Speaker Addresses Technology Growth

Gerald Freisthler, executive director, Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, served as the guest speaker for the chapter's December luncheon. Freisthler reviewed the upcoming areas of growth for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and how the educational scholarship efforts of the chapter support the area's growing technology needs. The chapter's annual AeroTech Conference and Tradeshow (formerly InfoTech) focuses on these needs and showcases the latest technologies in the area. Sponsors of the luncheon included BAE Systems, BTAS Incorporated, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Peerless Technologies Corporation, Segue Technologies Incorporated, Sierra Lobo Incorporated, STG Incorporated and Sumaria Systems Incorporated. David Hart, chapter president, announced that the chapter awarded a total of $25,640 in scholarships during 2010. In addition, the chapter remembered the late Senior Airman Tre Porfirio, USAF, who received the Purple Heart Medal in July 2010 and recognition from the chapter in March 2010. He passed away unexpectedly in December. His commanding officer from the 88th Air Base Wing, Lt. Col. Rick Johns, USAF, paid tribute to his legacy at the luncheon. Senior Airman Porfilio made national news after undergoing ground-breaking medical miracle surgery after an ambush in Afghanistan when he was shot numerous times in the back.

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