SEOUL, Republic of Korea — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was presented the Army Superior Unit Award May 3 for mission execution during fiscal years 2006 through 2010. All USACE subordinate commands, to include the Far East District, are authorized to carry the ASU streamer on their Corps of Engineers flag.
The Far East District held an award ceremony June 29 where Col. Blair A. Schantz, FED Commander, hung the Army Superior Unit streamer on the District colors. Military and civilian employees were pinned with the ASU ribbon and lapel pin respectively.
“We earned this for all that we did collectively in Iraq, Afghanistan, and here in Korea in support of the defense of the United States,” said Schantz. “It’s a very prestigious award and not all units get it.”
Schantz also mentioned that he was not aware of any other joint military and civilian unit previous to now receiving such an award.
“To me what’s special about this is that we’re not only going to pin a permanent award on the military members, but the civilians will also have lapel pins,” said Schantz.
The award was presented to USACE by Gen. Martin Dempsey, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, at the retirement ceremony for Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, outgoing Chief of Engineers, at Fort McNair, in Washington, D.C.