Lt. Col. Patrick Lavin, Soldier Recovery Unit – Hawaii
LTC Patrick Lavin of Rumson, NJ., entered the United States Army through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Pennsylvania State University in 2008. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and received his commission as an engineer officer. Following his initial training, LTC Lavin was assigned as a platoon leader and company executive officer in 40th Engineer Company, 2d Engineer Battalion at White Sands Missile Range. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, and while in theater, transferred to the 595th Engineer Company. Upon his return, LTC Lavin was assigned to the Army Test and Evaluation Task Force at Fort Bliss, 2d Brigade 1st Armored Division, where he participated in 3 network integration evaluations.
Following the Engineer Captain's Career Course, he was assigned to 84th Engineer Battalion at Schofield Barracks, Hi., where he served as assistant S3, S4, and commanded the 643d Engineer Company (vertical). Following his company command, LTC Lavin served a broadening assignment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Japan District as the deputy resident engineer at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and as the district operations officer at Camp Zama.
After graduating from the Command and General Staff Officer's Course at Fort Leavenworth, KS., LTC Lavin joined the 1st Armored Division Staff and deployed to Afghanistan where he served as the deputy joint engineer for U.S. Forces Afghanistan. LTC Lavin was assigned to 16th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division where he served as the S3 and XO. During his time with 16th BEB, the battalion supported COVID-19 response at Fort Bliss and deployed to NTC and Korea as the last rotational armored brigade. Most recently, LTC Lavin served as the Deputy Chief of Facilities and Construction for U.S. Army Europe and Africa in Wiesbaden, Germany.
LTC Lavin is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas and holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He was recognized as the Federal Engineer of the Year for U.S. Army Europe and Africa in 2024. His military awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with V device and 3 oak leaf clusters and the Combat Action Badge. He is an avid scuba diver and enjoys mountaineering, ski touring, cycling, and running.