Photo By Michael Maddox | U.S. Army Capt. Idriss Mansaray (right) speaks with Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Galick,...... read more read more
Louisville, Ky. – The construction of the new Louisville VA Medical Center is supported by a team about 800 people consisting of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civilian employees and contractors. However, one team member stands out as the sole military personnel assigned to the project.
U.S. Army Capt. Idriss Mansaray has been with the project since December 2024 where he serves as a project engineer. His assignment is part of the Army’s Broadening Opportunity Program, a program in which only three military members have been chosen to serve throughout the Louisville District.
Broadening assignments are designed to improve individual officers and benefit the Army by allowing officers opportunities to expand their capabilities and understanding through experiences in and outside of the Army.
Mansaray was assigned to the Louisville District after completing an assignment as company commander for the 264th Clearance Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He said he applied to work for USACE and that it’s been a great opportunity so far.
“I applied to this program, which gives engineer officers the chance to step outside traditional units and gain experience in large-scale federal projects, and I was blessed to be able to see how USACE operates on the civilian side of engineering and learn from the professionals who bring these projects to life.”
“At the Louisville VA Medical Center project, I help the contracting officer and administrative contracting officers with management of construction execution, coordinate with contractors and government stakeholders, and ensure we meet project standards for budget, quality, safety, and schedule,” he said. “It’s been an incredible opportunity to see the complexity of a project of this size and to contribute to something that will directly serve our nation’s Veterans.”
Mansaray said he would recommend working with USACE through the broadening program for multiple reasons.
“I’ve truly enjoyed my time with USACE so far. Working alongside such skilled professionals has been both humbling and eye-opening. Watching people master their trades and seeing how every piece fits together has given me a deeper appreciation for what it takes to deliver a project of this scale,” he said. “My hope is to take everything I’ve learned here, the technical expertise, leadership lessons, and collaborative mindset, and apply it throughout the rest of my career. I’ll always be grateful for this opportunity and for the people who’ve helped shape my growth as an engineer, soldier and leader.”
The Louisville VA Medical Center is a $940 million project that includes the construction of a new 910,115 square-foot medical center, parking structures, a 42,205 square-foot central utility plant, roadways, sidewalks, and other site improvements.
The new 104-bed, full-service hospital will provide world-class healthcare for more than 45,000 Veterans in Kentucky and Southern Indiana by integrating modern patient-centered care concepts to provide the best possible care for Veterans. In addition, to specifically address the needs of women Veterans, the new hospital will include a Women’s Health Clinic with four Patient Aligned Care Teams.
Construction is anticipated to be complete in 2026.
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 10:01 |
| Story ID: | 551082 |
| Location: | LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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