I received a call from Allyn Kilshiemer (CEO of KCE Structural Engineers) and during the first meeting of the design team, we committed to do ‘whatever it took to get the job done,’” Jenkins recalled recently. Initially, Vika was vested with the responsibility of providing surveying services for all other architects, KCE, and other consultants, as needed. “We were told to gear up for 24 hours a day/seven days a week, work, and we were to mobilize in about two weeks, immediately after the FBI finished its work at the site.”

After returning to Vika’s McLean, VA office during the afternoon following the initial meeting, Jenkins received a call from Larry Jones (CEO of H&H Engineering in New Orleans, LA), another partner in the project. “He needed some surveying work ASAP,” Jenkins said, “so I spent the evening handing off all remaining projects under my supervision to our other project managers.”

The initial task was a very difficult one. “Larry needed a three-dimensional, existing conditions, as-built survey of the facade of the Pentagon,” Jenkins explained. “He needed this for several reasons. The plan was already underway for the original limestone quarry to begin cutting new limestone to the exact dimensions of the original Pentagon facade.” Vika’s role grew to include structural monitoring of the building, 24/7, during the demolition phase, extended through all construction layout during reconstruction, preparation of the final site plan, and the site plan for the remembrance ceremonies that would be held on the site one year later.”

The entire Pentagon restoration project was projected to take four years go complete. However, the project team was able to accelerate the process. “We all bought into the ideal that we could complete it in a year,” Jenkins remembered.

Jenkins, who graduated from BSC in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology and, in 1990, with a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering technology, headed a Vika team of as many as 25 men working on site. Among the Vika team members was Ryan Scott, a 1999 BSC grad and former Big Blues’ baseball standout. “Ryan assisted with the survey field work on the Pentagon and provided support for our other projects during the height of our staffing the Pentagon project,” Jenkins added. “I believe that a person graduating from BSC is as prepared as anyone coming from ‘big name schools.’”

At the Pentagon, Jenkins was able to witness the day-by-day progress made by the project team. “At first, very few people believed we could complete the project in a year, but we were able to complete work 28 days ahead of schedule and under budget,” he said.

“Working on the Pentagon was by far the most important project with which I’ve ever been involved,” he added. “To look back to the days when I was a student at BSC and think that one day I’d I would be helping to rebuild a something that symbolizes so much to the American people is pretty amazing.” Maintaining regular contact with BSC engineering technology division chair Frank Hart and faculty members Bruce Mutter and Don Bury, Jenkins is grateful for the career foundation he received from his alma mater. “I received a comprehensive education at BSC, and I’ve met numerous BSC alumni in northern Virginia. They are all valued professionals with their respective firms,” he said.

“I can’t put into words the feeling of honor and pride that will remain with me for the rest of my life from the experience of taking part in something that has such historic meaning,” Jenkins continued. “I think about the people who made personal sacrifices to make this building whole again, and I have to think that the U.S.A. is still OK. The Phoenix Project took Todd Beamer’s words, ‘Let’s Roll,’ and put them into action.”

September 30, 2001