Photo By Nicole Celestine | Photo of Security and Law Enforcement Chief John Landers with members of the...... read more read more
For 18 years and three months, Security and Law Enforcement Chief John Landers has been a steadfast presence at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, greeting and helping employees and visitors alike at the Oxbow Federal Center South Building 1201, located in Seattle.
Now, as the calendar turns to April 30, 2025, the U.S. Army veteran of 21 years will embark on a new chapter, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, hard work and genuine care for the District he served.
Landers’ journey in civilian public service began in 2008. As Security and Law Enforcement Chief, he witnessed and introduced significant changes in security and law enforcement processes, while rising to challenges to security policy and practice.
Born in Morocco to an U.S. Air Force family, Landers took the initiative to conduct simultaneous project site inspections with Dam Safety Chief Rob Romocki and Occupational Health and Safety Chief Tim Grube, previous District colleagues in 2010, saving federal funds and time when each was scarce. Additionally, he consolidated the District ’s annual security training into one course, reducing staff hours and saving the District about $2.5 million. Sister USACE Districts and the Northwestern Division, in Portland, Oregon, recognized the impact of the revamped security training program and incorporated it into their local training plans.
Whether collaborating with the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Agency to administer a process that vets foreign nationals through the Security Vetting Office, that saved the District money and time and improved employee safety or making more than 600 masks with his wife of 22 years Duyen, for employees and local community organizations, to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in 2021, Landers’ approach to every task combines determination with a focus to serve the needs of the public.
Landers applies the same level of determination and service-oriented focus in his personal and professional relationships. He is an avid bowler and was the brainchild behind regular bowling tournaments for employees to boost camaraderie and morale. Apart from ensuring employees stay safe while at the Oxbow and other USACE facilities, colleagues appreciate his deliberate efforts to connect, support and mentor others, and create genuine relationships with them.
“One of the things I look forward to when I enter our office area is that John is also there,” said USACE Civilian Human Resource Agency Assistant Michael Aguirre. “He brings a humor that matches mine and an Army background we can relate to.”
“We tried to help each other out health-wise by not giving each other our favorite beverage, but it didn’t last long,” said Aguirre. “I would give him a Diet Dr. Pepper; the next day he’d present me with a Rockstar. Nobody is as generous and approachable as John is and it’s not just me, but how he reflects his personality onto other employees. He will be greatly missed, and I’ll probably save thousands not buying Dr. Pepper anymore.”
In spite of his accomplishments, Landers remains humble. “Although my job is important, everyone else’s is just a bit more important.” He encourages District colleagues to help one another complete their tasks by taking care of their requests as soon as possible, and to communicate regularly. “Communication and customer service go a long way.”
While employees will miss his presence around the Oxbow, Landers’ impact will continue to resonate in those he has mentored, coached and supported, whether personally or professionally.
“I have had the pleasure and privilege to call John my supervisor, mentor, but above all someone I consider a good friend,” said Security Specialist Jose Feliciano. “John has always been a dedicated leader to USACE’s core mission. Our facilities and communities are safer and better places, in part to his dedication to safety and the well-being of all employees and visitors alike.”
Employees will also remember, and plan to continue, his monthly potlucks that also serve to celebrate coworkers’ birthdays and other milestones.
“Work should be fun,” said Landers. “There are challenges and stress inherent in all jobs. That doesn’t mean fun is not authorized. Go bowling, have potlucks, lunchtime cornhole competitions, concerts on the patio (we have musicians), hockey games and so on. People enjoy Corps Day; have smaller events within your organizations.”
As his retirement approaches, Landers reflects on his time with USACE with gratitude and pride. Consolidating takeaways from his 39 years of public service, he sums it up with, “All people are different. Treat them with kindness. If you’re wrong, it’s okay to apologize.”
Eager to embrace new adventures, he and Duyen plan to travel. He is interested in buying a house in Vietnam because, “It’s a good location for us to visit other countries like Thailand, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, etc.” He is even open to hosting anyone planning to visit the country. He plans to enjoy making memories with his wife, three grown children and one granddaughter.
Landers encourages colleagues to set out of their comfort zone and say “Hello” or “Good morning” to others. “Some are nice people when you get to know them.” He lives the mantra “Charity Begins at Home” and advises colleagues to support one another as much as possible.
“In the past few years John has shared his knowledge of the personnel security world with me and helped me become a better security professional,” said Feliciano. “He has also been there for all of us in tough times and continues to care for those around him. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and doors he opened for me and for introducing me to a fine organization.”
“Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your lives professionally at work, afterwork with special events, and as a friend," said Landers, as the curtain fades on his 39 years in public service.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2025 10:10 |
| Story ID: | 496388 |
| Location: | SEATTLE , WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Legacy of Dedication: John Landers Bids Farewell to Public Service, by Nicole Celestine, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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