Bridging the gap: How one service member found professional growth at USACE Far East District

Joel Padilla, project manager, Central Area Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District, takes his civilian oath of office on April 22, 2026, with Col. Jeremiah J. Willis, commander, USACE FED. Padilla participated in the SkillBridge in 2025 while stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, as an engineering officer. Following his participation in the program, Padilla was hired as a project manager for the Korea Air and Space Operations Center (KAOC) project at Osan Air Base. (U.S. Army photo by Yi, Ki Ho)