Title: Civil Engineer Officer
Company: United States Air Force
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
Major John H. Nussbaum, MEng, MEM, EIT, civil engineer officer at United States Air Force, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements, and leadership in engineering management.
A professional journey marked by a series of significant roles, Maj. Nussbaum previously served as the Transportation Working Capital Fund Program Manager for the entire U.S. Air Force from 2021 to 2023, overseeing critical infrastructure projects in support of United States Transportation Commands mission. He previously also garnered success in multiple roles while assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command – Hawaii as part of the 627th Civil Engineer Squadron between 2019 and 2021. He returned to this command in 2023 and lead the team that enabled the safe defueling of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, allowing the closure of the historic underground storage tank facility and rendering safe over 90,000 citizens relying on the at-risk water table beneath it.
Initially commissioning in the U.S. Air Force as a civil engineering officer in 2009, Maj. Nussbaum’s earlier roles included chief of the Infrastructure and Construction Management Branch at the 7th Air Force in the Republic of Korea, emergency management flight commander at the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron in England, and the chief of program development at the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron in Altus, Oklahoma.
Maj. Nussbaum received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2009. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2016 and a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology in 2017. Maj. Nussbaum is also a registered Engineer-in-Training from with the states of Tennessee and Missouri.
In addition to his professional achievements, Maj. Nussbaum has supported several industry-related organizations, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Society of American Military Engineers. Moreover, he has significantly contributed to his community through various civic associations. He has volunteered with the Modern Military Association of America, previously known as OutServe, since 2013 where he volunteered as both a chapter and forum leader. He also volunteers with the Stockings Project out of Lubbock, Texas, where he helps make and send Christmas stockings to Airmen assigned overseas without their families. He helped found and transition the Save-Settle-Support Initiative which helped Afghan refugees escaping the Taliban and Cheer Honolulu which supports the LGBT+ community in Hawaii. He currently volunteers with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and their local St Louis chapter, the Fourth City Sisters, the Abbey of the Glittering Arch. As a member of the house, he actively supports Doorways Housing and local performers and LGBT+ focused charities. In his spare time, Maj. Nussbaum enjoys theater and performing arts and has been involved in various productions as an actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer. His creative pursuits included working with such organizations as Dayton Playhouse, Edge of the Creek Productions, and Playhouse South Theater Company all out of Dayton, Ohio.
Among many professional accomplishments, Maj. Nussbaum has contributed to academic literature as a co-author of ‘Standardized Testing of Non-Standard Photovoltaic Pavement Surfaces,’ presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, National Aerospace & Electronics Conference (NAECON). He was also sole author of a 2016 article in Air Force Civil Engineer magazine titled “Photovoltaic Pavements: New technology may answer concerns about energy security.” His thesis, titled “Analyzing the Viability of Photovoltaic Pavement Systems: Quantifying Climate Impacts on Potential Power and the Risks of Implementation”, which is available from the Defense Technical Information Center, started a line of research spanning over a decade with 38 test sites fielding identical, custom designed test systems.
Throughout his career, Maj. Nussbaum has also been individually recognized for his contributions to engineering and military service. This includes a Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Department of Defense in 2023 and another from the U.S. Air Force in 2019, a Commendation Medal from the Department of the Navy and three more from the U.S. Air Force, and an Achievement Medal from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and two more from the U.S. Air Force.
Maj. Nussbaum attributes much of his success to the support and mentorship he received throughout his career. He values the interpersonal relationships formed during his service, emphasizing their importance over individual achievements or accomplishing work tasks. He asserts that no matter of professional acknowledgement supersedes the value of the people we work with every day.
Looking ahead, Maj. Nussbaum aims to continue serving the U.S. Air Force and supporting and supervising airmen under his care. Upon retirement, he plans to explore more artistic endeavors and opportunities to travel, potentially reconnecting with his background in architecture and design in theater. His passion for problem-solving and creativity will undoubtedly guide him in these future pursuits.
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