AFCEA International Chapter News
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BELVOIR CHAPTER - 03/01/2024

Blast off! The chapter hosts its annual Code-a-Thon event in March. In March, in conjunction with several Central Virginia area AFCEA chapters, the chapter hosted its annual Code-a-Thon event for the third year in a row! The virtual Code-a-Thon blasted off to nine Virginia-based elementary schools. The fictional Virginia AFCEA Space Alliance, or VASA, once again traveled to Planet X for a thrilling adventure called "Grow the Planet." The goal of this event was to encourage the development of coding, promote interest in science, technology, engineering and math, and raise cyber awareness for the participating elementary schools. This is the only virtual code-a-thon event that connects public schools, Department of Defense Education Activity grant schools and Department of Defense schools in the region. The volunteers supporting the event also were rewarded as they experienced the thrill of making a difference in the young lives of the participants. As some of the teachers have noted, "It is amazing to watch students' excitement around coding and STEA ... READ MORE

BELVOIR CHAPTER - 02/28/2024

Chapter President Jim Evans (r) and guest speaker Aric Sherwood pause for a photo at the February luncheon. In February, the chapter hosted Aric Sherwood, director, Acquisition Innovation Directorate, Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO-EIS). The hour and a half-long presentation was an informative session where industry and other government leaders learned about the Army's agile journey, contracting, testing, SBIRs, maintaining acquisition rigor and industry collaboration. The event also hosted several other government leaders, like Matt Gohil, chief information officer at PEO Soldier, who quoted that Sherwood's presentation had "insights on how the Army continues to drive agile across the acquisition community" and that he was "looking forward to further engagements with PEO-EIS." This was a popular event and the chapter appreciates the continued partnership with PEO-EIS.

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - 02/22/2024

Attendees enjoy the 17th annual Valentine Gala in February at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland. The chapter held its 17th annual Valentine Gala in February at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland. With more than 400 industry, government and military attendees, this event is always a huge hit. Guests received individual portraits and delicious food, followed by live music, dancing and fun. This was a can't-miss event and the chapter is already looking forward to next year.

TURKIYE CHAPTER - 02/21/2024

Omur Hanyalı presents during the February webinar. In the webinar "Overview of Submarine Combat Management Systems" presented by Omur Hanyali, the operations of submarines, the masters of the depths, the sound of depth and the compilation of a recognized tactical picture by submarines were evaluated.

In the webinar, chapter members learned about the need for an integrated structure, especially where acoustic sensors are intertwined with the combat management system, and how it was achieved to meet the needs of submarine systems that differ from surface combatant platforms. Attendees learned the place and functions of these systems, which include the capabilities provided by developing technology, with the network-enabled capabilities in the operational environment.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 02/21/2024

In February, (back row l-r) Varis Abdullin, Sean Caulfield, Paul Albertson, Don Frazier, Kevin Haimovici, Devin Edwards, (front row l-r) Anneli Connell, Phil Alcorn, Susan Caulfield, Barbara Osborne, Dianna Black and Liam Walsh gather for a photo. The chapter's February Small Business Breakfast featured a keynote from Philip Alcorn, director of the Army Cyber Technology and Innovation Center (ArCTIC) at U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER).

Alcorn opened with an overview of ARCYBER's mission to protect and defend Army and Department of Defense network systems. He detailed the interagency collaboration that strengthened their capabilities and pointed to a gap in the rapid acquisition of cyber-specific equipment and capabilities that led to the establishment of ArCTIC.

Under Alcorn's leadership, ArCTIC has become a dynamic hub for the fast-tracked development and deployment of cybersecurity technologies. He shared that the center is actively working to increase its limited acquisition authority, which stands at $500,000 for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) and $2 million for procurement.

Alcorn underscored ArCTIC's commitment to pioneering research through strategic alliances with government ... READ MORE

BELVOIR CHAPTER - 02/20/2024

Chapter Emerging Leader Elizabeth Moon (far r) and chapter officers and board members Lyndsey Hoe and Mollie Pearson (far left) pause for a photo at the February event. In February, the chapter's Emerging Leaders hosted their second Roundtable. This event was a conversation with Kaitlin Bulavinetz, associate director, science & technology (S&T) analysis & policy integration within the Office of Strategic Intelligence & Analysis and senior advisor to the principal director for advanced computing and software, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) in Defense S&T Innovation and Policy Integration. This was an insightful evening where the group discussed the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving world of information technology.

EMERALD COAST CHAPTER - 02/20/2024

STEM science project winners (l-r) Elena Henderson, Aurora Mendenhall, Jackson Despard and Owen Parry, display their awards at the February East Panhandle Regional Science Fair in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. For more than ten years, the chapter has presented awards to middle schools students participating in the East Panhandle Regional Science Fair in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for STEM projects. This year, chapter members, Glenda Robinson and Luke Colinco were the chapter judges.

The awards were the following:

•First Place and $250: Aurora Mendenhall
•Second Place and $200: Elena Henderson
•Third Place and $150: Owen Parry
•Fourth Place and $100: Jackson Despard

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER - 02/20/2024

Pictured (l-r) are Col. Brian Kadet, chapter member at large; Eddie Peña, STEM scholarship chair; Saddy Bulla, student, University of South Florida; Christopher Stern, student, University of South Florida; and Joe Haulton, chapter first vice president. In February, the chapter's STEM Scholarship Committee member, Will Ceglar, presented a STEM Scholarship to Taylor Hanes, a dedicated cyber-intelligence major at the University of South Florida.

Additionally, the chapter was proud to present STEM Scholarships to the talented students of the University of South Florida's College of Information & Technology.

Congratulations to all the recipients! Your passion and dedication to STEM are truly inspiring. Thank you for being the future of innovation!

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - 02/13/2024

In February, Bethany Jedlicka (c) receives the Unsung Hero Award. The chapter awarded Bethany Jedlicka the "Unsung Hero" award at this month's luncheon. Bethany has been a key member of the Women in AFCEA (WIA) committee since 2022, supporting the event planning and behind the scenes execution of multiple WIA events throughout each chapter year.

This chapter year, Jedlicka has provided outstanding planning coordination for several existing and new WIA events including the Women's Speaker Series (Technology focus: AI/ML) last October, the Women's Podcast Spotlight Roundtable last November, and the WIA Game Night Social on February 22. Last year, Jedlicka supported planning and execution of the following events: the Women's Speaker Series Cyber Panel and the WIA-WIIG Women's Leadership Roundtable.

In addition to volunteering for WIA, Jedlicka works full time at NiSUS Technologies Corporation, providing business development support and is finishing her bachelor's in software development at the end of this year. Even with her incredibly ... READ MORE

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - 02/13/2024

The The chapter awarded Rachael Lynch the "Save the Day" award at this month's luncheon for her support leading the chapter's annual Valentine Gala. Lynch has run the chapter's Valentine Gala for several years with great success. The gala takes place at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland. With more than 400 industry, government and military attendees, this event is a huge hit! Lynch worked tirelessly to ensure everything came together seamlessly for this event, never missing any details. From fun individual portraits at guests' arrival, delicious food, great music and dancing, this was a can't-miss event. Lynch led the gala committee through an outstanding event. The chapter couldn't have done it without her and is already counting down until next year's gala!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER - 02/10/2024

In February, chapters officers pose with event sponsor, Iridium. The chapter hosted its annual symposium on January 31 and February 1, 2024. More than 400 attendees and 40 vendors attended to hear from 20+ industry experts, military leaders and government representatives. Attendees engaged with speakers and vendors to tackle various challenges facing the armed services in the Pacific theater. Col. Dean Smith, chapter president, and Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence, USA (Ret.), president and CEO, AFCEA International, provided opening remarks, while Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, USA, commander general, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, gave the opening keynote.

Satellite communications operations and governance, cybersecurity, and the evolution of artificial intelligence and others generated thoughtful discussions. Presentations from military, industry and government experts reinforced the need for partnerships to develop and provide solutions globally.

AFCEA Regional Vice President Tim Martin, Northwestern Region, provided the final day's open ... READ MORE

ALAMO CHAPTER - 02/06/2024

In February, chapter members participate in the Software Factory Networking Event in San Antonio. In February, the chapter supported the latest U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Software Factory Coalition meet-up in San Antonio. DoD Platform One and Unified Platform played a pivotal role in setting up the two-day event for members of various software factories to get together for an exciting collaboration opportunity, fostering functional innovation for cutting-edge solutions and advancements in the DoD.

In the evening, attendees joined chapter members, guests and corporate partners at Bentley's Beer Garden to continue networking and collaborative discussions. The chapter was excited to support DoD partners and live up to AFCEA's mission to connect people, ideas, and solutions globally.

LEXINGTON-CONCORD CHAPTER - 02/05/2024

Maj. Gen. Genatempo of Command, Control, Communications and Networks Directorate (center l), and Hanscom Air Force Base leaders join Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (center r), on stage at the February event. In February, the chapter hosted the Annual State of Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Address, featuring Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander of the AFLCMC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Gen. Shipton provided an insightful keynote address highlighting the AFLCMC vision of supporting Air Force Operational Imperatives, the accomplishments of the workforce at Hanscom Air Force as part of AFLCMC, the unique ecosystem in New England of federally funded research and development centers, universities and industry partners and how Air Force Materiel Command is preparing for the Great Power Competition. The chapter also presented a $5,000 check to Operation Warmheart, with Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, command chief master sergeant for the 66th Air Base Group, accepting.


A special thanks to the chapter sponsors who make all this possible: Abacus Technology, Applied Research Solutions, Astrion, Expansia, MainSail, Odyssey Systems, Quantech Services and SAI ... READ MORE

TURKIYE CHAPTER - 02/01/2024

In February, M. Tuncay Gencoglu, associate professor, Firat University, presents during the chapter's webinar. In February, the webinar titled "Quantum Technologies and Intelligence" presented by M. Tuncay Gençoğlu, associate professor, Firat University, significantly impacted participants' perspectives on the developments in quantum technologies and the effects of these technologies, especially on the field of intelligence.

The rise of quantum technologies also creates an art of storytelling. Starting with the mysterious world of subatomic particles and extending into the depths of global cyber networks, this story will not only increase the information processing capacity of each qubit but will also reweave the fabric of cybersecurity and intelligence.

Webinar attendees received answers to questions such as how quantum transformation will shape the future of the cyber world and how intelligence collection and analysis methods will evolve with these new technologies that are hidden in the depths of quantum.

CENTRAL MARYLAND CHAPTER - 01/30/2024

Panelists Stacy Trammell, president and CEO at Zavda Technologies LLC (c); Jacqui Magnes, CEO at COMSO (second from l); and Alison Flanigan, CEO at Omega Minds (third from l); with moderator Tiffany Tong, chapter vice president of WIA and business development/capture manager at Leidos (second from r), gather for a photo with Amy Ratzburg, chapter vice president of WIA (far l); and Kirsten Miller-Jones, chapter vice president of small business affairs (far r), at the January event. The chapter's Women in AFCEA (WIA) and Small Business Committees joined forces to hold a Woman-Owned Small Business Panel. The panel featured Stacy Trammell, president and CEO at Zavda Technologies LLC; Alison Flanigan, CEO at Omega Minds; and Jacqui Magnes, CEO at COMSO, with moderation by Tiffany Tong, chapter vice president of WIA and business development/capture manager at Leidos.

Discussions included the importance of networking and building connections, making investments in growth, finding work/life balance and guiding principles for each panelist in their businesses.

BELVOIR CHAPTER - 01/28/2024

Outstanding Emerging Leader for 2024 Kevin Connors (l) is pictured with Belvoir Chapter Emerging Leaders President Carlos Embury (c) and Emerging Leaders Board Vice President Jen Acot during AFCEA's WEST conference in January. The chapter is proud to share the significant accomplishments of its Emerging Leaders group, led by Emerging Leaders President Carlos Embury. At this year's AFCEA WEST Conference, the chapter won "Model Chapter" for Emerging Leaders and two of the chapters own Emerging Leaders won outstanding Emerging Leader for 2024. It was a chapter sweep! The chapter's Emerging Leaders have grown by 35 members since the start of the year and Carlos Embury taking on his position as president of the chapter's Emerging Leaders.

LEXINGTON-CONCORD CHAPTER - 01/26/2024

The chapter's Emerging Leaders bundle up for the game in January. In January, the chapter's Emerging Leaders hosted a Hockey Social at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell's Tsongas Center. The social included a pre-game meet-up at Cobblestones followed by UMass Lowell River Hawks versus Providence. A true winter sport for the hearty New Englanders, the game was the perfect venue for this event.

More than a hundred hockey tickets were given out to AFCEA members and potential new members. Attendees were able to socialize with current members to find out more information about the chapter's Emerging Leaders upcoming events and initiatives.

GREATER OMAHA CHAPTER - 01/25/2024

Capt. Thomas Merkle, USN, chapter president (l), shakes hands with Timothy Vidas, principal engineer, Amazon Web Services. Vidas was the speaker for the January luncheon and received a Greater Omaha Chapter coin for addressing the chapter.�
In January, Timothy Vidas, principal engineer, Amazon Web Services, Omaha, Nebraska, spent time with the chapter, sharing his thoughts on generative artificial intelligence (AI).

To begin, Vidas revealed that his short bio slide was completely generated by generative AI. Vidas referred to generative AI as a subset of artificial intelligence that can create original content. He said it's not the best solution for everything but can be useful in some instances. Vidas feels generative AI is transforming society. It can create new content, improve existing content and personalize content for each individual user.

Vidas also commented on generative AI's negative aspects. For instance, it's not very good at predictions/forecasting, classification of items or clustering/grouping. On the extreme end, there are ugly aspects to generative AI, where users engage in IP theft and reverse engineer the model to replicate its behavior. Vidas concluded by pointing out there are clea ... READ MORE

TURKIYE CHAPTER - 01/24/2024

(l-r) Capt. Zafer Betoner, TUN (Ret.), chapter vice president; Serdar Muldur, vice rector, OSTIM Technical University (OTU), and Capt. Kamil Zafer Selcuk, TUN (Ret.), chapter president, pose for a photo at OTU in January. In January, chapter officers visited Serdar Muldur, the vice rector of OSTIM Technical University, and explained the opportunities of AFCEA International for university students. OSTIM Technical University (OTU) is located in Ankara at the heart of the industry and business world, including the defense industry with its multicultural structure. OTU combines theory and practice by placing talent and competence at the center of the education and training system, provides added value to society with interdisciplinary scientific approaches and develops creative solution proposals in cooperation with all stakeholders with an open university approach. OTU is a thematic, entrepreneurial and innovative university of international standards.

ALAMO CHAPTER - 01/23/2024

Col. Jason Turner, USAF, Operations and Communications Directorate (A3/6) deputy director for Force Development at Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, poses with Chapter President Chris Kinne at the January Luncheon. Col. Jason Turner, USAF, is the Operations and Communications Directorate (A3/6) deputy director for Force Development at Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Col. Turner leads the four divisions, specifically working Force Development for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. He directs the implementation of an airman-centric, mission-focused and competency-based approach to developing airmen.

Col. Turner expanded on the modernization of the force development enterprise and the need to be mission-ready in the context of great power competition. He noted that "The chief of staff of the Air Force has charged the leaders of all levels to train to make quality decisions at the speed necessary for competition in combat timelines to develop future leaders who can do the same."

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER - 01/22/2024

Chapter leaders and volunteers gather for a photo at the January event. In a bid to demystify the intricacies of doing business with the federal government, AFCEA hosted a highly anticipated Small Business Panel this January. The event featured a distinguished lineup of panelists, including Paul Ward, deputy director of the Office of Small Business Programs at U.S. Special Operations Command; Leslie Babich, director of SOFWERX; Karen Krymski, consultant at the Florida APEX Accelerator; and Jessica Gaskins from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Government Contracting Area III.

The panel, representing a spectrum of expertise, provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of engaging with the federal government. Attendees had the unique opportunity to glean knowledge from ground-level startup strategies to navigate the complex process of presenting their company's capabilities to USSOCOM.

The discussion delved into crucial aspects of government contracting, addressing queries from the audience and shedding li ... READ MORE


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