Employee Spotlight: Major Brett Fuller.
Job Title: Honolulu District USACE Project Manager Project Manager (PM)
How long have you been at Honolulu District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and your previous experience?
I started working in the Honolulu District in June 2018. Previously I worked in the Kansas City District USACE (NWK) for three months while I waited to attend the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., I was a project manager in their environmental branch.
What made you want to join the Army?
I was a freshman at the University of Washington (UW) in 2003 and took a leadership elective offered by the U.S. Naval ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program. I loved the class and admired the cadets and midshipmen. I grew up in a Navy family in Bremerton, Wash., but ultimately I was drawn to the people-centric nature of the U.S. Army (as opposed to the more machine-centric U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force). I joined the U.S. Army Reserves in December after that leadership class as well as the UW ROTC program. The rest is history!
What is an unusual or unique fact about you not many people know?
I grew up near Seattle and love their sports teams. Go, Mariners! (Hopefully, they end the drought this year. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2001 and are one of only two teams to have never played in a World Series)
What are your hobbies or interests?
I have two girls, Marie (5) and Olive (3), and born a few months ago Zelie Anne Fuller. So my current hobbies and interests revolve around time with them.
What is the proudest moment in your life?
When I am holding my daughters for the first time.
Describe your job on a daily basis?
Problem-solving. As a project manager every day I get to tackle challenges. It’s very gratifying to help move the ball forward on a project in some small way each day.
What do you bring to the Honolulu District that sets you apart from others?
I’m very familiar with the non-USACE side of the U.S. Army, allowing me to provide a different perspective in project meetings and discussions.
Who or what inspires you?
Great leaders inspire me as cliché as that sounds, but the District is fortunate to have a lot of incredible leaders, especially in PM. It’s encouraging to work hard alongside them.
What is the most rewarding part of your job and being in the Army?
The most rewarding part of serving in this District as well as in the Army is getting to work with highly talented and first-class professionals.
Highlight a notable milestone or memory in your career?
I recently passed the Professional Engineering (PE) exam and Col. Christopher Lestochi Pacific Ocean Division USACE Deputy, was my first battalion commander and provided a recommendation for my PE application. Passing the exam was validation for many years of hard work and was a way to honor my supporters, especially my family.
What goals (personal or professional) do you hope to accomplish in your position?
Unfortunately, I only have a year with Honolulu District before I have to return to the regular U.S. Army. My primary goal is to learn as much as I can about everything USACE, especially within the PPM Division.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about my family and the Army profession.
After a stressful week, what do you do to unwind, let off steam, or relax?
I do my best to forget about work and soak up time with my family.
What do you love about Honolulu District or USACE?
From Day one, I felt like I was joining an Ohana! Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and helpful.