As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, Urban Engineers recognizes the outstanding individuals within our team of active-duty and veteran armed forces employees. These dedicated professionals bring experience, leadership, and invaluable skills that enrich our firm's culture and enhance our capabilities.
As part of our commitment to recognizing and appreciating their invaluable contributions, we interviewed five individuals to share their inspiring stories.

James Bilella, PE, Vice President, National Market Leader Buildings and Facilities, Urban Engineers

Branch of service

US ARMY Corp of Engineers

Please share any notable achievements or deployments

Commander B Company, 365th Construction Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy)

Commander 369th Engineer Detachment (Firefighter)

What skills did you learn in the military that have been valuable in your position at Urban?

Project & Construction Management:

• Effective communication
• Leadership, teamwork, collaboration
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability and flexibility

What is your favorite project you have been involved in while working at Urban?

I have many favorite projects for various reasons, from the technically challenging projects to projects that positively impact our community to the lasting relationships established with the staff and people I have worked with on these projects.

Phil Cheney, Project Manager, Urban Engineers
 

Branch of service

Army. Active Duty and Reserve. Lieutenant Colonel in both the Corps of Engineers and Civil Affairs branches.

The number of years you served

Drafted in January 1967 and served on active duty until December 1969.

Served in the Reserves from 1970 through 1996. Retired in 1996.

Please share any notable achievements or deployments

I went through Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in November 1967. I served in Vietnam as an Engineer Platoon Leader building and repairing tactical runways, roads, revetments, protective buildings, power supply systems, a water tower, and more, some in remote locations, some not. In the Reserves, I was a Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Operations Officer, and Battalion Executive Officer in a Combat Engineer Battalion. We trained in basic combat engineering skills such as personal weapon skills, demolition/explosives, heavy equipment operation, timber bridge construction, bailey bridges, and more. From the combat engineers, I transferred to a Civil Affairs Unit where I was involved in the Facility Engineer group. As part of this unit, we traveled to a number of Caribbean Islands or other countries where we would either help out the country's administration or work on specific projects in the country. I was personally involved in projects in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Grenada, Iceland, and the Azores (Portugal). I was also mobilized for several months as part of the Task Force to support Haiti during one of its periods of unrest. Urban was quite understanding since I was called up on a Friday night and had to leave for Ft. Bragg the next day without a lot of notice.

What skills did you learn in the military that have been valuable in your position at Urban?

During my six months in Engineer OCS, we covered the basics of what it took four years in Civil Engineering after I got off active duty and started college. I learned things like how not to pour concrete and why through experience, leadership skills, and many other practical experiences such as climbing telephone poles, blowing things up, and driving heavy equipment that gave me an understanding of what is involved in many varied construction tasks even though I don’t really do them for Urban.

What is your favorite project you have been involved in while working at Urban?

In 49 years with Urban, I’ve designed and constructed Airports, roadways, drainage systems, and waterfront facilities. I tend to lean towards Construction Management projects, but it's really hard to call out one in particular. I guess I would say whichever one I’m working on now.

Brianna Douglas, EIT, Aviation Engineer, Urban Engineers
 

Branch of service

I am a proud member of the Virginia Army National Guard.

The number of years you served

I have served for just over a year and graduated from Basic Combat Training (BCT) in September 2023.

Please share any notable achievements or deployments

During BCT, I received three prestigious accolades and a challenge coin from the General! I received the award of Soldier Leader of the Cycle, the highest ACFT score (588/600), and top shot (40/40)! Now, I am working on earning my commission through OCS!

What skills did you learn in the military that have been valuable in your position at Urban?

My journey in the military has been a whirlwind of challenges and growth. From the relentless mental and physical demands to the ever-changing environments, it's been a crash course in adaptability and problem-solving under pressure. Whether it's building hasty fighting positions in the field or strategizing for the next mission, the ability to stay resilient and levelheaded amidst the chaos is paramount. You have to be ready for anything, from unexpected curveballs to last-minute strategy shifts—always expect the unexpected!

Now, while I may not be setting up ORPs at Urban, the things that I’ve learned seamlessly translate to my role here. When deadlines tighten, and obstacles pile up, I am able to dive in headfirst, ready to tackle whatever comes my way! I still have plenty to learn, but I am proud of what I've accomplished thus far. Bring on the next challenge. I'm ready and eager to see what awaits!

What is your favorite project you have been involved in while working at Urban?

I started Urban in February 2024. I had the pleasure of working on a few projects, but my favorite by far is the Manassas Airport Renovation, HEF! This project is demanding and challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. This is my first real design project on an airport, and I could not be more excited to see the final product!

Kelvin Lafond, Director, Corporate Safety, Urban Engineers
 

Branch of service

The US Navy

The number of years you served

20 years, 20 days, and 6 hours.

Please share any notable achievements or deployments

Wartime military participation included the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom, and other indirect US conflict support.

Campaign Badges and/or Expeditionary Medals Received: Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 04; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, 92; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), 03, 92; National Defense Service Medal (2), 01, 90; Meritorious Unit Commendation, 93; Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 92; Southwest Asia Service Medal, 92.

What skills did you learn in the military that have been valuable in your position at Urban?

From ages 13 to 18, I worked at two civil engineering firms as a draftsman and land surveyor and earned two college scholarships for engineering. However, at age 18, I joined the Navy (another long story). My first role in the Navy was working in the aircraft carrier engine room on steam turbines, boilers, electrical generators, water purifications, air conditioning and heating systems, fire prevention and suppression, etc.

Five years later, I became a SEABEE (Navy Civil Engineers Corps), where I utilized my prior engineering skills to safely supervise the planning and construction of prefabricated warehouses, brick and concrete masonry, roadways, runways, pontoon boats, expansion, and elevated causeway bridges. It was there that I was introduced to the role of safety and quality supervisor. My roles also included supervising wartime preparation and planning.

For the last five years, I served as a Drug and Alcohol counselor and program director. This involved listening and being empathetic to patient needs, investigating, presenting findings, and making recommendations that had a significant impact on individuals' lives and the military's fighting readiness capability.

What is your favorite project you have been involved in while working at Urban?

I came on board Urban in December 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual shutdown of office spaces. All other safety projects I had started ended abruptly with the planning of Urban’s initial response to COVID-19 with the executive management team. This allowed me to exercise the emergency management skills I learned in the military and present ideas for consideration and eventual implementation. My ideas were listened to, and I was encouraged to provide more during the fast-changing event. I felt gratified and appreciated for my contributions.

Grace Ryerson, Graduate Engineer, Urban Engineers
 

Branch of service

Army

The number of years you served

2013-2023

Please share any notable achievements or deployments

2019 Texas Mexican Border Support

2019 COVID-19 Response Civil Support

2020 D.C. National Guard Presidential Inauguration Support

What skills did you learn in the military that have been valuable in your position at Urban?

As a platoon leader and then company commander, I considered one of my primary jobs to be disseminating information both to higher-ups and to the Soldiers under my command. Concise and quick communication were the keys to smooth operations and success in any setting!

What is your favorite project you have been involved in while working at Urban?

So far, during my short time with Urban, my favorite project has been the new terminal and parking garage at the Trenton-Mercer airport. More specifically, I’ve enjoyed taking part in the stormwater study!