In March, the chapter was proud to present guest speaker, Former Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and former Miss America Heather French Henry. What an exciting luncheon we had with the former Miss America, sharing her experience in winning the pageant in 2000. She is an advocate for veterans, and she told of the many possibilities for veterans that others may not be aware of. She also brought her crown and sash to share with everyone to include taking photos. She spoke about working with The Rosemary Clooney Museum, along with being a wife and mother. She is a busy lady. It was such an honor to have her, and we had a great turnout.
In March, event co-chair, Troy Blanchard, Google Cloud account manager, welcomed guests to the 10th annual Gold Circle Breakfast, an adjunct fundraiser supporting chapter scholarships, held in conjunction with the March New Horizons Symposium at the Boston Marriott Newton. Blanchard introduced featured guest speaker Sean Maday, Defense Department chief technology officer for Google Cloud. Maday provided an extremely informative, thought-provoking talk about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) for the defense industry and how AI is becoming integral to not only defense but worldwide. Will Keller, chapter Young AFCEAN president (industry) from Booz, Allen, Hamilton, next presented a chapter scholarship to Rachel Mann for winning her Lexington High School science fair this year with her Medhelper-a medical delivery robot that transfers medical supplies from a base station to a patient's room. At the conclusion, Blanchard thanked sponsors Google Cloud, Intel Corporation, Veritas, ... READ MORE
Maj. Gen. Robert J. Skinner, USAF, director, Command, Control, Communications and Cyber (C4) for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, spoke at the chapter event in March.
The chapter and the Dutch CyberWarfare Community (DCWC) worked together to organize this Cybersecurity Symposium in the Barracks of the GenM Kootkazerne in Stroe, the seat of the Dutch Army SignalCorps (C2OstCo, Regiment Verbindingstroepen). With over 200 visitors from government, military and civilian organizations, the symposium was well attended. In the afternoon the 'red line' was "Where is it coming from?" Kol Mietta Groeneveld, chapter president, acted as chair woman and announced the speakers and evaluated the presentations from Peter Rietveld, Marcel vd Velde and Ramses Sloeserwij. In the evening, the "red line" was, "What do we do against it?' and 'What more can we do?' Speakers in the evening: LKol Henk Sonius, head of the Airforce CyberWarfare Team; Col. Kees Verdonk, head of the Defense Cyber Security Centre; and Lec. Barry Derksen, CISO at ICS. From the Dutch Parlement, André Bosman gave a speech about the importance of stimulation by the government and cooperation and ... READ MORE
The chapter hosted its 42nd annual New Horizons Symposium in March at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, Newton, Massachusetts. Industry co-chair, Angela Dupont-Hevey, Leidos and chapter board member, served as mistress of ceremonies and welcomed over 700 attendees to this annual scholarship fundraising event that provides industry partners a preview of pending new federal business opportunities. She thanked her co-chairs Lt. Col. JJ Haramiyo, USAF, Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB), and Jonathan Learn, The MITRE Corporation, and the many symposium sponsors including Double Diamond, Raytheon and Diamond, Oasis, Systems, for their support before introducing Patrick Marr, board chair, who then provided chapter updates and invited special guest, AFCEA International President and CEO Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC (Ret.), to offer opening remarks. Thereafter, Gen. Shea joined with Marr, Tina Jordan, AFCEA International vice president of membership, and Mary Ann Carlson, regional vice president ... READ MORE
The chapter welcomed Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC, (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA International, to the March Quarterly meeting. Gen. Shea delivered a captivating presentation on Current Global Threats and conducted one-on-one meetings with several companies. We welcomed our newest chapter officer, Noah Feingold, who be leading the chapter's Young AFCEAN program.
Chapter board members visited the head of Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Department (CEIS) in his office at Presidency of Defense Industries headquarters in March. During this visit, board members presented information about AFCEA International and the association's contributions to the government, armed forces and defense industry. AFCEA publications related to the Command Control and Information Systems were also discussed. During the visit, members talked about the ongoing activities of the chapter and summarized possible cooperation between the CEIS department to organize meetings or seminars.
The San Antonio Mayor's Cyber Cup celebrated its 10-year anniversary this past February. "The 10th anniversary of this event really shows the commitment this city has to bringing our new talent forward," said Lt. Gen. Tim Haugh, USAF, commander, 16th Air Force. There was a total of 350 teams that competed in CyberPatriot XII. CyberTexas Foundation Senior Advisor Chris Cook welcomed students, parents and mentors to the annual event. "We recognized 21 teams 10 years ago and now we have 350 teams with three competing on the national level." The chapter was honored to be able to give back in support of this outstanding event. Dave Kovach, chapter executive vice president, presented a total of $12,000 in scholarships to the Best Rookie High School Team, James Madison High School, San Antonio, and the Finalist Team High School All-Service Division, Brandeis High School Air Force JROTC. The event showcased the emerging talent of the next generation of cyber professionals. San Antonio Mayor ... READ MORE
The chapter's Young AFCEANs hosted their first networking event for 2020 at the Back Unturned Brewery in San Antonio. The event kicked off with nearly thirty people in attendance, over half of whom were first-time attendees. They represented a wide range of organizations such as The University of Texas at San Antonio, CodeUp, 16th Air Force, San Antonio Independent School District and many other leading technology companies based in the San Antonio area. Young AFCEA Vice President Shawn Cressman explained how the diversity of backgrounds and experiences displayed at the event exemplifies the importance of hosting activities such as this. "The benefits of networking and socializing with other young professionals in our community is vital to growing our next generation of technologies leaders. The Alamo Chapter provides that forum." The chapter looks forward to more of these social networking settings, dubbed "Tech on Tap," as well as training events, including Tech Talks and Mentor P ... READ MORE
The chapter was reinvigorated in February when Regional Vice President Adam Feingold and Lt. Col. Jason Fields, USAF, chapter president, called to order the meeting and swore in officers. Plans were discussed for regular quarterly meetings in addition to coordinating with the Tech Expo held at Vandenberg each year.
At the February meeting, participants were provided with general information on artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, as well as current developments and applications in AI and cybersecurity domains with use of AI in cybersecurity issues. Kadir Murat Bicer, cybersecurity manager of STM AS, presented discussion points on the future of cybersecurity technology and STM's applications in this field.
In February, Hannah Birgé, director, Water & Agriculture Programs, The Nature Conservancy, Omaha, Nebraska, spent time with the chapter discussing the Central Nebraska Irrigation Project. Birgé touched on the vision of her organization to create a world where both nature and people thrive together. This can be accomplished by tackling climate change, building healthy cities, protecting land and water, and sustainably providing food and water. Birgé clarified that across the globe, 73 percent of global water withdrawals are non-renewable extractions. Birgé discussed the Ogallala aquifer, which is the largest natural aquifer in the world. In 2012, there was record drought in Nebraska, which required significant irrigation, but the Ogallala aquifer is resilient because of the many actions taken to counter the withdrawal. Birgé commented that water is a non-renewable resource, but through selective irrigation we can extend the life of this resource. She discussed key projects involvi ... READ MORE
The Logan Fontenelle Middle School in Bellevue, Nebraska, was a recent recipient of one of the Greater Omaha Chapter STEM Grants to help bolster their robotics initiatives. Christopher Casart, coach, 8th Grade VEX IQ Competitive Robotics Team, commented that both teams just completed their season and both competitive teams soared into the second half of the season, accomplishing their team goals. Furthermore, their B-Team (pictured) achieved a tie for second place in the state competition.
Chapter members visited Simsoft Information Technology company executives as promotional activities and explanations were given on AFCEA's opportunities provided to shareholders and especially to corporate members. Simsoft is a local company specializing in simulators, defense and aerospace systems, visual systems, and gaming and simulation areas.
In March, the chapter was proud to present guest speaker, Former Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and former Miss America Heather French Henry. What an exciting luncheon we had with the former Miss America, sharing her experience in winning the pageant in 2000. She is an advocate for veterans, and she told of the many possibilities for veterans that others may not be aware of. She also brought her crown and sash to share with everyone to include taking photos. She spoke about working with The Rosemary Clooney Museum, along with being a wife and mother. She is a busy lady. It was such an honor to have her, and we had a great turnout.
In March, event co-chair, Troy Blanchard, Google Cloud account manager, welcomed guests to the 10th annual Gold Circle Breakfast, an adjunct fundraiser supporting chapter scholarships, held in conjunction with the March New Horizons Symposium at the Boston Marriott Newton. Blanchard introduced featured guest speaker Sean Maday, Defense Department chief technology officer for Google Cloud. Maday provided an extremely informative, thought-provoking talk about the future of artificial intelligence (AI) for the defense industry and how AI is becoming integral to not only defense but worldwide. Will Keller, chapter Young AFCEAN president (industry) from Booz, Allen, Hamilton, next presented a chapter scholarship to Rachel Mann for winning her Lexington High School science fair this year with her Medhelper-a medical delivery robot that transfers medical supplies from a base station to a patient's room. At the conclusion, Blanchard thanked sponsors Google Cloud, Intel Corporation, Veritas, ... READ MORE
Maj. Gen. Robert J. Skinner, USAF, director, Command, Control, Communications and Cyber (C4) for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, spoke at the chapter event in March.
The chapter hosted its 42nd annual New Horizons Symposium in March at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, Newton, Massachusetts. Industry co-chair, Angela Dupont-Hevey, Leidos and chapter board member, served as mistress of ceremonies and welcomed over 700 attendees to this annual scholarship fundraising event that provides industry partners a preview of pending new federal business opportunities. She thanked her co-chairs Lt. Col. JJ Haramiyo, USAF, Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB), and Jonathan Learn, The MITRE Corporation, and the many symposium sponsors including Double Diamond, Raytheon and Diamond, Oasis, Systems, for their support before introducing Patrick Marr, board chair, who then provided chapter updates and invited special guest, AFCEA International President and CEO Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC (Ret.), to offer opening remarks. Thereafter, Gen. Shea joined with Marr, Tina Jordan, AFCEA International vice president of membership, and Mary Ann Carlson, regional vice president ... READ MORE
The chapter welcomed Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC, (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA International, to the March Quarterly meeting. Gen. Shea delivered a captivating presentation on Current Global Threats and conducted one-on-one meetings with several companies. We welcomed our newest chapter officer, Noah Feingold, who be leading the chapter's Young AFCEAN program.
Chapter board members visited the head of Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Department (CEIS) in his office at Presidency of Defense Industries headquarters in March. During this visit, board members presented information about AFCEA International and the association's contributions to the government, armed forces and defense industry. AFCEA publications related to the Command Control and Information Systems were also discussed. During the visit, members talked about the ongoing activities of the chapter and summarized possible cooperation between the CEIS department to organize meetings or seminars.
The San Antonio Mayor's Cyber Cup celebrated its 10-year anniversary this past February. "The 10th anniversary of this event really shows the commitment this city has to bringing our new talent forward," said Lt. Gen. Tim Haugh, USAF, commander, 16th Air Force. There was a total of 350 teams that competed in CyberPatriot XII. CyberTexas Foundation Senior Advisor Chris Cook welcomed students, parents and mentors to the annual event. "We recognized 21 teams 10 years ago and now we have 350 teams with three competing on the national level." The chapter was honored to be able to give back in support of this outstanding event. Dave Kovach, chapter executive vice president, presented a total of $12,000 in scholarships to the Best Rookie High School Team, James Madison High School, San Antonio, and the Finalist Team High School All-Service Division, Brandeis High School Air Force JROTC. The event showcased the emerging talent of the next generation of cyber professionals. San Antonio Mayor ... READ MORE
The chapter was reinvigorated in February when Regional Vice President Adam Feingold and Lt. Col. Jason Fields, USAF, chapter president, called to order the meeting and swore in officers. Plans were discussed for regular quarterly meetings in addition to coordinating with the Tech Expo held at Vandenberg each year.
At the February meeting, participants were provided with general information on artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, as well as current developments and applications in AI and cybersecurity domains with use of AI in cybersecurity issues. Kadir Murat Bicer, cybersecurity manager of STM AS, presented discussion points on the future of cybersecurity technology and STM's applications in this field.
In February, Hannah Birgé, director, Water & Agriculture Programs, The Nature Conservancy, Omaha, Nebraska, spent time with the chapter discussing the Central Nebraska Irrigation Project. Birgé touched on the vision of her organization to create a world where both nature and people thrive together. This can be accomplished by tackling climate change, building healthy cities, protecting land and water, and sustainably providing food and water. Birgé clarified that across the globe, 73 percent of global water withdrawals are non-renewable extractions. Birgé discussed the Ogallala aquifer, which is the largest natural aquifer in the world. In 2012, there was record drought in Nebraska, which required significant irrigation, but the Ogallala aquifer is resilient because of the many actions taken to counter the withdrawal. Birgé commented that water is a non-renewable resource, but through selective irrigation we can extend the life of this resource. She discussed key projects involvi ... READ MORE
The Logan Fontenelle Middle School in Bellevue, Nebraska, was a recent recipient of one of the Greater Omaha Chapter STEM Grants to help bolster their robotics initiatives. Christopher Casart, coach, 8th Grade VEX IQ Competitive Robotics Team, commented that both teams just completed their season and both competitive teams soared into the second half of the season, accomplishing their team goals. Furthermore, their B-Team (pictured) achieved a tie for second place in the state competition.
Chapter members visited Simsoft Information Technology company executives as promotional activities and explanations were given on AFCEA's opportunities provided to shareholders and especially to corporate members. Simsoft is a local company specializing in simulators, defense and aerospace systems, visual systems, and gaming and simulation areas.
