ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Army Engineer Association honored two individuals who have made significant contributions to the Engineer Regiment in a ceremony this evening during the 250th Engineer Birthday Gala in Arlington, Virginia.
“The most valuable asset of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is its people. Each and every Soldier and civilian who has served inside the Castle is part of this legacy,” said Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham Jr., 56th chief of engineers and USACE commanding general. “I am so grateful for those who have come before us and am filled with pride at the workforce we have today, who show up with passion and commitment to serving their Nation in the unique way that only USACE can.”
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bryan Watson, AEA’s president and host of the event, presented the Sapper and Miner Award of Distinction to Sgt. Major (Ret.) William Arthur.
The award of distinction is considered a lifetime service award for a member of the Engineer Regiment, military or civilian, and is targeted toward individuals who contributed to the missions of mobility, counter-mobility, survivability, general engineering, or geospatial Army engineer operations.
Arthur enlisted in the Army in July 1981 and attended Engineer Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leornard Wood. Over his 26-year career Arthur served in various roles throughout the Engineer Regiment before becoming the Sergeant Major, Office of the Chief of Engineers at the Pentagon. He retired on August 31, 2007. Arthur continues to serve the Engineer Regiment as the Executive Officer for the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
Col. (Ret.) Yvonne Prettyman-Beck, former USACE Chief of Staff, was honored as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Distinguished Civilian of Year.
The evening’s ceremony also included the presentation of the Gold de Fleury Medal, the Engineer Regiment's most prestigious award, to Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas Bostick, the 53rd Chief of Engineers.
Bostick’s medal was presented by Lt. Gen. Graham for his contributions to the regiment over his 38-year career, as well as his continued support during the nine years since his retirement from active duty.
ABOUT THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen our nation's security, energize the economy, and reduce risks from disasters. For more information, visit www.usace.army.mil.
AWARD INFORMATION
Additional information about each award is available at: