KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan --The men and women of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are capable of extraordinary achievements for the benefit of the communities they serve at home and abroad. USACE Transatlantic Afghanistan District civilian, Daniel Foltz, uses his science, technology, engineering, and math knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver critical infrastructure for stakeholders in Afghanistan. From water, power and transportation projects to Afghan National Security facilities, he is helping to increase safety, security, and stability. He shares his perspective here:
Name, Job Series, and Unit:
Daniel Foltz, GS- 0810, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Afghanistan District
Occupation:
Civil engineer
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a supervisor, I enjoy having the opportunity to support and positively affect each of my subordinates' work lives.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Engineering was the only field that provided a challenge, and I am good in math.
Tell me about an unforgettable day on the job?
The most unforgettable day for me was my second day working for Rock Island Arsenal Public Works Directorate when I was on loan from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District. In the three and a half years I had been with USACE to that point, I had yet to see anything I designed get constructed. My first day on loan to Rock Island Arsenal Public Works Directorate, I sketched a design on a piece of paper, handed it to the base operations contractor and he built my design.
What's your message to people who plan to pursue engineering?
Pursue only what you enjoy, do not think that you will 'learn' to enjoy it.
Who helped and supported you to become the person who you are now?
My puppy Pinky, R.I.P.
Who are your mentors and why?
My supervisor, Chuck Riley, because of his approach to accomplishing the mission and the high ethical standard he requires.
How do peers, customers and Afghans react to you?
Most trust and respect me.
What's your usual job back home?
Prior to this deployment, I was the dam safety coordinator for the Colorado-Big Thompson Project in northern Colorado with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Do you have a motto or favorite saying?
"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
What projects are you working on now?
Afghan National Army infrastructure
Where did you graduate from college?
I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Michigan Technological University.
Would you recommend folks seek certification/ licensure in their respective professional fields? Why or why not?
Yes, this world always needs people with integrity and professionalism, and licensure is one good way to help hold the line.
Do you have any hobbies?
MENSA, Order of the Engineer
What types of causes are you involved with?
I volunteer with Realities for Children, a charitable organization dedicated to serving the unmet needs of abused and neglected children.
Of all your awards, which one is your most cherished and why?
My most cherished award is the 16th Military Police Brigade coin. Col. John Chambliss presented my colleague Rigo Farias and me with coins during our construction project oversight at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq. At that time, Col. Chambliss was both a mentor and a role model for me.
Related Links:
Transatlantic Afghanistan District landing page
Transatlantic Afghanistan District on Flickr
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