Courtesy Photo | Arthur J. Janecka, deputy district engineer for programs and project management, U.S....... read more read more
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GALVESTON, Texas – On June 8, 1964, only a week after his college graduation and 10 days after his wedding to his wife Cathy, Lamar University graduate Arthur J. Janecka drove up to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District’s headquarters building in an aqua Chevelle, ready to report for duty as part of an 18-month civil engineering intern training program where he would earn $5,650 in his first year.
Forty seven years later, the Columbus, Texas, native would become a leader in coastal engineering, serving with 21 Corps district commanders, 24 division commanders and retiring as the deputy district engineer for programs and project management – the highest position attainable by a civilian employee in the USACE Galveston District.
“I am so very thankful for being a part of the Army Corps of Engineers and having the opportunity to work with customers, stakeholders, commanders and district employees,” said Janecka. “The Corps is like family. I’ve always had jobs that I thought were important, whether I was an intern or chief. I’ve been blessed with my assignments.”
When Janecka began his career with the Corps, the 500-employee district was working on designs for the hurricane flood protection systems in Texas City, Freeport and Port Arthur, in addition to the Wallisville Reservoir and Brays and White Oak bayous flood protection systems.
“It did not dawn on me then, but over the years I have realized the importance of all those projects that produce benefits for this great nation that we live in,” said Janecka.
Janecka said he’s proud of the efforts of district employees, most notably the work to complete the deepening of the Houston Ship Channel and the completion of projects like the channels to Victoria, Freeport Harbor and Brazos Island Harbor.
“When I was in a position dealing in numbers, I saw numbers. But numbers look like channels, walls, protection devices or bank stabilization,” said Janecka. “I think of the number of people who have been protected by hurricane flood protection systems and flood risk management structures – that’s what is important.”
Janecka recalls one of his most memorable moments at the Corps.
“I went to Houston with a group and we were walking Brays Bayou,” said Janecka. “A few engineers told me anytime you see water running over concrete, stay away from it because of the algae growing on it. I didn’t listen because it was just a short distance to the other side. Well, I slipped and fell and the senior engineers drove me all the way back to Galveston – I must’ve been an intern.”
With 47 years under his belt, Janecka remembers when computers and automated systems were first introduced in the Galveston District.
“In 1975, I was named the resource allocation project manager while working in the Programs Management Office for the district,” said Janecka. “That was the first time I used an automated system. A lot of people from the old school would tell you they could do work faster by hand then a computer could do it. In some cases, that was true.”
According to Janecka, computers were just getting started in the Corps and the district had one that filled an entire room.
“I learned the benefits and bonuses of using computers from USACE Galveston District Program Analyst Betty Voelkel,” said Janecka.
Although he appreciates the technology, he says there are some downfalls.
“E-mail is great technology, but it’s also kind of damning,” said Janecka. “We lost face to face communication, but as far as contacting people in faraway places, e-mail is great. We need to temper that with real person contact at times.”
Janecka said he’s willing to share his institutional knowledge with anyone on the job, whether via telephone or in person and offered the following advice for district employees, “continue your education, seek diverse assignments, look for opportunities to further your career, obtain professional licenses and certifications, and throw out the idea of not doing something if it’s not written in your job sheet – you’ve got to put that mind frame aside sometimes.”
Janecka’s distinguished career has been filled with multiple military and civilian awards. He was most recently awarded the Silver Order of de Fleury Medal from the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment, one of the highest recognitions bestowed by Army engineers. Janecka was also recognized by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul during a retirement ceremony held in June, in addition to being named an admiral in the Texas Navy by Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Janecka admits he was humbled and petrified by his retirement ceremony held June 30 in Galveston.
“I really would like to laud the accomplishments of others and be in the background,” said Janecka. “I was tickled to death. The Galveston District has been good to me. It’s been a blessing to me and my family.”
Janecka plans to visit Alaska with wife Cathy and garden.
“I want to enhance the flower garden and add color in the yard. I also have some house repairs I want to catch up on, fishing to do, and plan on staying active in church,” said Janecka. “I want to enjoy my grandkids.”
When asked if he plans to stay connected to the district via Facebook, he said yes.
“I’m not an expert at Facebook, but I plan on learning,” he chuckled.
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2011 14:55 |
| Story ID: | 73122 |
| Location: | GALVESTON, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 329 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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