Hanson’s Jeff Tatarek helps U.S. efforts in Iraq

When two highway bridges in Iraq were damaged by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in January, the deployed North Carolina National Guard’s 105th Engineering Group was directed to make the repairs. With the extensive bridge damage, they requested additional assistance from Hanson’s Jeff Tatarek, P.E., S.E.

As a volunteer for the Society of American Military Engineers, Rock Island Post’s Deployed Engineer Program, Tatarek helps deployed soldiers solve engineering-related problems by referring to specialty computer programs, engineering textbooks or other tools which may not be immediately available to combat engineers.

The 105th Engineering Group’s Maj. John Wolf, P.E., e-mailed detailed structural damage, measurements and photographs of the bridge. The IED on the northbound bridge created two large holes, approximately 6 feet wide. The southbound bridge had a surface opening nearly 2 feet wide and 8 feet long, destroying the end of a support beam.

Using this information, Tatarek e-mailed two recommendations to Maj. Wolf. For the immediate repair, Tatarek drafted details which included placing a large steel plate over the affected area and bolting the plate in place, which would allow the bridge to be opened to traffic. For a long-term solution, he created a more in-depth plan to fully repair the concrete and support beam.

The 105th Engineering Group was so pleased with Tatarek’s work, they have continued to communicate with him for other project needs. In appreciation of his help, this summer Maj. Wolf flew a U.S. flag in Tatarek’s honor. Maj. Wolf says, “He did a really great job for us, and this is the least I can do for him.”