Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Topic: Liquid Floors
A presentation by Liquid Floors. With offices in Charlotte & Greenville, they provide comprehensive industrial flooring solutions including epoxy floors and concrete polishing. In their presentation they will provide the details and benefits of these solutions. They have done work at numerous military locations including Shaw AFB and McEntire JNGB.
Presenter: Lee Davis | President, Liquid Floors | lee@liquidfloors.com | liquidfloors.com
Date: Tuesday, March 8th 11:30-12:30
April
Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Topic: Five Fundamentals for Developing Sustainable Vegetation on Construction Sites
Since founded in 2006, Earth & Turf Reps has grown to become one of the most respected Erosion Control Manufacturer Representatives in the United States. We use our more than 75 years of experience in the erosion control industry to provide excellent support to distributors, contractors, engineers, inspectors, and bring these benefits to our manufacturers. Our knowledge and experience in the industry, our commitment to serving our customers, our extensive contacts with the engineering community, local, state, and federal government agencies make us a resource you can rely on.
Earth & Turf Reps plays an important role in numerous industries such as mining, landfills, pipeline, military, department of transportation, residential, and construction and maintenance projects. We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to share with our clients in every aspect of the industries we serve and at every stage of project development from planning, design, bidding, and installation. Our mission is to ensure our clients have the best chance to get their products introduced, understood, properly installed, and achieve the intended results.
Presenter: Earth and Turf Reps | earthandturfreps.com
Date: Tuesday, April 12th 11:30-12:30
May
Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Topic: Tour Santa Cruz Nutritionals Facility, Sumter, SC | santacruznutritionals.com
Presenter: Walter Wang, Engineering Manager - Santa Cruz & Allen DeRiemacker, Project Engineer - BestCo
Date: Tuesday, May 10th 12:00-1:00
July
Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Topic: Annual Scholarship Presentation & Tour of the SC Military Museum
This month's meeting we will be presenting scholarships to two awardees, followed by a guided tour of the museum.
First established in Sumter county as the “National Guard Museum and State Weapons Collection”, the South Carolina Military Museum relocated to the capital city of Columbia to better serve its mission of preserving the State’s military history. Officially recognized by the U.S. Army’s Center for Military History and the National Guard Bureau, the museum features a timeline of South Carolina military history within two full exhibit galleries.
https://www.scmilitarymuseum.com
11:30 am- lunch & awardee presentation
Meeting Location:
SC Military Museum
1 National Guard Road
Columbia, SC
11:30am-1:30pm
Registration Process:
We are continuing to use Eventbrite for meeting registrations.
Meeting cost is $20 in advance & $15 for current/retired military/ROTC & Engr Students.
Please register in advance, so we can accommodate everyone.
Please register by 9:00 AM, Monday, July 11th so we can be sure to have adequate space and food at the venue
August
Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Topic: Shaw Air Force Base Environmental Restoration
Presenter: Program Manager Juv Saloman
Date: Tuesday, August 9th 12:00-1:00
Meeting Location:
Logan's Steakhouse
Sumter, SC
Registration Process:
We are continuing to use Eventbrite for meeting registrations.
Meeting cost is $20 in advance/$15 for current/retired military/free for ROTC & Engr Students.
Please register in advance, so we can accommodate everyone.
Please register by 5:00 PM, Monday, August 8th.
September
Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Site Tour: Runway, Taxiway, & Parking Apron Rehabilitation Project, McEntire, JNGB
Description:
“Over the past 3 years Mead & Hunt worked closely with McEntire Joint National Guard Base to rehabilitate Runway 14/32, reconstruct their parallel Taxiway A, and construct a new Hazardous Cargo Pad. While each project had their own unique challenges, the project designs were completed concurrently and through the COVID pandemic. Plan to attend the September 13th Midlands Post SAME meeting for an overview of the three projects that were completed to position McEntire to serve their current ready alert and training missions and prepare themselves for future possibilities!”
Presenter: Patrick Buhler, PE - 9 years experience, Project Designer, Military Aviation Group, Citadel Graduate & Terry Donovan, PE - 14 years experience, Project Manager, FAA and Military Aviation Group
Date: Tuesday, September 13th 12:00-1:00
Meeting Location:
McEntire Joint National Guard Base
Hopkins, SC
Registration Process:
We are continuing to use Eventbrite for meeting registrations.
Meeting cost is $20 in advance & $15 for current/retired military/ROTC & Engr Students.
Box lunches will be provided on-site.
Register by noon, Friday, September 9th.
IMPORTANT: If you DO NOT have a military ID, you need to submit the information below to Rich Wargo before noon, on Friday, September 9th for the Base Access Clearance required by McEntire:
Full Name
DL Numbers & State Issued
Also, bring the following: Hard Hat, Safety Glasses, Reflective Vest, Closed Toe Shoes.
October
Carolina Midlands Post Annual Golf Tournament
Location: Carolina Lakes Golf Course at Shaw Air Force Base
Date: October 21st
Click here for the flyer
. The earlybird rate ends on September 24th.
We are expecting a large turnout for this event, as usual.
If you are not able to play, please consider a sponsorship and/or a donation to help support the scholarship program.
- Since 2014, the Golf Tournament has provided 29 college scholarships totaling $26,000
- Since 2014, the Golf Tournament has provided 7 camper fees scholarships totaling $4,250.
Registration & Sponsorship Available on-line through Eventbrite.
November
Carolina Midlands Post Meeting
Topic: Shaw Air Force Base Future Business Opportunities
Presenter: TBD
Date: Tuesday, November 8th 12:00-1:00
Meeting Location:
DeMara's Italian Restaurant
2070 Peach Orchard Road
Sumter, SC 29154
Registration Process:
We are continuing to use Eventbrite for meeting registrations.
Meeting cost is $20 in advance & $15 for current/retired military/ROTC & Engr Students.
Please register in advance, so we can accommodate everyone.
2021 Meetings
January
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Shaw Air Force Base Construction Program - current, future, and strategic plans affecting the base
Presenter:
Date: Tuesday, January 12th 11:30-12:30
February
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: COVID-19 Detection in Wastewater
COVID-19 virus transmission occurs from symptomatic and asymptomatic people. This transmission can occur “silently” in a population until symptomatic individuals get tested. Test results may be available several days to two weeks after the individual is tested – potentially allowing the transmission of the virus to many more people. Monitoring the wastewater collection system can help a community understand where the virus is present at a low per-capita cost, even in the absence of physical symptoms or delays in testing.
Arcadis has partnered with the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for a project to identify and track SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in municipal wastewater collection systems in four cities/counties throughout NY State. Arcadis has developed community focused sampling plans for each collection system and is measuring the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sanitary wastewater for up to 6 weeks. These wastewater sampling results along with human health data can assess the virus spread in the community and inform health decision makers of localized outbreaks of COVID-19. This knowledge on increasing community transmission is gained up to 7 days in advance of what can be seen with human testing. Early detection of transmission allows officials to take precautionary safety measures that can prevent future spread while maintaining a layer of anonymity for residents. When transmission decreases, monitoring wastewater confirms the decline in the presence of COVID-19 cases. The project is a collaborative effort with Syracuse University, Quadrant Biosciences, SUNY ESF and Upstate Medical University.
Presenter: Darcy Sachs, Arcadis Project Manager II leads a multifaceted team to provide industrial and community services for water and wastewater including COVID-19 Wastewater surveillance services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s in Environmental & Resource Engineering from the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry.
Date: Tuesday, February 9th 11:30-12:30
March
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Downtown Sumter Revitalization
Presenter: TBD
Date: Tuesday, March 9th 11:30-12:30
April
Joint Industry Day Meeting
Location: Charleston, SC
Dates: April 21-22
May
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: 3D Printing in Construction
Presenter: Mr. David Goodloe works for Branch Technology as a Program Development Manager on their Advanced Concepts Team. Branch Technology is a construction and technology company that is inspired by nature. They use its teachings to build sustainably and efficiently through the development of hardware, software, pre-fabrication innovations, and solution-driven products. Branch Technology consists of a diverse team of architects, physicists, engineers, mathematicians, and industrial designers focused on the common goal of revolutionizing the built environment.
Video: Click here for an quick video on Cellular Fabrication - Construction Scale 3D Printing
Date: Tuesday, May 11th 11:30-12:30
June
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: SCDOT Carolina Crossroads Project Overview
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is proposing improvements to the interstate corridor of I-20/26/126, including the system interchanges at I-20/I-26 and I-26/I-126 in Lexington and Richland Counties. These improvements are proposed to increase mobility and enhance traffic operations by reducing existing traffic congestion within the I-20/26/126 corridor, while accommodating future traffic needs. The corridor's approximately 14 miles of mainline interstate include I-26 from Exit 101 - Broad River Road (US 176) to east of the Saluda River, I-20 from the west of the Saluda River to west of the Broad River, and I-126 from I-26 to east of the interchange with Colonial Life Boulevard. The project website is at www.SCDOTcarolinacrossroads.com
This presentation also qualifies as a Technical Session (1 CEU). Certificates will be provided upon request after the meeting.
Presenter: Brian Klauk, PE, CPM, ENV SP / SCDOT PM for Carolina Crossroads Project
Brian Klauk currently serves as the Project Manager for the Carolina Crossroads I-20/26/126 Corridor Improvement Project within the Mega Projects Division at SCDOT.
During his 20-plus-year career, he has been part of teams to deliver the design and construction of horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects while working for SCDOT, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, and several consulting firms. He is also privileged to serve as a volunteer design engineer on international development projects, including children’s homes, a hospital, a senior care facility, and innovative disaster relief shelters that help children and families step out of poverty and into hope.
Brian is a registered Professional Engineer in South Carolina, a Certified Public Manager, and an Envision® Sustainability Professional. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and five children.
Date: Tuesday, June 8th 11:30-12:30
July
OUR VERY FIRST IN-PERSON POST MEETING IN OVER A YEAR!
Topic: Installation of new Post Officers, Scholarship Awards, and Post President's Address
New Post Officers:
Post President- Maj Graham Auten - Commander 20th CES, Shaw AFB
Post Vice-President- John Vipperman - former USAF, Shaw AFB
Treasurer- David Yensan, AIA - CEMS-AE
Secretary- Richard Wargo, PE - Schnabel Engineering
Membership & Camps- Debbie Dent, AIA - Mead & Hunt
Fund Raising/Golf Outing- Scott Ross, PG - AECOM
Programs- Mark DeSouza, PE- Thomas & Hutton
Location: De Mara's Italian Restaurant, 2070 Peach Orchard Road, Sumter, SC
Date: Tuesday, July13th 11:30-12:30
August
Another "In-Person" Post Lunch Meeting
Topic: Shaw Air Force Base Projects - Installation Investment Strategy (I2S) and Shaw AFB
Presenter: Captain Christil Pasion, USAF ACC 20th CES/CNN, Shaw AFB
Captain Pasion presented the current and future infrastructure efforts across Shaw AFB and it's correlation with the US Air Force's Installation Investment Strategy. She summarized the centralized and decentralized funding programs available to the 20 Civil Engineer Squadron and how installation requirements are advocated, developed, contracted and executed here in South Carolina.
Date: Tuesday, August 17th 11:30-12:30
September
We are pleased to be able to hold another "in-person" Post lunch meeting
Topic: Activities & Outlook for the 81st Readiness Division, US Army Reserve
Presenter: Colonel Rust G. Rhoads, Director of Installation Management, 81st Readiness Division
Colonel Rusty G. Rhoads began his military career as an Infantry Soldier in 1994 with the Washington Army National Guard. In 1997 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Washington State University along with a commission in the Corps of Engineers as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Webster University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College, is a licensed Professional Engineer.
His previous assignments include Platoon Leader in the 116th Construction Support Engineer Company; Civil Engineer Officer in the 115th Engineer Group (Construction); Company Executive Officer for Company C, 1st Battalion, 415th Infantry Regiment; Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer in the 411th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), Honolulu, Hawaii; Commander, Headquarters and Support Company, 980th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), Austin, Texas; Operations Officer, 980th Engineer Battalion; Chief Engineer, Regional Support Command – North, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan; Engineer Branch Assignments Officer at Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Director of Public Works and Deputy Commander for the U.S. Army Reserve Theater Support Group – Pacific, Professor of Military Science at Tuskegee University, and Army Staff Engineer on The Joint Staff.
His combat experience includes tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2004 and 2005 he was deployed to Iraq in the 411th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) where he performed Combat and General Engineer support functions for the 1st Cavalry Division. In 2011 he served as Chief Engineer for Regional Support Command – North, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan where he was the senior Engineer for the nine northernmost provinces of Afghanistan; he was responsible for the construction of all tactical infrastructure to sustain the Afghan National Security Forces and for serving as the northern region executive agent of NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan in matters pertaining to the strategic basing of the Afghan National Security Forces.
His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusterJoint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge. He is also a recipient of the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment’s Bronze de Fleury Medal.
Location: NCO Club, 5700 Lee Road, Fort Jackson, SC
Date: Tuesday, September 7th 11:30-12:30
Registration Process: For this meeting, the NCO has a buffet. Meeting attendees can just pay $12 at the club and go through the buffet.
Please send an email to Rich Wargo (rwargo@schnabel-eng.com) by Monday, September 6 by 9:00 AM if you plan to attend so that we can plan to have adequate meeting space.
In addition, please bring your mask, as they are required except for when you are actually eating.
If you do not have a military ID, you will need to submit the following information to rwargo@schnabel-eng.com by 8:00 AM, Friday, September 3rd for the Base Access Clearance check required by Fort Jackson:
Full Name
Last 5 of SSN
DOB
DL # and State of Issuance
October
Carolina Midlands Post Annual Golf Tournament
Location: Carolina Lakes Golf Course at Shaw Air Force Base
Date: October 22nd
Click here for the flyer. The earlybird rate ends on September 24th.
We are expecting a large turnout for this event, as usual.
If you are not able to play, please consider a sponsorship and/or a donation to help support the scholarship program.
- Since 2014, the Golf Tournament has provided 29 college scholarships totaling $26,000
- Since 2014, the Golf Tournament has provided 7 camper fees scholarships totaling $4,250.
Registration & Sponsorship Available on-line through Eventbrite. Please click here.
November
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: TBD
Presenter: TBD
Date: Tuesday, November 9th 11:30-12:30
December
No meeting this month.

Annual "Toys for Tots' Toy Drive
2020 Meetings
January
No meeting this month.
February
Engineering Principles in Roofing
Become knowledgeable in the engineering concepts to a successful roofing project.
February's meeting was presented by Mr. James Crooks, GA/SC Area Manager for The Garland Company. James has been with The Garland Company since 2011. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University.
An introduction to important Division 7 principles was discussed as well as thorough overviews on:
- wind uplift engineering
- energy efficiency of roofing
- quality control and testing
- roof system durability
Examples of local projects including McEntire JNGB were also discussed.
www.garlandco.com
www.design-buildsolutions.co
March
Army Command Engineer's Perspective of Operations in the Central Command AOR
Presenter: Colonel Michael Baker, Director of Installation for USARCENT
Below is the link to the presentation delivered during our meeting:
SAME Briefing
April
Annual SAME Industry Day
The event scheduled for 21 - 22 April has been cancelled.
SAME has made this decision following CDC recommendations for social distancing and the feedback from our Government and Industry partners that have had travel restrictions imposed.
The hotel will cancel any room reservations in our block. You are encouraged to call the hotel to confirm cancellation of your reservation.
Future communications will provide details on receiving a full refund. This policy applies to all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors.
On behalf of SAME we appreciate your understanding! For additional questions please contact CharlestonSAME@gmail.com.
Virtual JETC: Adapting for Today, and Tomorrow.
A Virtual Event for the Joint Engineering Community
COVID-19 is impacting almost every aspect of day-to-day life. For many organizations, business as we know it has changed for the time being. But supporting national security never stops. And as the world faces these challenging times, it's now more important than ever to stay positive, stay connected, and stay focused on the mission ahead.
Virtual JETC is your chance to stay up to speed with all that is happening in the federal A/E/C sector. You will hear from government decision-makers and industry leaders and get a detailed look at how our profession is pivoting to tackle the infrastructure-related national security challenges we are all facing in this unprecedented environment.
May
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Drones & Autonomous Vehicles; Changes on the Horizon for the A/E Design Community: Unmanned vehicles whether by air, land or water are continuing to evolve in sophistication and use in both every day and professional life. This webinar will examine the uses of these tools in providing services within the A/E industry. Additionally, a broader discussion will be held on how this technology will change designs and specifications in the future. Current examples of this technology’s use will be highlighted throughout the session.
Presenter: Frank Mundy, PLS, Geomatics Practice Leader at Stewart Engineering, Columbia, SC
Frank is a graduate of Old Dominion University and has been in the surveying practice for over 23 years.
Date: Date: Tuesday, May 12th 11:30-12:30
Below is the link to the presentation delivered during our meeting:
Drones & Autonomous Vehicles
June
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Please join our second virtual meeting as we discuss up-coming Post Events, review the Virtual JETC Programs, and solicit feedback for our own Post Programs.
Presenter: Frank Mondo, Carolina Midlands Post President
We also welcome LTC Colonel John Vipperman with AFCENT, our incoming Post Vice President.
Date: Tuesday, June 9th 11:30-12:30
July
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Please join this month's meeting to celebrate our annual scholarship winners and hear what's on tap for the next couple months.
Presenter: Frank Mondo, Carolina Midlands Post President
Date: Tuesday, July 14th 11:30 - 12:30
August
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Please join us as the SAME Carolina Midlands Post welcomes Lt Col Lemuel Rios, NC ANG, and Nick Matthews, PE from RS&H who will present the mission of the 245th Civil Engineer Flight Staff Augmentation Team (S-TEAM) and the NC ANG C-17 transition program at Charlotte-Douglas Airport.
Date: Tuesday, August 11th 11:30 - 12:30
Below are links to the presentations delivered during our meeting:
145th Airlift Wing Conversion Update Brief
245th Civil Engineer Flight Brief
September
No meeting this month.
October
The SAME Midlands Post had an amazing turn out for our Annual Golf Tournament this year . . . thankfully Hurricane Delta held back. We had 53 players this year and were able to raise over $6,000 to be used for scholarships and engineering camps. Congratulations to all that participated and contributed to this even. An excellent return on our efforts.
November
Carolina Midlands Post Virtual Meeting
Topic: Please join us as the SAME Carolina Midlands Post welcomes Lt Col Kinsel, commander of the CE Squadron at Charleston AFB and currently deployed to Al Udeid AB, Qatar as the 577th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron commander as he presents on mission capabilities of the AFCENT theater engineer force, their concept of operation, and shared some vignettes. Thank you for delivery a stellar presentation all the way from Qatar!
Lt Col Wayne C. Kinsel directs a unit of 167 military engineers responsible for delivering combat power for US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) and Joint Forces. The unit provides theater-wide, in and outside of the wire, over the horizon, light troop labor construction and repair, quick strike firefighting, airfield rubber removal and painting, and expeditionary shelter asset expertise throughout the US Central Command area of responsibility.
Currently, Lt Col Kinsel is the commander of the 628th Civil Engineering Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, SC. He commands a total military and civilian force of more than 550 personnel managing 4.3 million square feet in facilities, 726 military family housing units, 23,000 acres of land, four runways, three naval piers, and 38 miles of rail, with plant replacement value of 3.2 billion dollars. He oversees aircraft crash/rescue, structural, and contingency firefighting and worldwide explosive ordnance disposal and provides environmental protection, restoration, compliance and emergency management services for 12,000 personnel.
Lt Col Kinsel entered the Air Force in 1995 as a enlisted member serving in the Space Systems Maintenance career field. He received his commission from the US Air Force Academy in 2001, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Following the Academy, Lt Col Kinsel has served at the squadron, major command, field operating agency and headquarters air staff levels as a career civil engineering officer. Additionally, he has deployed in support of OPERATIONS ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM'S SENTINEL and RESOLUTE SUPPORT.
Date: Tuesday, November 10th 11:30 - 12:30
December
No meeting this month.

Annual "Toys for Tots' Toy Drive
In normal times, we have collected toys and brought them to a holiday social for a round-up and delivered them to one of the Marines' collection sites. Instead, the Midlands Board approved a financial donation of $300 to the Cause.