AFCEA Chapter News

ALAMO CHAPTER - Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The chapter was proud to have two of its top Young AFCEANs receive awards at AFCEA West 2012 in January. Emily Rausch, chapter Young AFCEAN (YAC) vice president, received an Emerging Leadership Award for improving the chapter's YAC program. Bethany Reese was designated the Texas Region Young AFCEAN for her enthusiastic support at all chapter events.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The chapter’s January luncheon featured Col. Michael Finn II, USAF, commander of the 50th Network Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Col. Finn provided a large number of attendees and guests with an informative briefing on the mission and details of the recent restructure of the communications arrangement (three squadrons) by which the Network Operations Group supports the warfighter and helps assure the mission accomplishment of the Air Force Satellite Control Network’s 154 satellites as well as other agencies and space units at the base. Bill Galvan, chapter vice president for membership, announced that the chapter membership had increased significantly to 834. During this luncheon, Col. Phil Platt, USAF, chapter president, presented Ed Flanagan, chief executive officer, Manitou Motion Picture Company, with his new AFCEA corporate member certificate.

ARKLATEX CHAPTER - Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

During the January membership luncheon, the chapter honored two new lifetime members. Fred Moffitt, Moffitt Automotive of Shreveport/Bossier City, and Andy Thomson, Northrop Grumman Corporation, were recognized for their donations to the chapter’s scholarship fund. Each received a lifetime membership certificate and Founding Father pin. Their names were also added to the chapter’s “Friends of AFCEA Wall of Honor.” Founding Father status is warranted for those contributing $1,000 or more to the chapter.

ARKLATEX CHAPTER - Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In January, more than 100 guests attended the chapter’s first luncheon of 2012 to hear guest speakers from Shreveport-based Moonbot Studios. Brandon Oldenburg and Lampton Enochs discussed how the Louisiana Digital Media and Software Incentive program helped launch the local startup to global success in under two years. The duo demonstrated several of the company’s critically-acclaimed products, including its flagship app: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which reached the number one spot in the iTunes App Store and is one of 10 animated short film finalists for the 2012 Oscars. Oldenburg shed light on the applicability of their business of broadening the entertainment industry to the military by stating, "Technologies will change rapidly, but the story remains the story."

TUCSON CHAPTER - Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Cadet Roger S. Anderson, Air Force ROTC, Detachment 020, received the chapter’s Leadership in Technology Award in December. Cadet Anderson is an electrical engineering major at the University of Arizona and has maintained a 3.7 grade point average. He serves as senior adviser to the cadet wing commander and was recognized by the staff as an exemplary model of leadership both in the technology and military training fields. Cadet Anderson received his $500 award to be used to enhance his undergraduate studies.

GREATER OMAHA CHAPTER - Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, Alfred A. Buckles, vice president, Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) account manager, U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, spent some time with the chapter discussing challenges and solutions within the cyber realm. Buckles pointed out these are trying times—there is no lack of challenges and we can take these on as a team. However, we falter if we have no overarching strategy. Buckles commented that the lack of strategy and policy is the bump in the road that many encounter. He touched on how the STRATCOM headquarters was designed to thwart the enemy threat—a series of buildings to help circumvent an enemy attack. In addition, he talked about how technology can literally change the landscape of communications. Buckles concluded by pointing out it will be groups like AFCEA that will bring the expertise to bear to tackle these challenges.

HAWAII CHAPTER - Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

At the January meeting, the chapter focused on its members. This type of event was a first for the chapter, and it gave everyone an opportunity to have an experience like "speed dating." During a 45-minute time frame, each member was given two minutes at four difference tables to give their own "elevator pitch.” The fun and fast-paced luncheon experience was extremely successful with most members asking to do it again. In addition, this month's awardees were Dr. George Ka'ilwai III as Senior Government Leader of the Month; Richard Schaefer, Defense Information Systems Agency Pacific, as AFCEAN of the Month; and Daron Lee from the Mid Pacific Institute as Student of the Month. Donovan Williams from SAIC and John Tamagawa from Polycom both accepted their awards for October Executive of the Month and AFCEAN of the Month, respectively.

VANDENBERG-CENTRAL COAST CHAPTER - Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The chapter conducted its final "lunch and learn" event of the year with a very special guest speaker and a chapter first. Col. David Hook, USAF, 30 OG/CC, spoke to a near record crowd about launch operations at Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Air Force's Western Range for launch operations. In addition, the chapter presented its first teacher grants to Riccardo Magni of Pioneer Valley High School and Nick Enns of Santa Maria High School. 1st Lt. Heather Flynn, USAF, was instrumental in establishing the chapter educational grant and scholarship program.

TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG CHAPTER - Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

At the November chapter luncheon, Dr. Robert Popp, founder, president and chief executive officer of NSI Incorporated, described NSI’s mission to provide social science solutions to the U.S. Defense Department community. Popp founded NSI upon recognizing the gap between the antiterrorism and academic communities along with the pattern of relationships between organized terrorist groups and failed nation states. To address these complex social problems, the scientists, methodologists and analysts at NSI use quantitative and computational models and tools to inform decision makers.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The chapter’s SuperNOVA Award recipient for January is Artin Boghozian. Boghozian is a business development analyst for the Army Division at CSC. He has stepped up this year and taken on a number of activities to support the chapter. He was the Young AFCEAN lead for this year’s Army IT Day, and his organization and leadership helped make this a great event not only for the attendees but also for the Young AFCEANs who were on his team. Currently, Boghozian is the chapter’s Young AFCEAN co-lead on the Valentines Ball Committee, and he is working with the Finance and Information committees on some of their new initiatives. Boghozian’s dedication to the success of this chapter and to its members is making a difference. He is an emerging leader and is very deserving of this recognition.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The chapter’s honored Young AFCEAN for January is Stephanie Spano. Spano is the manager of marketing and communications at Engility Corporation. She is another Young AFCEAN that really stepped up this year. She runs the chapter’s Social Media Committee, where she changed the entire look and feel of the Young AFCEAN webpage on the chapter’s site. She also is solely responsible for the increased presence and activity on LinkedIn and Twitter. In addition, Spano joined the chapter’s Sweat for a Vet team, took on the role of networking lead and served as the back-up scriptwriter for this year’s luncheon. Her hard work is greatly appreciated, and she is very deserving of this award.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, the Honorable Elizabeth A. McGrath, deputy chief management officer for the U.S. Defense Department, addressed the chapter’s luncheon attendees. She reminded the audience of approximately 500 people that the managing the Defense Department requires a focus on efficiencies and effectiveness while always looking at the holistic view. One example of improved efficiencies has been to reduce the security backlog from 365 days to 54 days. The strategy for the back office is critical and must support the core mission. There is also a full court press on the auditability requirement.

NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER - Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Nicholas Nilan, associate director for Verizon Wireless, spoke about 4G LTE wireless technology use in government at the chapter’s January luncheon at the Fort Bragg Club. A capacity crowd flooded the Iron Mike Room to hear Nilan discuss the future of 4G LTE wireless technologies and their implementation for various applications for federal government users. Nilan set the tone by recounting the past and present of wireless technology. He then set the stage for the future of wireless—4G LTE—and discussed the potential and challenges this technology holds for consumers in both public and private sectors. Nilan cited various examples of how 4G wireless technology is being used today in government-based applications, such as video monitoring and surveillance, telemetry reporting, video conferencing and collaboration, as well as large data file sharing and consumption. He further discussed key verticals, such as healthcare and manufacturing, which have latched on to the technology and are seeing cost savings and significant return on investment. He further explained the role reversal that has occurred between government and private industry. “It used to be that government and military were drivers of technology and its use,” Nilan said. “They were the early adopters of technology, which later filtered to civilians. Now we’re seeing a fundamental shift in that model. Now consumers are driving technology adoption, such as 4G wireless, and government is struggling to catch up.” Nilan stressed the importance of government, especially the military, to consider the positive impact mobility, especially the advent of 4G, can have on both uniformed and civilian work force. He said they must embrace the technology faster and can do so without compromising federal government’s most fundamental element: security. Nilan said in an era where budgets are tightening and resources are fewer, the need for government to spearhead mobility technology adoption is paramount.

STUTTGART CHAPTER - Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In January, the chapter hosted its first luncheon for 2012. Dr. Kai Simon, associate director, Gartner Deutschland, serves as the guest speaker and provided attendees with an analysis of market trends and the impacts they will have on how we do business.

BETHESDA CHAPTER - Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In January, the chapter hosted a discussion titled “Doing More With Less – IT Efficiencies through Acquisition, Sourcing and Portfolio Innovations.” Simon Szykman, chief information officer, U.S. Department of Commerce, moderated the discussion. Panelist were Floyd Groce, director, enterprise commercial information technology strategy, Department of the Navy; Anne Rung, senior director of administration, Department of Commerce; and Tony Trenkle, chief information officer and director of the Office of Information Services in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. The discussion gave insight into how agencies measure the effectiveness of their information technology portfolio. Attendance at the Bethesda North Marriot and Conference Center exceeded 270. As always, participants arrived in time to network before the panel.

ALAMO CHAPTER - Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In January, the chapter welcomed Brig. Gen. David C. Uhrich, USAF, director of communications, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Gen. Uhrich engaged the audience in discussion on the importance of the relationships that result from being a part of AFCEA and on the core function lead integrators and the evolving definition of “cyber.”

MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

In December, the chapter honored Kameke Mitchell and Eric Sloan, winners of the 2011 Distinguished Young AFCEAN Award and 2011 Emerging Leadership Award, respectively. Mitchell, a contracting specialist for the U.S. Air Force Program Executive Office, Business Enterprise Systems, is a rising star and will soon become an Air Force civil service leader. Her tireless efforts within her organization and local community enabled the chapter’s Montgomery IT Summit 2011 to be an amazing community and Air Force success. Sloan, director of Alabama operations, Precision Technology Group, thrives on challenging opportunities. For example, he elevated the chapter’s Young AFCEAN Advisory Council from infancy to an outstanding self-sustaining entity. The chapter is extremely proud of Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Sloan.

MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, Herb Hunter, Air Force Program Executive Office, Business Enterprise Systems, provided an overview of his experience as a civilian leader during a recent tour of duty in Iraq. Hunter identified this unique opportunity as one of his life’s “top seven bucket list” items. He enlightened the sold-out audience by recounting of how far the U.S.-Iraq relationship has advanced, and he introduced an overview of Iraq culture and its impact on the joint decision-making process. Finally, he closed with his personal thoughts on the future of Iraq and challenged the audience and rising civilian leaders to step outside of their daily duties and volunteer for similar experiences to gain a better perspective on support to U.S. and allied combat operations.

MONTGOMERY CHAPTER - Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, members of chapter visited Tuskegee University to help establish a new chapter. Joe Besselman, chapter president, introduced AFCEA along with its mission, goals and local chapter initiatives. Charisse Stokes, director of the chapter’s Education Foundation, connected with the students by drawing a thread from "what's in it for me" to "service before self.” In addition, Josh Bush, chief executive officer of the technology firm Up And Running, emphasized the importance of hard work and "building your network of relationships.” Next, Lt. Col. Leonard Boothe, USAF, director, Network Operations Branch, Air Force Program Executive Office, Business Enterprise Systems, gave an Air Force leadership perspective on service, networking and AFCEA. Finally, Tom Wojszynski, chief Googler for the U.S. Air Force, provided an overview of the future job market for computer professionals. More than 100 university students, faculty and staff took a break from finals to attend this highly successful event.

ROME CHAPTER - Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, the chapter held its annual general meeting in the auditorium of the Scuola delle Trasmissioni e Informatica (SCUTI), the Italian Ministry of Defense telecommunication and information technology school. Lt. Gen. Pietro Finocchio, ITAF (Ret.), outgoing chapter president, gave the introductory speech reporting the final balance of the chapter’s activities for 2011 and outlining the main targets for the year to come. Subsequently, Gen. Finocchio followed chapter protocol and closed the speech with his resignation. Then, Gen. Aldo Giannatiempo, ITAF (Ret.), chapter secretary, briefed the audience about the procedures and announced a change to the process; this year, all the candidates have a chance to shortly introduce themselves and present their programs and points of view. As a result of the elections, validated by a commission expressly appointed by the assembly, the chairmanship is unchanged and Gen. Finocchio was re-elected president by acclamation along with the two vice presidents: professor Marina Ruggieri, Rome University of Tor Vergata, and Claudio Buccini, Finmeccanica, respectively as university and industry representatives. Beside them, Raffaele Esposito, Selex-Elsag, maintained his position as honorary president. The board of directors includes Gen. Giannatiempo, secretary; Andrea Brancaleoni; Angelo Cappellanti; Antonio Gammarota; Carlo Cal; Carlo Falessi; Carlo Guglielmini; Donatella Dominici; Fiorella Lamberti; Adm. Lucio Accardo, ITN (Ret.); Gen. Maurizio Leoni, IA; Mario Nardi; Michele Luglio; Paolo Bellofiore; and Sergio Vicari. The Technical and Scientific Committee includes Eugenia Finocchiaro, Leandro Aglieri, Mario de Lucia, Mauro Cigarini and Paolo Proietti. The election of the new board was celebrated the next evening with a dinner sponsored by the chapter.

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

In December, TJ Greenier won the Regional Distinguished Young AFCEAN Award. Greenier has become an integral part of the chapter’s Young AFCEANs (YACs). Since joining the group, he volunteered to take on additional leadership responsibilities and challenges to support the chapter’s scholarship initiatives. Currently, he serves as the chapter’s Young AFCEAN president for the 2011 to 2012 year. In this role, he leads the largest Young AFCEAN Executive Committee to date. He was a part of a board restructuring to provide more opportunities to engage other YACs. In this role, he has worked to define a YAC charter to establish a mission and vision for the chapter. Working with his fellow YAC board members, the chapter identified areas to create a sustainable revenue stream to cover YAC costs and generate additional funds to support the chapter’s scholarship fund.

He is also working to help establish student chapters of AFCEA with local universities. He has provided leadership as the chapter’s vice president for events this past year and served as the mentorship lead for the past two years. Greenier has supported the YAC Bull and Oyster Roast, the largest fundraiser run by Young AFCEANs, as the wheel lead. In this position, he worked with volunteers and received donations to support the event. He identified additional organizations in the ski industry to donate packages for the silent auction. Additionally, Greenier suggested and led a pilot small business venture luncheon table to establish a way to involve more early state companies with AFCEA. He also supports other chapter initiatives as a volunteer, including participating with the AFCEA 5K and joining the selection committee for the Science Teaching Tools grants and Adopt-a-School awards. He strives to engage his fellow Young AFCEANs to continue to establish and grow a sustainable YAC program.

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

In November, Woodside Elementary hosted a STEM Night along with the Anne Arundel County Public School science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coordinators where chapter representatives participated. Approximately 20 technology professionals were on site setting up displays and speaking to students about STEM-related careers. A number of hands-on sessions were conducted, including art, robotics and music, as well as a travelling planetarium show. The chapter’s table-top presentation for the students, presented by Nteligen (a local small business), gave a quick overview of steganography (at the elementary school level). The chapter representatives showed how secret messages could be hidden inside popular images (like Pixar cartoons, Ravens players, etc).

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, the chapter dedicated a tree at 306 Sentinel Drive in Annapolis Junction to honor the late Capt. Kirk N. Harness, USN (Ret.), of Gambrills, Maryland, for his dedication to his country and service within the intelligence community. Capt. Harness served two terms as the chapter’s vice president for the Defense Information Systems Agency. He was taken away from us too early but he lived it to the fullest. Capt. Harness lost his battle to cancer on September 7, 2011, at the age of 52. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 1981 with a Bachelors of Science degree in mathematics and received a Master of Science in space, systems operations and system technology in 1989 from the Naval Postgraduate School. He spent 26 years as naval officer with experience as a surface warfare and cryptologic officer. Following his retirement from the Navy, Capt. Harness joined BAE Systems as a director of network systems with a main focus on computer network operations supporting the Defense Department and the intelligence community. Funeral services were held at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, Annapolis, Maryland, on September 16, 2011. An interment service with full military honors was held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, on December 5, 2011. Capt. Harness’ dedication to national security along with his positive attitude, smile and willingness to help others will be dearly missed.

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Vice Adm. Herbert A. Browne, USN (Ret.), provided the keynote address at the chapter’s November luncheon, which featured a Veteran’s Day theme. The admiral provided a poignant and often personal talk about the service and sacrifices our veterans give to our country. Robert LaBella, president of Minerva Engineering (a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business) served as this month’s small business speaker. LaBella provided an overview of the companies capabilities and the principles that have guided the company over its 14 years. The chapter presented a touching video compilation of photos of veterans who are chapter members or related to chapter members. All attendees also received a copy of the presentation on DVD. More than 500 people attended the luncheon held in Greenbelt, Maryland.

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

In November, the chapter held its seventh annual Bull and Oyster Roast FUNdraiser. The event grew significantly this year, drawing more than 600 attendees and volunteers and raising more than $48,000 for the chapter's Scholarship Fund. Led by the Young AFCEANs, the Bull and Oyster Roast has become one of the chapter’s signature events. More than 40 volunteers gave their time to make sure the sold-out event ran smoothly. One lucky winner walked away with a trip to Mardi Gras, and many others received flowers, White Elephant items or other prizes won at the event's wheels or auctions.

ROME CHAPTER - Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

In December, the chapter organized a conference on the Network of Enterprises (NE) concept, which it held at the Scuola delle Trasmissioni e Informatica (SCUTI), the Italian Ministry of Defence telecommunication and information technology school. Maj. Gen. Pietro Primo, IA, SCUTI commander, gave the opening address followed by Lt. Gen. Pietro Finocchio, ITAF (Ret.), chapter president, who introduced the innovative characteristics of the subject of the conference, which began a dissemination process for a new and important model of aggregation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In addition, Fulvio D’Alvia, head of RetImpresa in Confindustria, delivered an opening address and remarked that the need to organize networks of enterprises had already been proven by the existence of industrial districts. However, the main objective of the new concept of Network of Enterprises, recently legislated by the European Union and Italy, is to promote the growth of competitive capabilities by sharing knowledge and experience. The NE is a new tool that complements the existing forms of aggregation: Consortia and ATI’s (Temporary Aggregation of Enterprises). Entrepreneurs now can decide which tool is better suited to their needs.

Some financial and fiscal advantages are also present in the legislation. More than 200 contracts have already been signed in the new form. A number of case studies were then presented. Alessandro Perillo, Aerosekur, reported about an NE in the aircraft maintenance and repair operations (MRO) field. He established an Evaluation Committee to support the aggregation of companies in the MRO area, according to the NE approach. The committee operates by contacting potentially interested companies and helps in the preparation of a business plan for the internationalization of the NE.

Riccardo Marini, vice president of Confindustria Toscana, reported on an NE in the biomedical area, which is an initiative led by Esaote—a well-known global player in this field, producing a wide range of diagnostic medical instrumentation. Esaote has created an NE (RIBES) and leads 13 SME’s, suppliers of strategic components. Paolo Zanenga, Doctoral School in the Polytechnic of Turin, gave a new twist to the NE concept by mentioning an initiative that he helped to start as a founding partner: the TWG Lab, which aggregates the companies whose principal driver is innovation.

Cristiana Pagni, president, TECNOMAR Consortium and DLTM (Ligurian District for Maritime Technologies), also spoke at the event. This consortium is somehow an incubator of NE’s. In her opinion, a strong cultural effort is necessary, since in her experience small companies often fight each other for small local contracts while ignoring bigger opportunities in the global market. An NE can be a first step toward a large corporation, but entrepreneurs must share a common vision and feel that their mission is to achieve a significant position in that global market. Giuseppe Quitadamo, head of NAD 2nd Department, and Gen. Finocchio closed the event with a summary of the topics that emerged.