USACE-Albuquerque District's Unwavering Journey to Prestigious Safety Recognition
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Albuquerque District has carved a noteworthy milestone by receiving the esteemed Army Safety and Occupational Health Star recognition. This impressive accomplishment, achieved on April 1, 2025, marks the district as a beacon of excellence in workplace safety.
A Journey Six Years in the Making
Col. Matthew Parker, deputy commander of the Army Combat Readiness Center, heralded this achievement with the formal presentation of the Army Safety and Occupational Health Star flag. “The commitment to safety and readiness is no small feat,” Parker noted. According to DVIDS, only five other districts share this accolade within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Achieving Unprecedented Heights
The path to recognition involved meeting stringent criteria, with the district surpassing six capability objectives and 48 measurable elements. Lt. Col. Matthew Miller recounted how the district undertook a baseline assessment in 2018, tackling over 220 inspectable items to clinch this award.
The Growth of an Embodied Safety Culture
Over the years, the Albuquerque District’s Safety Office expanded from a tight-knit team of two to five dedicated professionals. “From safety trivia to crucial CPR training, the team’s efforts have resonated across the entire USACE,” Miller said. Contributions from committed individuals like Tracy Wolf and Lucia “Lucy” Pillera have elevated the district’s safety practices to national standards.
An Everlasting Commitment to Safety
As USACE-South Pacific Division Commander Col. James Handura emphasized during the ceremony, safety is an ongoing journey. The Albuquerque District remains committed to its mission of ensuring a safe and prepared workplace for all team members and contractors.
Setting a Benchmark for Others
Miller proudly acknowledged the Albuquerque District’s influence in setting a national benchmark. By sharing its innovative safety practices, it has encouraged other districts to follow suit, thus enhancing the overarching mission across the entire U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
This celebration, however, is not just an end but a continuous journey toward workplace safety, heralding a new era for USACE as it faces future challenges with diligence and excellence.
