http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/ AFCEA International Chapter News en-us Copyright AFCEA International The chapter's November meeting featured Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, USAF, commander, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as the guest speaker. He manages the U.S. Air Force's $2.1 billion science and technology program as well as customer-funded research and development. He is responsible for a work force of nearly 11,000 people from the laboratory's component technology directorates, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the 711th Human Performance Wing. The AFRL is gaining 1,000 staff members who are moving from Brooks City Air Base, Texas. The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and the Naval Aeromedical Research also are relocating to the AFRL from Florida. David Judson, chapter president, shared that the December speaker will be Lt. Col. Rob Lyman, USAF, White House Fellow. David Hart, chapter vice president for networking, briefed the meeting attendees on chapter business. ]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1212 11/19/2009 The chapter held its 46th annual banquet to install the new chapter officers. The event, held in October, featured Col. Andrew Lovett, USAF, vice commander of the 45th Space Wing, as the keynote speaker. In his address, he emphasized the importance of communications to the warfighter in the field. Col. Lou Ramos, USAF (Ret.), regional vice president (RVP), presided over the officers' induction with assistance from Terry Casto, RVP. The new officers include Glenn Exline, chapter president; Lt. Col. Dan Steele, USAF, chapter vice president; Celeste Gunshee, chapter vice president for membership; Debbie Roberson, chapter treasurer; 2nd Lt. Brittany Carter, USAF, chapter secretary; and Heidi Hughes, chapter director. Returning officers include Sherri LaForce, chapter vice president for programs, and directors Sheryl Glore and J.P. Anderson. Col. Ramos presented the chapter with a $100 donation to its scholarship program.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1211 10/16/2009 In November, the chapter's Young AFCEANs participated in the fourth annual Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II, USA, Memorial Run. Lt. Zilinski was killed in action in Bayji, Iraq, in November 2005. The memorial fund was established by close friends of the lieutenant's in order to honor his memory and passion for life. The event was part of the Young AFCEAN Adventure Series mentor program. These events provide career development for Young AFCEANs and members of the Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, community and help educate them on the latest military technologies.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1210 11/08/2009 Brig. Gen. Steven J. Spano, USAF, director of communications, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, served as the distinguished speaker for the November meeting. He discussed how to understand decisions that result in adjustments to paradigms and how operational procedures are affected. The information technology and cyber communities have to adjust their rules in high-threat, vulnerable and rapidly evolving combat spaces. However, the general noted, the opposing side is not confined by the same set of rules and can adjust its technology, strategy and tactics without limitations. Gen. Spano highlighted the theory of game changing as a need for the U.S. military to unify collaboration, integrate communication and focus on mission system integration.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1209 11/05/2009 In November, the chapter held its first B2B networking event. Small businesses were connected with medium and large businesses to prepare for federal opportunities in fiscal year 2010. Stacy and Roger Vaughn, joint chapter assistant vice presidents for small business, came up with the idea for the program to help small businesses and also to raise funds for the chapter's scholarship awards. The program focuses on helping small businesses foster and create new teaming opportunities while strengthening existing or current agreements with larger organizations. The next B2B event will be held at the Tactical C4 Conference in April.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1208 11/5/2009 In October, the chapter hosted a golf tournament that raised $8,000 toward its scholarship fund. Chuck Rich, chapter vice president for corporate membership, lead the coordination for the event.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1207 10/22/2009 Garry Matheson, chapter president, led a panel discussion on the chapter's outreach program at the November meeting. Multiple initiatives were discussed, and an implementation plan will be developed. Frank Wilson, guest speaker, briefed the chapter members on his work as a college professor in the mathematics and business departments at Northcentral University. Wilson is a recipient of AFCEA's Scholarship for Working Professionals for his Ph.D. in business quantitative methods.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1206 11/09/2009 Matthew Wagner, C4 systems analyst and team lead at Alion Science and Technology, focused his presentation at the October meeting on "Amphibious Considerations." He discussed the importance of preparing the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet for use by U.S. Marine Corps operational forces. Quoting Gen. James T. Conway, USMC, commandant of the Marine Corps, Wagner noted the need to "reinvigorate our amphibious warfighting capability and the Navy and Marine Corps' amphibious relationship at all levels, from developing enhanced concepts, policies and doctrines to fully training our operating forces and ensuring their constant readiness." He said this must be done without losing sight of the Marine Corps' responsibility to effectively operate in all environments, and he highlighted the need to "consider the ships" whenever developing requirements, systems or employment concepts.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1205 10/21/2009 The chapter's November luncheon also served as a general membership event and the election of the executive board for the 2009-2010 year. Brig. Gen. VeraLinn Jamieson, USAF, director, intelligence, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), served as the distinguished guest speaker. She discussed SOUTHCOM's challenge in defining its role within the new U.S. Cyber Command. SOUTHCOM's efforts include standing up a cyber fusion working group to help identify tasks and responsibilities associated with this new role. Current initiatives include weekly updates through component videoconferences, a daily executive highlight on cyber issues and the development of a cyber consolidated operational picture. Future efforts will include integration cyber events into local and joint exercises and preparing for a cyber liaison support element at SOUTHCOM. Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, chief information officer and director, command, control, communications, computer systems and information (C4I), SOUTHCOM, and chapter president, thanked the general and announced that the chapter had made a donation to Fisher House in her name. Life member Al Hicks was recognized, as was Conrad Webber II, who represented new corporate member SatPhoneStore. Diane Guidry received the chapter's AFCEAN of the Quarter award.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1204 11/03/2009 The chapter held its fourth annual golf tournament and fundraiser in October. Funds from the event benefit the chapter's annual scholarship awards. Brenda Morris and Wayne Ladue organized the event. The chapter's newly elected officers are Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, chapter president; Jamie Dos Santos, chapter first vice president; Billy Hogan, chapter second vice president; Brenda Morris, chapter treasurer; and Diane Guidry, chapter secretary. The officers for the chapter's Young AFCEANs are Jamie Montenegro, president, and Jaysri Castro, vice president.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1203 10/23/2009 The chapter's October event featured Brig. David Meyer, BA, chief information officer, J6, Director Communications and Battlespace Management, as the distinguished speaker. His presentation, "Asymmetry: Protecting Our Infrastructure Against the Threat," highlighted the problems faced by those who are responsible for mitigating the serious and increasing threats to Great Britain's information infrastructure.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1202 10/22/2009 The chapter's October meeting featured three guest speakers who addressed national emergency operations. Lt. Col. Marcel Duvekot, RNLA, chief of staff, Regional Military Command (RMC) West, discussed RMC's role in different security regions and described how the military works closely with fire brigades, police departments, medical disaster aid organizations and municipal officials. Col. Rob Boots, RNLAF, program manager, Information and Technology Division (BG IVENT), described the military's experience with communications and information systems (CIS) and command and control. Vincent Hoek, adviser, BG IVENT, spoke about the I-Bridge project, which provides voice, text and geographic information, enabling better use of available information from the public domain.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1201 10/28/2009 http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1200 09/21/2009 The chapter hosted a science fair in October, following its receipt of the 2009 AFCEA Educational Foundation's Chapter Initiatives Grant. The grant was used to recognize the best individual science project at the high-school level (military schools of the armed forces countrywide). The first-place prize was awarded to Cadet Matías Rodriguez Aro, a student at Liceo Militar General Paz, Córdoba, who demonstrated marker shooting computer-controlled robotics.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1199 10/30/2009 The chapter welcomed Col. Mike Jones, USAR, deputy chief cyber officer, U.S. Army chief information office/G-6, as the distinguished speaker at the October meeting. Col. Jones' office serves as the focal point for all of the Army's cyber-related issues. His presentation covered cyberthreats, current U.S. Defense Department cyber initiatives and the mission and vision of the Army Cyberspace Task Force. The colonel noted that cyberthreats vary in sophistication level, capability and intent. Characteristics of cyberthreats include well-resourced cyberespionage, Web site attacks that exploit browser vulnerabilities, blended social engineering/phishing attacks, Web application security exploits, malicious spyware and more. Col. Jones emphasized the need to force change by knowing and controlling what is operating on the networks, remaining proactive and holding leaders accountable. He shared that the Army's chief information officer, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson, has established priorities to mitigate cyberthreats and to ensure that the Army and its mission partners have "the right information at the right time at the right place."]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1198 10/26/2009 At the September meeting, Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, USAF, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, served as the featured speaker. This was the general's first local public speaking engagement since the new command was stood up. The event drew a record number of attendees at more than 200.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1197 09/22/2009 The chapter held a one-day event in October. The theme was "Legal Aspects of Telecommunications in Argentina." Robert Mayer, chapter member, coordinated the event, which drew 20 attendees. The symposium included presentations about the national and regional regulations for telecommunications as well as a discussion on the new law on audiovisual media services.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1196 10/22/2009 The chapter's October meeting marked its reactivation, which was motivated in part by Kansas City-area organizations such as forts Leavenworth and Riley and Whiteman Air Force Base. Doug Williams, chapter president, and the executive council are collaborating on a strategy for the upcoming year.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1195 10/22/2009 As the featured speaker in September, Col. Jay Bruhl, USAF, Air Force Technical Applications Center, Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, briefed the chapter on the U.S. Air Force's Cyber Command. He shared that "cyberspace" was added to the Air Force's air and space missions in 2005 and that in August of this year, the 24th Air Force was activated at Lackland AFB, Texas, which houses the Cyber Command. The colonel discussed the Air Force's focus on developing cyber weapons systems that can fight the growing threat in information technology and cyberoperator career fields. The new command will define Air Force-wide systems and protection. It also will develop plans, systems and procedures for defeating counterattacks. Col. Bruhl noted that "need to know" has changed to "need to share" because credentialing data recipients is critical to determining who has access to what information.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1194 09/17/09 In October, the chapter presented awards to noteworthy members. Cdr. Angie Albergottie, USN, director of the office of compliance and assessment, Naval Network Warfare Command, received the Military Information Professional of the Month award for October in recognition of her professionalism and her impact on naval networks. Russell L. Smith, director, process and systems solutions group, CACI International, received the Civilian Information Professional of the Month award for October for his outstanding performance on Navy and commercial programs.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1193 10/13/2009 The chapter's guest speaker for the September meeting was Kent R. Schneider, president and chief executive officer of AFCEA International. He shared his vision of the military's direction in information technology as well as the plans he has for AFCEA. Schneider discussed the U.S. Defense Department's declining budget and emphasized the need for collaboration because all organizations will be competing for fewer dollars. He also spoke of AFCEA's mission and how he aims at sharing that mission with those involved in homeland security and defense. He noted that AFCEA is incorporating intelligence and information technology in the law enforcement and medical communities in addition to the military. Schneider also addressed the impact Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) is having on many chapters, including the Atlanta Chapter, which faces the relocation of forts McPherson and Gillem and the U.S. Army Reserves data center in Peachtree City, Georgia.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1191 09/23/2009 Joy M. White, director of contracting, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, served as the keynote speaker at the September meeting. In this role, White advises the program executive officer for space programs on acquisition strategy, contract execution and contracting policies and procedures. She is responsible for more than 600 contracts valued at $60 billion in addition to the career development and training for more than 250 military and civilian contracting professionals. White discussed ongoing initiatives designed to improve the contracting process at the SMC. Topics included multifunctional independent review teams, incentives, peer reviews and organizational conflicts of interest.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1190 09/17/2009 http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1189 10/19/2009 In August, the chapter invited Lt. Gen. Carroll F. Pollett, USA, director, Defense Information Systems Agency, and commander, Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations, to serve as guest speaker. He spoke of the importance of keeping current with technology and the challenges of Internet safety. The event's attendance was one of the largest in recent history.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1188 08/12/2009 Col. David Uhrich, USAF, the new director, C4 Systems, and chief information officer, at U.S. Forces Command, spoke to the chapter in October. The colonel shared his experiences as senior Air Force communicator for U.S. Central Command, Combined Air Operations Centers, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. He discussed several challenges he encountered in theater, including increased bandwidth requirements, maintaining an elaborate architecture to support Predator/Reaper missions, and the Air Force Network Operations Command's issues with managing the airborne and terrestrial networks across Iraq and Afghanistan. Col. Uhrich also pointed out how important to warfighters' morale Internet services are. Internet access no longer is just a "quality-of-life concern but a fact-of-life need."]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1187 10/08/2009 In July, the chapter hosted an F-15 flight simulator tour at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Technical Sgt. Shanell Jones, USAF, chapter enlisted liaison committee member, organized the event for local chapter members and U.S. Air Force personnel. She said, "Far too often, what we're in need of is right under our nose. If we would just do a little more networking while we're carrying out Air Force business, we could further improve our country and way of life." Master Sgt. Keith Jordan, USAF, also provided a brief question-and-answer session on the benefits and costs of AFCEA members, which resulted in six new members.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1186 08/01/2009 The chapter sponsored an event in October that drew 35 attendees. The theme was "Technology Tools for Safety: Biometrics, Video and Data Intelligence." Eduardo A. Thill, undersecretary for technology management, Cabinet of Ministers of the Nation, was the guest speaker.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1185 10/14/2009 Andrew Meares spoke at the chapter's September meeting on behalf of iBotics. iBotics is a nonprofit, student-run engineering group that focuses on research-based engineering projects. It has strong ties with the University of California, San Diego Jacob's School of Engineering. Meares discussed the group's project, called the Stingray--a compact, lightweight autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The iBotics team entered the Stingray in the 2009 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and the Office of Naval Research Annual International AUV Competition. The group spent three years designing and building the AUV for the competition. The requirements are to develop a vehicle that is capable of completing a number of realistic underwater challenges that focus on navigation, vision, sonar and environment manipulation. At the conclusion of the competition, the iBotics team placed 12th out of 30 teams.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1184 09/16/2009 In September, the chapter sponsored a two-day event with a focus on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Maj. Gen. Norberto R. Dimeglio, FAA (Ret.), chapter second vice president, served as coordinator for the event, which drew 40 attendees. The symposium featured presentations on scenario space plans for national defense, the air force's command and control systems, integrated aerospace surveillance and control, and other topics.]]> http://www.afcea.org/signal/chapternews/index.cfm?action=details&id=1183 09/23/2009