Major Henry G. Harpen

Major Henry G. Harpen serves as the Deputy District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District, providing operational and administrative support to the District Commander with the responsibility for water resources development in the Chicago metropolitan area, upper Illinois River watershed, Lake Michigan watershed in Wisconsin, and the upper Wabash River watershed in Indiana, with a total area of approximately 31,500 square miles. MAJ Harpen serves as second-in-command and chief military advisor to the District Commander, and he is responsible for day-to-day operational oversight of the District’s missions, ensuring the synchronization of civil works programs and integrating Army priorities. He supports the District’s delivery of vital engineering services through flood and coastal storm risk management, navigation, aquatic ecosystem restoration, regulatory, emergency management, recreation and interagency support services. Prior to assuming his duties in the Chicago District, Major Harpen served as the Battalion Executive Officer for 10^th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1^st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3^rd Infantry Division and previously served as a Project Manager at Buffalo District from 2018-2020.

MAJ Harpen commissioned as an Engineer Officer in 2009 from the United States Military Academy at West Point. His previous operational assignments include Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer, 9^th Engineer Battalion (Combat), Schweinfurt, Germany; Assistant Operations Officer, 555^th Engineer Brigade, Fort Lewis, WA; Company Commander, 570^th Sapper Company, 864^th Engineer Battalion, Fort Lewis, WA; Division Plans Officer, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA; Battalion Executive Officer, 10^th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1^st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA; and Battalion Operations Officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA.

Major Harpen holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (2009) from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (2013) from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (2017) from Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Military Construction Management from the Missouri University of Science & Technology (2013), and he is a certified Project Management Professional (2018-Present).

MAJ Harpen is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Advanced Military Studies Program, School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), earning a Master of Arts in Military Operations (2022) and the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff Officer Course, Command and General Staff College, earning a Master of Military Art and Science – Strategic Studies (2021). MAJ Harpen’s military education also includes the Joint Engineer Operations Course, Engineer Captain’s Career Course, and the Engineer Officer Basic Course.

Major Harpen’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO ISAF Medal. He has earned the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge, along with the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold). He is a recipient of the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal.

MAJ Harpen hails from Suffolk, VA. He is married to his wife Paige from Lewiston, NY, and they have two children, William and Stella. They currently reside in Naperville, IL while serving the Chicago District and furthering its vital support role for the Nation.