City of Vicksburg proclaims June as USACE month in honor of 250th anniversary

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Published June 3, 2025
The City of Vicksburg has officially designated June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Month, recognizing the organization’s enduring legacy and its significant contributions to the local community, the region, and the Nation. Pictured from left to right: Alderman T.J. Mayfield, Col. Jeremiah Gipson (MVK Commander), Patricia Hemphill (MVK Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management), Lt. Col. Garrett Dean (MVD Deputy Commander), Col. Christian Patterson (ERDC Commander), Mayor George Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Alex Monsour.

The City of Vicksburg has officially designated June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Month, recognizing the organization’s enduring legacy and its significant contributions to the local community, the region, and the Nation. Pictured from left to right: Alderman T.J. Mayfield, Col. Jeremiah Gipson (MVK Commander), Patricia Hemphill (MVK Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management), Lt. Col. Garrett Dean (MVD Deputy Commander), Col. Christian Patterson (ERDC Commander), Mayor George Flaggs Jr., and Alderman Alex Monsour.

The City of Vicksburg has officially proclaimed June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Month, celebrating the organization’s lasting impact on the local community, the region, and the Nation. ERDC Commander Col. Christian Patterson is pictured expressing his appreciation for the honor.

The City of Vicksburg has officially proclaimed June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Month, celebrating the organization’s lasting impact on the local community, the region, and the Nation. ERDC Commander Col. Christian Patterson is pictured expressing his appreciation for the honor.

VICKSBURG, Miss.— In a city known for its rich history, Vicksburg has officially designated June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Month, honoring the enduring legacy and contributions of the organization to the local community, the region and the Nation.

During a recent Vicksburg Board meeting, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. signed a proclamation recognizing the monthlong observance. Representatives from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the USACE Mississippi Valley Division and the USACE Vicksburg District were in attendance.  In a gesture of appreciation, the Board also presented the USACE representatives with an official key to the City of Vicksburg.

“Proclaiming June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Month in Vicksburg is a powerful reminder of the Corps’ 250 years of dedicated service to our nation,” said Flaggs. “Vicksburg is uniquely home to three powerhouse USACE organizations — the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) and the Vicksburg District (MVK). These institutions not only shape our community’s infrastructure but also lead groundbreaking research and critical operations that extend far beyond our city limits. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable legacy and the men and women who continue to make an impact both locally and globally.”

Founded in 1775 when Gen. George Washington appointed the first chief engineer, USACE has played a critical role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure, protecting communities and managing natural resources. The three USACE components in Vicksburg employ more than 2,450 people locally and conduct both civil and military missions with global impact.

Headquartered in Vicksburg, ERDC is the research and development arm of USACE and consists of seven laboratories located in four states. The center is a leader in scientific research and innovation, advancing technologies in military engineering, environmental science, cold regions expertise and geospatial solutions. Its work supports national defense, disaster response and civil infrastructure development across the world.

Also headquartered in Vicksburg, the Mississippi Valley Division oversees six USACE districts along the Mississippi River from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The division leads flood control, navigation and ecosystem restoration efforts along one of the world’s most vital waterways.

A part of the Mississippi Valley Division, the Vicksburg District manages civil works and regulatory programs across Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. Its work in levee safety, flood risk management and navigation infrastructure is vital to protecting lives, property and commerce throughout the region.

The proclamation emphasizes that the presence of these three organizations not only supports Vicksburg’s economy, but also positions the city as a global leader in engineering innovation.

As June begins, residents and visitors are encouraged to learn more about the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to recognize those who serve with dedication, knowledge and commitment.  To explore the work of each organization, visit their websites at www.mvd.usace.army.mil, www.erdc.usace.army.mil and www.mvk.usace.army.mil.