As the nation paused on Veterans Day to honor its heroes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, found its own way to pay tribute to those who have served.
From November 3-21, 2025, the District's Employee Recreation Association (ERA) hosted a special "Veterans Legacy Exhibition," showcasing a variety of memorabilia and artifacts. These included photographs, coins, patches, medals, military service uniforms, and other items of historical or sentimental value, all curated to celebrate the stories, sacrifices, and legacies of Savannah District veterans and their families.
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors all U.S. military veterans for their service and sacrifice.
“All of the artifacts displayed in the exhibit were generously loaned by employees who served,” said Dani Stepherson, ERA vice president. “Their contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the stories of our Savannah District heroes are heard and remembered.”
Among the many items on display are two Purple Hearts, a large challenge coin collection, a cast iron tassel from Saddam Hussein’s statue, and memorabilia from both World War I and World War II.
The museum-style exhibit also includes an interactive display where employees can use pushpins to mark the regions around the world where they have served. Additionally, a video plays, showcasing employees expressing their gratitude to their veteran colleagues with thank-you messages.
Matthew McCleod, a Savannah District employee and retired U.S. Army first sergeant who served 25 years, said he thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit.
“Being a veteran myself, I know the depth of devotion and sacrifice represented in the exhibit,” said McCleod. “To see the heroism, valor, and patriotism of the Corps’ employees visually displayed was both humbling and inspiring. I left the exhibit with an overwhelming sense of pride to be part of an organization with such a legacy, knowing I serve daily alongside heroes who have served and bled for this nation.”
Another employee Craig Janhrette, Contracting Division, said that visiting the exhibit gave him a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve.
“It [the exhibit] provided a meaningful way to recognize and honor our retired military employees, giving them the recognition and identity they deserve,” said Janhrette. “Often, we are unaware of the sacrifices and wartime efforts of our fellow Corps employees, so this was an important way to shed light on their contributions. Being able to physically walk through the space, see and touch the memorabilia and contributed items, gave me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve. It highlighted the real experiences of those who have served, and the immense value of both past and present soldiers."
The exhibit is open to USACE employees, retirees and their families.
The mission of ERA is to encourage, promote and conduct recreation activities for the employees of the Savannah District.