AECOM’s Fabian E. Mendoza Jr.: Construction, Engineering and Military Service

Fabian E. Mendoza Jr. Colonel, USA (Ret), is the Federal Client Account Manager with AECOM’s North Texas office. Born in Laredo, TX, Colonel Mendoza served more than three decades with the Armed Forces, while using skills learned with the military to assist with his current job. Connect Media asked Colonel Mendoza about his military career, interests, and what led him to where he is today. We thank Colonel Mendoza for his service, and are proud to present his story to our readers.

Q. How did you end up in your current career, and what does the job entail?
A. I’m very fortunate that AECOM needed a person of my background and experience to assist with federal client account management in this region. In October 2015, I retired from the U.S Army after more than three decades of service. Within two weeks into retirement, the retired Army network led me to the AECOM team. The reason that I immediately chose AECOM was due to its reputation-making impacts, professional work ethics and the people. I wanted a job where I could leverage my strengths to make a difference. This job offers the liberty to think outside the box, be creative and support multiple business lines in the development of professional teams to best serve our clients. The best part of my job is networking with industry, government and local municipalities to collectively solve complex problems. From developing the best team of professionals to supporting consequence management objectives, my job is rewarding.

Q. Tell me a little about your military career, and your interest in engineering and construction.
A. I had a very interesting military career that spanned across multiple spectrums of engineering and leadership. From hands-on work, to advising foreign/U.S military/civilian senior leaders in both peace and combat operations, I was privileged to serve with America’s finest.

At a young age, I had a passion for building things and was good in mathematics. I was intrigued with the applications of math/science in design and construction. My father, uncles, and cousins served in the military in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Through witnessing their discipline and stories of their service to our nation, I felt an obligation to serve.

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy to see the world and to earn the educational benefits. After I completed my enlistment, I attend Texas A&I (now Texas A&M University, Kingsville). While in college, I served in the Texas Army National Guard (Infantry) then later transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves, prior to commissioning as an officer. After completing my education, I earned the rank of second lieutenant and branched in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Active Duty. My career includes construction, geospatial, combat engineering (paratrooper), rebuilding Nations, counterdrug operations and leading soldiers in combat. The brotherhood and sisterhood of arms is phenomenal!

As I served around the world, I began to witness the impacts of population growth, and issues surrounding engineering/master planning (real estate). Adding my faith to this mix guided me to use my experience to make a difference. Hence, I’m pleased to be part of a solution, rather than part of the problem.

Q. What skills did you learn in the Army that complement your current position? Also, what advice would you give to those interested in military service and your industry?
A. I’m too humble to bring sunshine upon myself, but I would say, leadership, compassion and professional work ethic. I’ve taken lessons learned from the “school of hard knocks,” and integrated my spiritual beliefs to be a better husband, father and friend. Challenges I encountered in uniform are twofold: leaving your loves (not knowing if you’ll return), and losing soldiers (brothers and sisters) in combat. Never waste an effort by complaining or arguing. Treasure every moment as if it was your last in this beautiful world. Life isn’t about you; don’t be selfish. Be part of a team of teams, and train the next generation!

As for engineering and master planning, our country needs engineers, architects and scientists; we can’t afford to outsource this requirement. You have seen the effects of Mother Nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, uncontrollable fires. Furthermore, our infrastructure is failing. We continue to develop in flood plains without mitigation strategies, and as a nation, we can’t sustain recovery costs. Hence, there are wide open opportunities for those who want to make a difference.

Now, military life isn’t for everyone. But, the military experience does offer an opportunity to change your life by serving a bigger cause. Combine both engineering and military experience, and you’ll be an awesome enabler for our society. After serving, I now appreciate and understand the blood, sweat and tears that the cost of freedom brings. Remember, July 4 is more than barbecues, picnics, fireworks and music festivals; it’s a celebration that displays love of country. Too many fought, sacrificed and died for our nation. Respect our flag, display it with honor, celebrate, and thank God for the birth of America and those who continue to protect our freedoms.

For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Amy Sorter