Col. Brian D. Sawser assumed command of the Memphis District, July 22, 2022. As Memphis District commander, he is responsible for flood damage reduction, navigation, environmental stewardship, emergency operations, other authorized civil works and work for others along 610 miles of the Mississippi and White Rivers, encompassing a 25,000 square mile area in six states: Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
Col. Sawser, a native of Salem, Oregon, graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) and was commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1999.
His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the USMA, Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Missouri S&T, Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M, and Master of Science degree in National Strategic Studies from the National Defense University. Col. Sawser is a Project Management Professional. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the National War College.
Col. Sawser’s command assignments include command of a combat engineer company in the 54th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade and the 39th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. Col. Sawser’s key staff assignments include planner for the 7th Army Training Command; executive officer for the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division; executive officer for the Deputy Chief of Staff- Engineer, United States Army Europe; executive officer for the Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Europe; and logistics directorate division chief for the United States European Command. His initial assignment was in the 9th Engineer Battalion where he served as platoon leader, company executive officer and battalion adjutant.
Col. Sawser’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghan Campaign Medals; Armed Forces Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; NATO Service Medal; Combat Action Badge; Air Assault Badge; and Sapper Tab.