Fort Worth District recognizes Engineer of the Year

Published July 2, 2013

FORT WORTH, Texas – Esmat F. Salahat was born in Jordan and was raised by his grandparents in the small Christian town of Anfe, Lebanon.  From this beautiful, small town on the Mediterranean emerged the Fort Worth District’s 2012 Engineer of the Year. 

The 2012 award recipient has approximately 30 years of federal service.  He currently serves as the District’s Structural Section’s technical expert and has held the position for the past nine years. 

During the District’s 2013 Annual Awards Ceremony on June 13, a surprised Salahat walked up to the stage to receive his award.  Although Salahat had received performance awards each year for the past 29 years and had been nominated for Engineer of the Year on three prior occasions, he had no idea that he was in the running to receive this years’ honor.   

“It was a pleasant surprise to say the least, because I had no idea I was getting this award -- I thought I was to receive my 30 years pin,” said Salahat.  “I couldn’t have made the impression leading to any of this, if it wasn’t for the great support I’ve always had from the Corps; especially from the structural section, construction field offices and other Districts.” 

The Engineer of the Year Award is given annually to recognize excellence in engineering.  Nominees must make specific contributions in some field of engineering, which result in a significant accomplishment by the District during the previous 12 months.  The contributions must be individual and the result of the nominee’s personal efforts, according to the award criteria. 

Salahat earned a Bachelors of Science in 1980 and his Masters of Science in 1982; both in Civil Engineering and from the University of Texas at Arlington.  While studying at UTA, Salahat was a member of numerous honor societies including Chi Epsilon, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Mu Epsilon and Alpha Chi. 

During his leisure, the 36-year resident of Weatherford, Texas enjoys fishing, reading technical sources, and troubleshooting, fixing, and improving things.   

“I enjoy the challenge and like to improve and expand my knowledge,” added Salahat. “I like to help others as much as I can.” 

As the structural engineer technical expert for the District, Esmat is involved with several projects within the District where he provides field support and technical reviews. 

“He is an outstanding resource for ensuring that projects are designed and constructed properly based on the most current standards,” said Salahat’s supervisor, Bryan G. Thompson, chief of Structural Section.  “His expertise allows the Center of Standardization to provide a consistent response for our nationwide CoS program as well as regional customers.” 

Salahat was among 16 other annual award recipients as well as a host of length of service and special recognition awardees who were recognized during the ceremony.  The Engineer of the Year was all smiles as he received the award from the Fort Worth District Commander, Col. Charles H. Klinge.   

“Undoubtedly, it means a lot to me as I’ve always enjoyed engineering work and I practice it very seriously. I can’t imagine working far from it, so receiving this prestigious award, is better than icing on the cake.”

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About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico.  Visit the Fort Worth District website at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308
Contact
Randy Cephus
817-886-1310

Release no. 13-042