Ralph Werthmann, Real Estate Division chief for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, celebrated his 36-year career with the Corps during a retirement ceremony, Sept. 25, 2024.
Teammates, family and friends gathered to highlight Werthmann’s accomplishments and share stories about their time working alongside him.
“People have noted that I look excited, and I am,” said Werthmann. “You just know when it’s time and I’m feeling good about it.”
Col. Ronald Sturgeon, the District’s commander, presented Werthmann with his Certificate of Retirement and a Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal during the ceremony. He also received a Woodrow Berge Distinguished Award from USACE Director of Real Estate, Paula Johnson-Muic.
“I’m kind of a low-profile type, so I tried to talk my folks into not doing anything,” said Werthmann. “I don’t think I won that battle.”
Having a USACE career that spans several decades, marked by diverse roles and substantial achievement, the District was determined to ensure Werthmann’s departure was anything but ordinary.
Werthmann grew up as a carpenter’s son in Omaha, Nebraska, and entered the construction business with his father shortly after high school. The trade led him to opportunities in Colorado, but he eventually made his way back to Nebraska where he worked as a…
