Post Provides JETC Stipend

by Amy McCurdy

This year I had the pleasure of receiving a stipend from the Post to attend the annual Joint Engineer and Training Conference (JETC) held in St. Louis, Missouri.  This was my first time attending and I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity.  Being able to attend a JETC close to home was really an advantage because there were a large number of people from the Greater Kansas City post that were able to attend the conference.  A group of us decided to arrive in style and took the train from Union Station in Kansas City to St. Louis. It wasn't the fastest travel option, but it did allow for lots of discussions beforehand about business and the Post.

I learned a great deal during the sessions and I enjoyed talking to people in the exhibit hall between sessions. My favorite part of the conference was the Post Awards Breakfast.  Seeing our Post earn the Distinguished Post award was very gratifying knowing how much hard work and volunteer hours go into making our Post what it is.  I found myself prouder than ever to be a member of SAME when I saw all the effort and dedication people around the world are devoting to SAME.  SAME is truly a remarkable organization that provides so much to the members and the community.   

This was my first JETC conference and sure not to be my last.  I already blocked off the dates of the 2013 JETC on my calendar and have started recruiting people to attend with me.   If you haven't attended one in the past, seriously consider it.  You will meet a lot of new people, connect with old acquaintances, and walk away with a new appreciation of SAME.

GKC Post Awards Scholarships

by Rob Rastorfer

SAME Student Post Plaque

The GKC Post was very well represented again this year at the SAME Joint Engineering and Training Conference (JETC). This year the event was held in St. Louis, Missouri. Young Members from the GKC Post rode out on Amtrak's Missouri River Runner line as an additional activity geared towards networking opportunities. One of the Young Members was Jason Meyers (Burns & McDonnell) who was attending JETC courtesy of the National Young Member stipend awarded by SAME Headquarters to Young Members based on Post involvement and contributions to the Society.

There were many events attended at JETC by members of the GKC Post, including a Young Member/Mentor event that was coordinated and emceed in part by Tom Poer (HNTB) and Ann Ewy (USACE - Kansas City District). Along with the dozens of break-out sessions focused on professional development and continuing education, there were many other events including a networking event at St. Louis's City Museum and the Society Ball. Additionally, there was a Post Awards Breakfast where the GKC Post was awarded its streamers and recognized for Distinguished Post, which was accepted by Col. Anthony J. Hofmann, post president.