VICKSBURG, Miss. - U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) engineers and scientists are routinely called upon to solve some of the nation’s toughest challenges before, during and after natural disasters and national emergencies. From post-wildfire flood risk management to debris pile modeling to navigational ship simulations, ERDC researchers continuously strive to find innovative solutions to aid in disaster response and recovery efforts. But the mission doesn’t stop there.
Each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) deploys hundreds of trained personnel and resources across the United States and its territories to aid in disaster relief efforts. In the aftermath of hurricanes, fires, floods or infrastructure crises, USACE emergency operations is responsible for coordinating and executing several missions in post-disaster environments. As part of this response, ERDC employees volunteer their time and expertise, making a tangible impact in communities affected by disaster.
Currently, USACE is supporting recovery efforts for the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County, California. On Jan. 7, 2025, fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles and the unincorporated community of Altadena, killing at least 28 people and destroying more than 16,000 structures. USACE has been tasked with removing debris in both Altadena and Pacific Palisades with teams from across the enterprise traveling to California to support the mission.
“The cleanup of huge quantities of debris in the impacted neighborhoods is still ongoing, but it is being accomplished quickly,” said Clint Wilson, a research civil engineer with ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. “This is tremendously important to the survivors as they work to rebuild their lives, homes and communities.”
Wilson volunteered as a mission manager for the USACE’s National-Local Government Liaison program, managing members of the national cadre of local government liaisons.
“I first volunteered for this cadre in 2010 in order to be part of the wider USACE mission and to help people in need,” he said.
In this role he is responsible for coordinating with and orienting other outreach teams at the recovery field office.
“Effective communication for this deployment was a challenge because the response timelines were highly accelerated,” he said. “But I found the USACE team to be very effective and professional. Camaraderie was excellent.”
In this fast-paced environment, USACE is constantly refining and clarifying the scope of work for each organizational component while adjusting very quickly to issues that may arise.
“The biggest challenge was the speed at which everyone is moving,” said Pete Sullivan, a supervisor and project manager with the Department of Public Works at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
On site, Sullivan was first paired with the debris removal crew and later the hydro mulch team.
“The crews are clearing property fast,” he said “Tree crews are cutting down hazardous trees quickly, and the hydro mulch crew is spraying and signing off on property quickly. Everything is just moving so fast while remaining focused on a safe work environment and helping as best you can.”
Sullivan believes teamwork and positive partnering has made the mission a success.
“This sort of thing doesn’t happen without a lot of teamwork and support from your fellow co-workers, the contractors, your home district and most importantly your family,” he said. “I can honestly say that the amount of progress that has been made from when I first arrived is amazing and inspiring.”
“I volunteered, because I want to keep on believing that when there is a disaster that traumatically affects others, that we will be there to lend a hand and help people regain their lives. Basically, showing those who were affected the kindness and support that they need and deserve,” he said.
The emotional weight of seeing entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes and the toll it has taken on the homeowners and communities can be devastating, and although being present during those moments is difficult, it also reinforces the importance of compassion.
“Serving in this capacity has been eye-opening and humbling” said Melodie Fisher, a contract specialist with the ERDC’s Contracting Office. “It’s one thing to hear about disasters, but it’s another to be on the ground, witnessing the aftermath and being able to support people directly. It reminds me of why public service matters.”
As a quality assurance inspector, Fisher provided oversight of government contractors, ensuring compliance with the contract terms and approved debris removal operations plans and correcting safety issues.
“I chose to volunteer because I wanted to help communities in their time of greatest need,” she said. “The impact of USACE operations has been deeply felt by the communities we’re helping. Homeowners have expressed gratitude for our presence and support, and it’s been clear that we’re making a difference. The teamwork I’ve witnessed has been exceptional — everyone’s committed to helping people begin to rebuild their lives. It’s a great example of service and solidarity.”