven into the ground with sledge hammers at the proper angle to

be structurally functional. Army engi-neers share a part of the his-tory of Gettys-burg. Brig. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, chief engineer to General George Meade (Pa.), Commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, alerted other Union officers of the impend-

ing Confederate threat to Little Round Top and the Union’s left flank. His actions allowed for reinforcements for the defense of the crucial position. George Sears Greene was also a civil engineer and a Union general. His greatest contribution during the war was his defense of the Union right flank at Culp’s Hill during the Battle of Gettys-burg. Sears founded the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects. If you do make it to Gettysburg, I recommend you visit the “Castle” monument on Pleasonton Avenue near the National Park Service mainte-nance complex. It is in the shape of the Corps of Engineers castle, which was erected for New York State Volunteer Army Engineers engaged at the battle. Editor’s note: The writer’s personal account was edited and condensed because of space con-strictions.

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Story and Photos by Rachel Fay Haring The Hannibal Lock and Dam Field was dedicated during a ceremony June 10. Dozens of community members and Pittsburgh District Engineer, Col. Mike Crall, were in attendance for the first game. The dedication ceremony was completed when Crall threw out the first pitch to Hannibal lockmaster Dave Walters. Afterward, Crall and Walters were presented with hot dogs and a soda from the Hannibal L/D crew to celebrate the completion of a very worthwhile project. “Col. Crall kept saying he wanted this to be finished before he left so he could have a hot dog here,” said Walters. “With his help, we’ve been able to make that happen.” The new field will benefit eight baseball

Hannibal Locks and Dam Field dedicated

Col. Crall throws the first pitch at the newly dedicated field.

teams in the area and allow for more games and additional practices. There are also plans for dugouts and permanent seating to be added later. Additionally, a soccer field will be added this fall, as well as another baseball field for girls’ softball and little league teams. “This is really rewarding for me,” said Walters. “I’m proud the Corps can do this to

give back to the community.” When Walters was approached in 2006 by community members about the possibility of a baseball field at the project, he may not have anticipated the whole process taking four years. “After the community approached me, I went through my chain of command,” said Walters. “They were a great support and instrumental in making this happen. I’m really proud of our organization today and thankful to all the people

that helped.”Dave Walters, Hannibal Lock and Dam lockmaster, runs to greet Col. Crall after catching the first pitch on the long awaited ball field.

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By Rich Egger, and Kyle Kraynak, Shenango The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission, U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and volunteers worked together to present the 7th Annual Leslie Sparano Memorial Summer Fest on July 16 at Shenango River Lake. The event is held in honor of Leslie Sparano, who worked for the Mercer County Behavior Health Commission and

Bobber, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Safety Mascot (left), STEP Park Ranger Teri Peasley(center) and Smokey the Bear (right) pose with a few participants of Summer Fest.

Sparano Memorial Summer Fest held at Shenango

was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Summer Fest provides recreational opportunities for special needs clients who otherwise wouldn’t be

able to enjoy the outdoors. Nearly 900 people were present to take part in activities such as fishing, carnival games, a magic show and a picnic lunch. Participants were also given the opportunity to ride on the Shenango Queen, a charter pontoon boat that was donated by Shenango Lake R.C.’s Marina. Because the

event has been known to draw hundreds of people each year to enjoy the spirit of the outdoors, plans for next year’s Summer Fest are sure to continue.

Berlin Lake holds Water Safety Extravaganza By Keith Bixler, Berlin Berlin Lake’s Annual Water Safety Extravaganza was held at the Mill Creek Recreation Area on July 24 to promote water safety and provide a fun day of activities for nearly 175 event participants. With hundreds of water-related deaths occurring each year, the US Army Corps of Engineers and its partners use events such as this to change the trend by educating the public about water safety. Activities and demonstrations were available for participants of all ages during the day. Corps employees also provided rides on a pontoon boat. Water safety packets were distributed and Bobber the Water Safety Dog made several appearances. Demonstrations were provided by STAT Medivac, Mahoning County Sherriff’s Office Dive Team, U.S. Coast Guard

Auxiliary, US Army Corps of Engineers park rangers and local fire and rescue teams.

Berlin Park Ranger, Kathryn Fatula, helps a young participant properly don his lifejacket.

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By Sheila Tunney, PAO Joe McPherson knows a thing or two about staying physically fit. In earlier days he conditioned his body with running and weightlifting. He ran the Boston Marathon several times, and over the past seven years he’s taken to walking in the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic in Wheeling, W.Va. That’s 12.4 miles. With hills! But that’s just on his time… As a 35-year Corps veteran, McPherson has also had some strenuous jobs. His introduction to the Corps in 1974 had him “concrete busting” with the District’s repair party. A job, he said, no one wants because it really beats up your body. It is also a job he didn’t keep long when an opportunity to work as a deckhand on the Chartiers (a retired District vessel) came along. But it was still a labor-intensive job, which he liked because it kept him busy. Next he moved to Lock and Dam 3 on the Allegheny River as the lock operator--a good job, he said, but “impossible” to get to and far away from the home of his Wheeling, W.Va. wife, Marsha. So when he saw an opening and got a position at Pike Island Locks and Dams, McPherson’s inevitable course toward a career with the Corps was locked in despite a bachelor’s degree in psychology completed before he started with the Corps and perhaps because of a major family connection with the Corps, which

Pike Island Locks and Dam employees (from left to right) E.J. Stupak, Jim Kirchner and Joe McPherson, walked the Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic in Wheeling, W.Va., in May.

McPherson: ‘Live Strong,’ live healthyemployed his grandfather, father and uncle. Thirty years later, McPherson is shift leader at Pike Island. He said the physicality of the job could change on any given day. Last week he said he was in a machinery pit scraping grease from the concrete in the humidity and heat. “Then,” he said, “you get easy days when you’re locking boats all day. Or you might have to dig a 200-yard trench with a lot

physically and psychologically,” said Pike Island Lockmaster Jim Kirchner. “Even in the hospital after stomach surgery, Joe was up walking and timing himself on how long it took to walk down the hall and back.” In fact, Kirchner said, “If you see Joe walking, he usually has a stop watch and is trying to improve on his distance or time.He is the hardest working guy I’ve met in my whole life.”

McPherson believes the exercise and activity was important, but he also gives credit to Lance Armstrong’s book, “It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life.” “I think it helped me,” he said. “I was lucky because my cancer was operable and the tumor was at the bottom of my stomach. I was also in good shape physically, but

everyone reacts differently to the news.” Now back to work, McPherson got some great news. “I was prepared for the worst,” he said of his follow up PET scan, but the results show he is cancer free. Shortly after his treatments concluded, McPherson was back walking the Ogden 20K May with Kirchner and mechanic EJ Stupak. “He was shooting for a time of three hours,” Kirchner said. “To his indomitable spirit and surprise, he finished under at 2:52. Not bad at all for 57.”

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of hand shoveling.” Hard work, indeed, but six months ago McPherson got a much more challenging--possibly the most challenging--physical job of his life: beating stomach cancer. Fortunately, he had help from his doctor, chemotherapy and radiation treatments for the disease. This gambit would keep him away from his job for nearly half a year, but it didn’t keep him from walking and staying busy. “During his treatment and recovery he has always depended on walking as his therapy--

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On June 23, a barge delivered four machinery houses to Emsworth Locks and Dam for the Emsworth main channel gate rehabilitation project. The houses will protect the machinery used to lift the dam gates.

Corps SnapshotsPHOTO: TOBY CROYLE, PEWARS

PHOTO: JULIE STONE, M.J. KIRWAN

PHOTO: DAVE WALTERS, HANNIBALPHOTO: COURTESY JAMES KIRCHNER, PIKE ISLAND

Hannibal Locks and Dams proudly hosted its 35th annual Memorial Day celebration on May 31. The ceremony was conducted by the Ohio Valley Ameri-can Legion Post #760 and Verterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Leo Reilly Post #9930. The program kicked off with a parade and ended with a ceremony conducted by American Legion and VFW officers at Hannibal’s flagpole. More than 100 visitors attended the event to honor veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the United States.

Michael J. Kirwan’s first Water Safey Bonanza was held at the West Branch State Park Swim Beach on Saturday, July 10. Three hundred and eight-five people participated in activities, games and contests. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary mascot, Coastie and the Corps’ Bobber, the Water Safey Dog, welcomed kids and helped relay important water safety messages.

Brandon, Mark Anthony and Mark Miller met with Pike Island Lockmaster Jim Kirchner, while locking through Pike Island during their attempt to water ski the length of the Ohio River. The family took on the challenge to raise money for Disabled American Veterans.

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The East Branch Dam Safety Study Team was awarded a Commander’s Award for Civilian Service dur-ing Corps Day at Kennywood Park in June. Picture from left to right are Huan Tran, Sean Weston, Emily Calla, Brian Greene, Jeff Benedict, Joe Premozic, Col. Mike Crall, Mike Rattay, Rich Sprunk, Judi Sistek, Carole Householder and Kristen Kosaber.

PHOTO: DAN JONES, PAO

PHOTO: DAN JONES, PAO

Left: The north fork of Pine Creek required a stream diver-sion during Phase I of sediment removal at North Park Lake, which began in June. As of publication, crews had removed approximately 75,000 cubic yards of sediment. Above: District Commander Col. Mike Crall celebrated his retirement in July aboard the Gateway Clipper M/V Prin-cess and was presented with some gag gifts including this energy-efficient “soccer mom” van from Operations Chief Rich Lockwood.

PHOTO: JEFF HAWK, PAO

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By John Kolodziejski, Shenango Lake In June, thirty Proponent Sponsored Engineer Corps Training (PROSPECT) class members spent the day learning about contract procedures at Shenango Lake in Hermitage, Pa. The day was part of a four-day Advanced Operations and Management Contract Training Class that included a site visit to a Corps facility to observe how multiple contracts are successfully applied, managed and administered. Resource Manager John Kolodziejski, Lead Park Ranger Rich Egger and Contract Specialist Pam Broglio discussed Shenango’s contractual history, philosophies and specific contractual challenges. The students were Corps employees from across the country, representing a wide variety of career paths.

Lead Park Ranger Richard Egger, center, takes a moment to speak with the Proponent Sponsored Engineer Corps Training (PROSPECT) class members during a June contract training course at Shenango.

Advanced O&M contract training at Shenango

By Kyle Kraynak, Shenango On June 1, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission fishery biologists conducted an electroshock fish survey at Shenango Lake with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers student park ranger Kyle Kraynak. The electroshocking uses an electrical current to temporarily and mildly stun the fish. This night survey for smallmouth and largemouth bass took place along the North Shore of Shenango Lake from the Mercer Recreation Area to the Route 18 Causeway. The effort produced catfish,

Shenango fish survey shows healthy multitude rings in that they can be analyzed to determine the age of the fish. The health of the fishery resource at Shenango Lake was clearly displayed by the multitude of species sampled.

The final tally of the bass data for Shenango Lake will be compiled by the

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Oyellow perch, white bass, hybrid striper bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye and several other species of fish, and a snapping turtle. The size and weight of the bass were documented and a scale sample was taken. Fish scales are similar to tree

Corps of Engineers student ranger Kyle Kraynak (left) joined Matt Gordon, an intern with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, during a night survey for smallmouth and largemouth bass in June.

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PA Fish and Boat Commission in a few weeks. Shenango Lake proves to be a superb resource for anglers and recreationists of the area. There are 17 fishing tournaments scheduled at Shenango this summer in addition to the everyday fishing use the lake receives.

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Story and Photo by Joe DeLucia, BR-D Approximately 1,000 visitors enjoyed a day of fun and learning at the 7th Annual Summer Sizzle outdoor family festival on Aug. 7. The event took place at the Trumbull County Agriculture and Family Education Center in Cortland, Ohio. The Summer Sizzle was developed to educate residents and families about water safety, agriculture, gardening, recreation and natural habitats. Mosquito Creek Lake park rangers Tom McAfoose, Melissa Slater and Marilyn Hahn along with economist Joe DeLucia of the Plan Formulation and Economic section presented

Corps, community ‘sizzles’ at summer event

Mosquito Lake Rangers Melissa Slater, Tom McAfoose and Marilyn Hahn pose with Bobber the Water Safety Dog at the Summer Sizzle event.

an information booth on Army Corps of Engineers programs. Programs that were highlighted include water safety, local flood damage reduction,

stream bank protection and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Bobber the Water Safety Dog also made an appearance to remind participants of the importance of water safety. In addition to the information and presentations provided by the Corps, the free one-day event featured activities and games such as a fishing derby, a 5K run,

children’s balloon race, trail walks, hay ride, petting zoo, children’s crafts and many others.

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By Sheila Tunney, PAO Nearly 200 motorcyclists found out how exhilarating riding across the Kinzua Dam is during a July poker run which helped to raise more than $2,000 dollars for Warren County veterans. The gates on the dam are normally closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but special arrangements were made to open them for the “Second Annual Thank-a-Vet Dice Run” fundraiser. The dam crossing also brought nearby residents out to watch as the run began. “It is the symbol of support and of people pulling together for a greater purpose,” said Castro, a Kinzua maintenance worker who organized the run and obtained permission for riders to cross. “People from the area and visitors came to the dam to watch the parade of

Kinzua worker’s efforts draw riders to dam

motorcycles go by,” he said. “The ride across the dam is always going to be basically the ‘salute’ to our vets,” Castro said, adding that he is still receiving thanks, for himself and the Corps of Engineers, from riders who crossed the dam.

“I had one biker tell me that since he was a kid he wanted to ride the bike across the dam. He fulfilled a dream,” Castro said. After the crossing, the run travels about 120 miles through the Allegheny National Forest, with five stops at veterans’ clubs in the area. The route will vary every year, said Castro. The entry fee to be a part of the run was $15 for each rider. Riders included local motorcycle enthusiasts and riders who came from places as far as Kentucky, Ohio and Pittsburgh. “All of the money raised from this event will go to our ‘hometown heroes’ fund where we donate money to local veterans who show economic hardship,” Castro said.

Shawn Castro, Kinzua, sits on one of his custom choppers.

Motorcycle riders cross the Kinzua Dam during the Thank-a-Vet Dice Run.

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US Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District

COL William GrahamDistrict Commander

Public Affairs Chief

Jeffrey Hawk

LayoutRachel Fay Haring

Public Affairs Office412-395-7500

www.lrp.usace.army.mil

A check was given to Warren County Veterans Affairs Director Ed Burris, who told Castro they had never received such a large donation. “If someone, a local veteran, couldn’t pay his heating bill all winter, the fund may help him. It may also help a vet just driving through the area or buy a wheelchair for a vet who needs it in neighboring McKean County,” Castro said. “Nobody knows how little counties get for veterans’ funds.” Castro hopes to help build up the Warren County fund enough so it may someday help contribute funds to veterans’ programs in neighboring counties. Castro named his cause the Sikx Gun Choppers Hometown Heroes Fund, after his own custom motorcycle business. He gives credit to State Representative Kathy Rapp, who was instrumental in getting the fund off of the

Continued from page 13

ground. His vision for next year’s run is raising twice the amount of money as this year. And with the support and assistance from people and businesses in the community as well as corporate sponsorship, Castro plans to build and raffle off a $30,000 custom chopper on the day of the 2011 run. “The chopper’s theme will be a tribute to all of the armed services. I’m just waiting to decide what style of bike to build,” he said. “The support for veterans is unbelievable,” Castro said, and clearly takes to heart the Sikx Gun Choppers Hometown Heroes Fund slogan, “Help us help those who have helped us.” Castro’s 2009 Thank-a-Vet Dice Run had 23 bikers, and after expenses, his hometown heroes fund donated $400 to the Warren County veterans’ fund. This year 187 riders on 147 bikes made it possible for Castro to donate $2,260.

On Monday, June 14, Capt. Robert “Dan” Elliott, was promoted to major in a formal ceremony at the District Headquarters. Prior to joining the Pittsburgh District in April, Elliott served in Iraq as resident Officer-in-Charge at the Diwaniyah/Najaf Resident Office. Elliott is currently serving as the Acting Chief of Programs and Project Management.

Elliott Promoted

Elliott celebrates his promotion with his wife, Socheat, and chil-dren, Isabella and Griffin.

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Headwaters Update is a quarterly publication of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. It is produced for electronic distribution by the Public Affairs Office. Views and opinions expressed in the Headwaters Update are not nec-essarily those of the Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Submissions may be sent to CELRP-PA@ usace.army.mil for consideration in upcoming editions. Stories submitted should be in a Word document format. All photographs should include a caption and be high resolution (at least 4x6 inches and 300 dpi).

Poker run for vets crosses Kinzua

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Repair Party Fleet fixes gates at Montgomery Dam By Sheila Tunney, PAO

Clockwise from center: Jimmy Gray, Chief Engineer on the M/V Evanick, ensures smooth sailing for the District’s repair fleet; Roy Melius welds a cross beam under the first Montgomery dam gate to undergo repair; Joel Pack gingerly guides the lifting of a rusty beam that will be replaced. Ryan Bosetti and Pete Gerovac work as a team to “back out” old rivets before replacement. Tim Steis clamps a new steel girder on the upstream section of the gate in preparation for weld-ing. The repair party is often accompanied by “Fisherman,” a great blue heron feeding at the neighboring gate.