AFCEAN of the Month, February 2024
Christopher R. Earls serves as the McChord Field Cyberspace integrations manager at the 627th Communications Squadron, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He is principal advisor on plans and policy to functional users regarding information technology (IT), analyzing requirements and establishing plans of action for improving IT applications. Earls assists with contracting functions and budget preparations supporting the 62nd Airlift Wing, Western Air Defense Sector, 446 Airlift Wing, 627 Air Base Group, Executive Airlift Communications Network and various tenant organizations. Additionally, as a senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, Earls serves as network flight superintendent, 452nd Communications Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California. He manages network infrastructure, electromagnetic spectrum and radio operations in support of the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III missions, as well as associated cyberspace activities of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Defense Information Networks.
Earls has been an integral part of the team to revitalize the Pacific Northwest Chapter of AFCEA over the past two years. He initially volunteered to serve as the vice president for IT support, helping to establish the chapter’s LinkedIn and Facebook presence, and was instrumental in establishing the chapter web page through AFCEA International Headquarters. Earls also analyzed the best IT solutions for collaboration among chapter officers, recommending a Google solution for the near term. He helped establish chapter communications through MailChimp, providing better communications with chapter members.
Seeing the gap in chapter scholarship development, Earls volunteered to serve as the chapter’s vice president of scholarships. He has collaborated with other chapter leaders, other chapters and AFCEA International Headquarters to begin developing the chapter’s scholarship program. Earls worked with the chapter treasurer to help validate the Chapter Scholarship Educational Fund and is working with several school leaders to bring the program online in the next quarter. This will be the first time the chapter could coordinate and award scholarships.
Earls continuously supports chapter luncheons, and on Flag Day 2023, he briefed the chapter and guests on the history of the American flag. Recently, he recreated the chapter logo, improving the clarity and consistency of the graphics and the professionalism of chapter products. He routinely writes and submits articles about chapter events and keeps social media posts active and current. In recognition of his dedication to the chapter and the association, AFCEA proudly names Christopher R. Earls AFCEAN of the Month.
