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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 02/26/2025
In February, the chapter hosted the Army Test & Evaluation Command (ATEC) for the first time in months. James Amato, executive technical director and deputy to the ATEC commander, presented ATEC's role in accelerating the Army's continuous transformation, beginning with an overview of this lesser known but highly important direct reporting unit.Amato discussed ATEC's five lines of effort in its 2025-2026 campaign plan, including digital transformation, test and evaluation (T&E) capabilities and processes, and partnerships and engagements. He spent considerable time discussing ATEC's data mesh needs, which serve to support its campaign of learning and ongoing multidomain operations distributed live virtual constructive T&E. The Small Business Spotlight Speaker for this event was Eleven Peppers Studios, a company with expertise in user experience, marketing, and branding for U.S. Department of Defense, federal and commercial clients. As a new feature, the chapter debute ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/26/2025
The chapter's first luncheon of 2025 was held in January and featured an in-depth presentation from Nicholaus Saacks, deputy program executive officer (PEO), Program Executive Office-Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (IEW&S). Saacks filled in for Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, USA, following a reschedule of the event to work around the National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.Presenting an all-new briefing and command video, Saacks delved into the PEO's focus areas of Army modernization, organizational agility and customer-driven partnerships. He highlighted the cross-cutting support that IEW&S provides to Transformation in Contact (TIC) and Tactical Exploitation National Capabilities-Army (TENCAP) initiatives, as well as alignment of the portfolio with Next-Generation Command & Control (C2) requirements. Saacks also touted the significant work that the PEO is doing to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities, providing ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 10/30/2024
In October, the chapter once again joined forces with the local Association of Old Crows (AOC) Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG)-Susquehanna Roost to offer a joint luncheon. Featuring a panel discussion by representatives of Project Manager Electronic Warfare & Cyber (PM EW&C), this event highlighted priorities related to the development and fielding of integrated capabilities for spectrum warfare. The distinguished panelists included Noel H. Lynkew, product lead, Electronic Attack; Lt. Col. John P. Cross, USA, product manager, Terrestrial Spectrum Warfare; Lt. Col. Troy D. Merkel, USA, product manager, Electronic Warfare Integration; and Garry Moore, product lead, Strategic Spectrum Warfare. Each panelist provided an overview of their portfolio, including future priorities and upcoming opportunities for industry collaboration. This engagement with industry partners is critical to deliver Signals Intelligence and Electronic Warfare, Electronic Attack Protection Support, and ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 08/01/2024
The chapter hosted a monthly luncheon in August, at Water's Edge Event Center in Belcamp, Maryland, featuring Ralph A. Troisio, deputy assistant director for Aviation and Electronic Warfare Systems under the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Developmental Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center Research and Technology Integration (RTI) Directorate. This public address marked Troisio's final engagement prior to his retirement from federal service after a storied career of more than 36 years.Troisio's briefing covered the work that he supported under the Spectrum Dominance, Intelligence and Survivability portfolio, overseeing the Electronic Warfare and Survivability and Radar Division. His portfolio's mission is critical to the successful transition of RTI science and technology programs to the Army Aviation and Electronic Warfare communities. Following his presentation, Troisio took the opportunity to thank the community for its support during his career. Many of his friends and colleagues ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 07/25/2024
The chapter held its annual AFCEA Aberdeen Golf Tournament in July at Ruggles Golf Course, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. With 20 sponsors and 100 golfers, the chapter's largest fundraiser for its Education Fund was a success once again. The chapter is proud to have raised $19,202 through this year's tournament, all of which will support its STEM Scholarships and Grants presented to students and educators in Harford and Cecil Counties.The chapter would like to thank all golfers and sponsors for helping make the 2024 event a success. Special thanks to Independence (Title) Sponsor General Dynamics Mission Systems, to Mission BBQ for their generous donation of food for the catered lunch (offset by a sponsorship from OMNI Technologies) and to Wendorf Beward & Partners for donating a beautiful set of Odyssey by Callaway Putters for the chapter's new Closest to the Pin paid competition. For a full list of sponsors, please visit https://aberdeen.afceachapters.org/afcea-aberdeen ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 06/05/2024
The chapter welcomed back its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Water's Edge Events Center River Watch facility in June. Held for the first time since 2019 and generously sponsored by Data Systems Analysts Inc. (DSA), this event offered an opportunity to celebrate the recipients of the chapter's STEM Education scholarship and grants.In 2024, the chapter donated $30,000 in scholarships to local high school and college students and welcomed several of its 2023 recipients to this year's event. Chapter Vice President of Education David Patrick, assisted by DSA Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Kirk, presented certificates of recognition to all recipients, including 2024 graduates from Havre de Grace High, Bel Air High and Aberdeen High; rising sophomores at the University of Delaware and the University of Maryland College Park; and returning 2023 awardees formerly of Aberdeen High, Fallston High, Notre Dame Preparatory High and Edgewood High. The evening's program wa ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 06/20/2024
The chapter welcomed Col. Shermoan Daiyaan, USA, the new program manager (PM) for Mission Command (MC) under Program Executive Office (PEO) Command, Control, Communications - Tactical (C3T) for its June luncheon. The PM MC develops, deploys and sustains integrated mission command and situational awareness capabilities for the Army and joint forces to enable movement and maneuver, command and control, fires, sustainment, protection, intelligence and engagement.Daiyaan addressed the audience to discuss PM MC's Move to Modularity and collaboration with Science & Technology divisions on next-generation command and control capabilities. This includes a focus on aerial tier integrated tactical network experimentation. Daiyaan highlighted several upcoming requests for information and industry engagements planned to connect with the defense industrial base, including PEO C3T's upcoming technical exchange meeting in December 2024. The chapter's June event was held at Water's Edge Eve ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 05/16/2024
In May, the chapter teamed up with the local Industrial Representatives Association (IRA) to host a joint luncheon event at Water's Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland. This event came on the heels of another joint event in April, in which the IRA invited the chapter to collaborate on its luncheon, featuring the director of Project Linchpin, Bharat Patel. At the May luncheon, the chapter took the lead with the IRA as co-host to feature the executive director of Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), Danielle Moyer.Now, with more than one year of tenure in this position, Moyer is working to shake up the usual perceptions of Army contracting and implement new methods to streamline and speed the process to award. Her presentation addressed how she is making changes to flatten the ACC-APG organization, remove red tape and layers of bureaucracy and empower her leaders to delegate responsibility in the hopes of streamlining the contracting process. She is ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/18/2024
The first monthly luncheon of 2024 brought big things from the chapter, which hosted an engaging panel discussion with leaders from the Program Executive Office (PEO), Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S). Held in January at Water's Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland, the event was co-hosted with the local Association of Old Crows (AOC), Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG)-Susquehanna Chapter.Panelists included the moderator, Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, PEO for IEW&S; Mark Saxon, acting deputy project manager (PM) for Electronic Warfare and Cyber; Robert Zoppa, PM for Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO); and Stu Labovitz, chief engineer for PM Cyber & Space (C&S). Addressing a sold-out room, the panel delivered an analysis of the new IEW&S portfolio, which included the stand-up of PM C&S in Summer 2023 and a major Army reorganization that realigned PM DCO under IEW&S from PEO Enterprise Information Systems in October 2023. Each panelist presented an overview of ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/18/2024
The first monthly luncheon of 2024 brought big things as the chapter hosted an engaging panel discussion with leaders from the Program Executive Office (PEO), Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S). Held in January at Water's Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland, the event was co-hosted with the local Association of Old Crows, Aberdeen Proving Ground-Susquehanna Chapter.Panelists included moderator Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, USA, PEO for IEW&S; Mark Saxon, acting deputy project manager (PM) for Electronic Warfare and Cyber (EW&C); Robert Zoppa, PM for Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO); and Stu Labovitz, chief engineer for PM Cyber & Space. Addressing a sold-out room, the panel delivered an analysis of the new IEW&S portfolio, which included the stand-up of PM C&S in Summer 2023 and a major Army reorganization that realigned PM DCO under IEW&S from PEO Enterprise Information Systems in October 2023. Each panelist presented an overview of their respective are ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 09/20/2023
In September, the chapter's Emerging Leaders convened at Bacco in Abingdon, Maryland, for a noteworthy session with Bharat Patel, product lead for "Project Linchpin" under Program Executive Office Intelligence Electronic Warfare and Sensors. A Rutgers University graduate in computer science, Patel's early career saw a significant pivot post-9/11 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While his tenure as a crypto tech was instructive, he recognized that naval life wasn't his long-term path.Transitioning first to The MITRE Corporation and later to the U.S. government, Patel was deeply involved in pivotal projects, such as Project Maven and Signals Intelligence Modernization. During his discourse, he also highlighted collaborations with industry peers, including several retired Department of Defense and Army senior leaders. At the forefront of innovation, Patel's current endeavor is the Army's initiative to provide a sustainable artificial intelligence operations pipeline. T ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 02/28/2023
At the February luncheon, the chapter hosted a special panel featuring the women leaders of the U.S. Army's Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center. Moderated by Kim Ploskonka, principal deputy director of the center's Engineering & Systems Integration (ESI) Directorate, this panel featured discussions from four of the center's key female leaders: Beth Ferry, assistant director of C5I engineering; Jami Davis, deputy assistant director for ground combat sensor systems at the Research & Technology Integration (RTI) Directorate; Marnie Bailey, division chief of the Power Division at RTI; and Denett Rose, division chief of program integration & engineering at the Prototype Integration Facility.This guided discussion focused on the unique perspectives and challenges women face in the STEM and defense contracting arenas. Each panelist shared their thoughts on what it means to be a woman in a leadership posit ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 02/21/2023
In February, the chapter's Emerging Leaders debuted a new series dubbed "Leadership and Cocktails." The highly anticipated first event took place in February at Bacco Italian + Wine Bar in Abingdon, Maryland, and was sponsored by OMNI Technologies.An informal presentation on leadership and an open Q&A took place with Giorgio Bertoli, assistant director for Spectrum Dominance and Intelligence Portfolio within the Army's Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center. With 28 years of federal service and 6.5 years as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army, Bertoli brought a unique and thoughtful perspective to leadership. The Emerging Leaders are excited to present this new series. In many ways, leadership is similar to mixing a cocktail. You have a core shelf of ingredients to rely on, but you must also mix in your own new and unique flavors in the right quantity and at the right times to create a style that ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/25/2023
The chapter kicked off the new year with the Association of Old Crows (AOC) Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Chapter at a jointly sponsored luncheon at Water's Edge Event Center in January. The topic was 'Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Modernization,' and Dennis Teefy, project director, Sensors-Aerial Intelligence (SAI), and Lt. Col. Andrew Evans from the Army G2 ISR Task Force were the presenters.Teefy and Col. Evans discussed how the future of the nation's ISR solutions would pivot from platform-centric to sensor-focused. The government is currently seeking next-generation solutions to stay strategically at the forefront of the industry. Contractors that can demonstrate their ability to integrate sensor technology in support of both current and future operations will have opportunities to ensure that the United States has near-peer capabilities and continues to set the global standard of ISR. In addition to the speakers, the January luncheon inclu ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/09/2022
The chapter's Emerging Leaders banded together with the Aberdeen AUSA Young Professionals to present a co-hosted virtual webinar series for Aberdeen Proving Ground-area young professionals. Focused on the "Effective Use of LinkedIn" as a networking and development tool, the two webinars in November were led by Annie Brock, president and CEO of the Leader Transition Institute (LTI).The first of the two webinars focused on advanced networking techniques for LinkedIn. Brock provided attendees useful insights on how to best locate and attract new connections. She walked through a series of interactive exercises to demonstrate helpful hints and methods to reach out and grow connection networks. One week later, the second webinar focused on how to build a better profile. By request, Brock analyzed profiles of attendees to offer her opinions on what was done well and what could be improved. Each attendee walked away with ideas on how to strengthen their profile, whether ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/03/2022
At the November 2022 Luncheon, the chapter hosted a panel discussion from the Program Executive Office (PEO) Command Control Communications-Tactical (C3T) and the Network Cross-Functional Team (CFT) under Army Futures Command. Held ahead of the December Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) in Nashville, Tennessee, this panel provided members with excellent insight into the ongoing modernization activities within the U.S. Army.Panelists included Nicholaus Saacks, deputy PEO at C3T; Tim Selph, deputy director for Network CFT; Lisa Bell, deputy program manager for Interoperability, Integration, and Services (I2S); and John Anglin, chief engineer for Project Manager Tactical Networks. In addition to a preview of TEM 9, the panel provided the audience an update on Capability Set (CS) 25, including the road to preliminary design review; an update on CS 27 design goals; and an update on network transport design supporting CS 25 and beyond. They emphasized a culture of continuous, rigor ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 03/10/2022
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/18/2022
In January, the chapter's Executive Council shared a chapter orientation update with Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II, USA, senior commander of Aberdeen Proving Ground and commanding general U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command.The chapter overview included: membership, corporate sponsorship, educational support to STEM, awards and programs to better acquaint Gen. Edmonson on the chapter's mission in the community. The commander expressed interest in how the chapter can contribute to continuous learning points for Department of the Army civilians, professional development opportunities on the installation and support to Aberdeen Proving Ground activities. |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 10/26/2021
In late October during a chapter luncheon, Joseph Welch, director of the Army's Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR), detailed how a recent reorganization is enabling the organization to meet the Army's modernization needs and how industry partners can provide support."I believe in accountability, so if we are given a mission to do something from a [science and technology] perspective it's not just a best-effort thing. We have objectives and we stick to them. I want to be very clear and upfront about where we see opportunity. I think that's only fair to us and to [industry]," said Welch. |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 10/26/2021
In October, the day before the AFCEA TechNet Cyber conference start in Baltimore, Maryland, the chapter marked a milestone with its 10th Model Chapter Award in a row. Col. Bill Montgomery, USA (Ret.), chapter president, accepted the award for the chapter during the Awards Dinner event. The chapter continued to organize virtual professional events throughout the pandemic, connecting government, industry and academia to the Aberdeen Proving Ground installation.
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/17/2021
In November, the chapter's Emerging Leaders held their fourth event in the now-regular series of Virtual Leadership Forums. The latest session highlighted leaders from the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland.Moderated by Mike Bowen, a former chapter president, this engaging session offered an open, honest conversation on qualities of leadership, diversity in the workplace and ways to develop purpose in a team setting. Panelists for this event included Col. James R. West, USA, deputy commanding officer at ATEC-APG; Col. Brian Hoffman, USA, commander, U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Utah; Tina Allen, division chief for Programming and Force Management at the ATEC Directorate of Resource Management; and Todd Hudson, director of Technology and Investments at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The virtual nature of this series offers a great opportunity to collaborate with senior leaders from geographically dispersed Army ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 08/25/2021
In August, the chapter organized its first in-person event since February of 2020. Over 130 guests met to hear candid soldier feedback from the operational community on Capability Set 21 technologies. Brig. Gen. (P) Rob Collins, USA, program executive officer, Command, Control, Communications Tactical, and Brig. Gen. Jeth Rey, USA, director, Network Cross Functional Team, and panelists, discussed how the Army is conducting soldier touch points across all formations to include Infantry brigade combat team, Stryker brigade combat team, armored brigade combat team, Division, Corps and expeditionary signal battalion-enhanced, and how the Army is using this direct feedback to innovate and improve future network capability sets. |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 07/22/2021
In July, the chapter organized its annual golf benefit event raising over $20,000 for local scholarships, grants and teacher science toolkits. Over 90 golfers and 18 local sponsors supported this annual fundraiser supporting the highly successful AFCEA Educational Foundation. The chapter's Educational Program funds teachers and students from elementary school through college with STEM grants and scholarships. Since 2011, the chapter has provided over $400,000 in education funds focused on developing both STEM educators and the future Aberdeen Proving Ground community workforce.The event was held on the Aberdeen Proving Ground Ruggles Golf Course. By hosting this venue, the chapter was able to support the Installation Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund, providing financial support to local installation programs benefiting soldiers and their families. |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 06/02/2021
In June, the chapter hosted a webinar featuring Thomas McGrath from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). McGrath is the deputy director for program and resource management in the SBA's Office of Government Contracting and Business Development.Along with colleagues Kelly Jackson and Garrison Anderson, McGrath provided a general overview of the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program, emphasizing recent procedural changes to the certification process. To help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that are certified in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program. In accordance with the new process, as of October 15, 2020, all WOSB firms must submit documentation to become certified in the new portal to compete for WOSB Federal Contracting Program set-aside contracts. Be sure to check the SBA's preparation checklist of essential documents to prepare for applyin ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 04/07/2021
In April, the chapter's Emerging Leaders hosted their third quarterly leadership forum featuring John Willison, deputy to the commanding general, Combat Capabilities Development Command, and Nancy Kreidler, director, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Army CIO/G-6.This incredibly engaging session provided another unique opportunity to openly discuss leadership qualities in the time of COVID, career progression, the power of networking and mentorships, the importance of higher education and training, and much more. The virtual leadership forums are geared toward both young professionals and those who recently transitioned into a career in the government contracting space. This third event gave attendees a unique chance to ask questions, seek advice, enrich professional networks, and potentially develop mentor-mentee relationships. Willison and Kreidler (both of whom are certified leadership coaches) openly presented their thoughts and experiences on personal dev ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 03/10/2021
In March, the chapter hosted a technology engagement discussion with Chuck Hoppe, associate director for science, technology & engineering, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR). He is responsible for oversight of the organization's science, technology, and engineering portfolio.The C5ISR Center is an Army applied research and advanced technology development center under the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, or DEVCOM, which is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command. The DEVCOM C5ISR Center discovers and develops innovative technologies that enable information superiority and tactical overmatch for our country's most important customer: our joint forces. As the Army's primary integrator of C5ISR technologies and systems, the center conducts applied Research and Development, or R&D, across a wide variety of capability areas that touch all six of the Army's moderni ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 03/03/2021
In March, the chapter hosted a small business panel centering on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which was officially made compliant by the Interim Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement rule 2019-D041. Shane Miller, a certified Maryland cyber seller in Harford County; and Karen Holt, deputy director, the Office of Community & Economic Development; and Scott Kelley, representative, Aberdeen Proving Ground Office of Small Business Programs, share in this discussion.Insights on leveraging state and federal programs to offset CMMC compliancy costs and COVID-19 related grant programs for small businesses were the highlights for this session. The U.S. Army Office of Small Business featured a save the date review of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Annual Advanced Planning Briefing to Industry. The chapter has increased small business program emphasis given the COVID-19 environment and the need to better equip local small business. Chris Carr ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 02/17/2021
In February, the chapter's Young AFCEANs hosted their second event in a new series of virtual Leadership Forums, spending An Evening with PEO IEWS. Hosted on the Microsoft Teams platform after hours, this interactive event featured a panel discussion led by Tamera Rush, president and CEO of Tenax Technologies, and featured thoughts from Mark Kitz, deputy program executive officer (PEO) for the Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors (IEWS) division; Col. Senodja Frank Sundiata-Walker, USA, the program manager for biometrics; and Kyle Perkins, chief of staff for IEWS.The panelists offered our young professionals personal anecdotes and advice on such topics as creating value in an organization through leadership, developing talent, fostering leadership throughout all levels of an organization, finding mentors, striking a work-life balance in the COVID environment and engaging with professional associations to build skills and networks. Following the moderated disc ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/27/2021
In January, John Willison, deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), addressed the chapter during its regular technology engagement session. He shared the command's science and technology influence over the Army's Project Convergence enterprise and lessons learned from the Future of Work assessment. Willison explained the yearly Project Convergence campaign phases centering on the Army focus for 2020, joint focus for 2021 and coalition focus in 2022. He cited Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) as becoming the centerpiece to develop various system capabilities for Project Convergence stakeholders. APG has unique lab facilities that allow lab-based risk reduction on technologies without having to fight these challenges in a field environment. The Future Of Work explained the lessons learned given the past year of COVID-19 telework transition. This concept paper had an objective to summarize the feedback from the command's 25 ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/05/2021
Thanks to the coordination of Susan Emert, director of individual membership and awards, Aberdeen and Ecuador Chapters enjoyed their first virtual collaboration session to share ideas on chapter growth practices and outreach.This truly "international" session began as Lt. Col. Manuel "Manny" Ugarte, USA, chapter vice president of awards, reached out to AFCEA International Headquarters, offering his services to the Ecuador Chapter with an intent to share experiences and foster international teaming. Col. Ugarte has lived and traveled through Latin America, including Ecuador, and speaks fluent Spanish. He is currently in the U.S. Army and retiring in June 2021. Bill Montgomery, chapter president, and Mallory Arnold, chapter executive vice president, shared their experiences as chapter leaders to help AFCEA Ecuador expand its goals and objectives. Maria Dolores Santos, chapter president, Ecuador Chapter, was joined by her team: Carlos Rodriguez Arrieta, first vice pres ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 12/02/2020
In December, Larry Muzzelo, deputy to the commanding general, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), addressed the chapter during its monthly technology engagement. In addition to discussing the transition of the Army Medical Logistics Command as a new subordinate organization under CECOM, Muzzelo presented CECOM initiatives as they related to each of the Army's current priorities of people, readiness and modernization. Under people, he outlined the command's new "Soul of CECOM" program and its renewed effort to foster an equitable, safe and diverse workplace. Under readiness, he shared on CECOM's increasing use of additive manufacturing and achieving 95 percent supply availability for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) system parts. He noted the command's interest in industry partnerships to help it continue to pursue 100 percent supply availability. He also cited the command's increasi ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/24/2020
In November, the chapter partnered with the local Harford County Office of Community and Economic Development to welcome Karen Holt, the county federal installation administrator, Office of Community & Economic Development, Harford County Government, for a special tutorial session exploring the time-sensitive CARES Act Business Grant Program.Now more than ever, our small business community needs financial support. The chapter invited the local expertise in a creative way to ensure our small business members understand this support program given the COVID-19 climate. Holt reviewed the County Small Business Relief and Business Owner Assistance grants and explained the various benefits. Small business members joined in the information session, which reviewed the benefits, such as $7,500 for payroll, personal protection equipment funding and operating expense supplements, and $5,000 for commercial rent, mortgage or lease financial support. The Aberdeen Proving G ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/18/2020
The chapter welcomed Laurence Mixon, special assistant to the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEW&S) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to share his unique insights on the IEW&S portfolio.Mixon engaged industry professionals, government and community attendees, highlighting specific initiatives the seven project managers were designing, delivering and sustaining to provide a persistent view of the battlefield to protect aircrew from enemy threats. Mixon explained several programs, including effective long-range precision fires, tactical space capability enablers, cross-portfolio capability development and artificial intelligence machine learning. Mixon also discussed the PEO's commitment to transparency and industry engagement through three initiatives. The first was the development of an open innovation lab. This unclassified facility enables academia, industry, government and other organizations to collaborate on Army posit ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 10/28/2020
The chapter's Young AFCEANS made the transition to the virtual environment during the first digital event in October. Formerly known as Mentor Protégé and Networking Night, this new Leadership Forum event provided attendees with an in-depth panel discussion on leadership qualities, career progression, the power of mentorships and other topics vital to professional growth.Moderated by David Lockhart, manager of the APG Field Office for Boeing Defense, Space and Security, the panel discussion featured thoughts from Brig. Gen. Robert Collins, USA, program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T); Kenneth Strayer, chief of staff for PEO C3T; Susan Edwards, director of operations for Phoenix Operations Group; and Colleen Holloway, division chief of the Tactical Network Sustainment Division for the Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC). Event attendees were treated to a series of personal anecdotes and genuine thoughts from the senior l ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 08/06/2020 In August, the chapter honored the accomplishments of local students and educators during its annual Education Awards Dinner at Water's Edge Event Center in Belcamp, Maryland. AFCEA's education program raised nearly $54,000 in scholarships and grants to support local high schools in the Cecil County and Harford County school systems and Harford Community College. "Over the past 10 years, we've provided close to half a million dollars to support the advancing STEM community," stated Chris Manning, chapter vice president of education. For the first time, the event was livestreamed for virtual attendees. Awardees that could attend the event sat at socially distanced tables with their family units. The scholarships and grants are supported yearly by over 50 local chapter sponsors. "Local sponsors represent the core of our Educational Foundation, supporting our community high schools, colleges and educators. These corporate and small business partners value contributing in ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 06/16/2020
In June, the chapter held its first virtual event partnering with the local chapters of the Association of the United States Army and the Signal Corps Regimental Association commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. The senior Signal Corps officer from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maj. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo, USA, shared his thoughts on the Corps and the birthday celebration."Happy Birthday to the Signal Corps. We all love it; we all continue to support it, and I think it will be that way forever. As the slogan says, 'You can talk about us, but you can't talk without us.' The regiment will forever be," stated Gen. Kilgo during his introduction of the virtual birthday event. Gen. Kilgo reflected on questions regarding the future of Signal Corps. "There is a lot of people who try to tell us how to do our job, but there is nobody that wants to do our job. It gets down to the Signal soldier, him or herself. It is the heart of that soldier that allows us to ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 07/23/2020.jpg)
In July, over 80 government and industry members participated in the AFCEA International Aberdeen Chapter Annual Golf Tournament at Wetlands Golf Course in Aberdeen Maryland. The Golf Tournament, the chapter's only annual fundraiser, supports their successful education program supporting teachers and students from elementary school through college.Nearly $14,000 was raised benefiting the chapter's local scholarship program thanks to the generosity of local sponsors. The chapter incorporated social distance safety measures, a mask sponsorship, hand sanitizer and other safety precautions to ensure a safe, socially distanced tee time. Attendees showed up eager to get out, play golf and network again post quarantine. Many attendees provided feedback to the AFCEA staff that they are looking forward to more events and networking opportunities after many events were canceled by other organizations in the community. Based on feedback from 2020 local scholarship and grant recipi ... READ MORE |
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/13/2019.JPG)
For the November luncheon, the chapter hosted a special panel for the program executive officer (PEO) Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical (C3T) Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and Integrated Tactical Network (ITN). The SFAB/ITN panel was composed of Nick Saacks, chief, Readiness Management Division; Capt. Jonathan Dodge, USA, project manager, Tactical Radios/product manager, Helicopter and Multimission Radios; and Derick Furtado, project manager, Tactical Network/product manager, Satellite Communications. This panel provided an open-forum discussion on the SFAB fielding, an experimental practice of ITN. SFAB units are deployed to train, assist and accompany operations with allied and partner nations, and they often deploy new systems and technology to aid in this mission. The SFAB is working to implement a DevOps model, injecting live feedback from the deployed unit into the vendor development process to involve the user in continuous improvement. The panel also d ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 10/30/2019.JPG)
In October, the chapter was joined by John Willison, deputy to the commanding general (DtCG) for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), formerly known as the Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM). As the DtCG, Willison provides strategic direction for CCDC, serving as a catalyst for research, development, and engineering initiatives across the command. Willison discussed the biggest focus of CCDC right now: the Army Modernization Strategy. At the Association for the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference in 2017, the chief of staff of the Army announced the creation of the six modernization priorities, which served as the backbone for creation of the new four-star command Army Futures Command (AFC). With the creation of AFC came the set up of the Cross-Functional Teams to help engage with Industry on the fulfillment of these new priorities. Willison reinforced the idea of unity of command and effort, as well as multidomain operations, all major goals of ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 09/26/2019
The chapter held the first luncheon of its Fall 2019 program in September at the beautiful Water's Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland. Mark Kitz, deputy program executive officer (PEO) for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S) discussed how IEW&S interlinks with the newly formed Army Futures Command (AFC). IEW&S aligns with and supports the cross-functional teams of the AFC and relies on the importance of Industry partnerships to accomplish priorities. Brig. Gen. Robert Collins, PEO of IEW&S, has fostered many open-door meetings with industry, holding more than 80 individual sessions since taking office in May 2019. IEW&S is relying on industry to provide innovative technology solutions to meet their complex needs, including the Army network modernization program, dynamic data environments, and offensive cyber capabilities. Kitz assured the crowd that IEW&S is seeking adaptive approaches to reduce procurement times for important programs. He also stressed the des ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 05/21/2019.JPG)
At the Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner in May, the chapter was proud to commit more than $89,000 in scholarships and grants to STEM students and educators from the local area. These funds are pledged to benefit both high school and community college transfers who are pursuing a four-year degree in a STEM field, as well as local educators and schools that are inspiring the next generation of leaders in STEM professions. Awards included the presentation of the first Cyber Defense Full Scholarship, a partnership with Harford Community College, Bel Air, Maryland; two Science Teacher Toolkit Awards; five STEM Awards for local teachers; two scholarships for community college transfer students; and six high school scholarships for graduating seniors. The guest speaker for the event was Kerry Anne Kedzierski, a physics teacher at North East High School, North East, Maryland, and a two-time grant recipient of chapter STEM grants, who spoke to the benefit of receiving these funds to purchase ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 04/17/2019
At the April luncheon, Wayne Schoonveld, chief, Systems Engineering, Architecture, Modeling and Simulation Division of the Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate, outlined the plan for integrated communications modernization efforts under the new Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground. This presentation involved an in-depth discussion on the Network 2028 Modernization plan, the Army's long-term strategy to implement an expeditionary, mobile, hardened and intuitive multidomain network by fiscal year 2028. In support of these modernization priorities, Space and Terrestrial (S&T) is investing in both transport and defensive cyber capabilities. The C5ISR Center is also conducting several integrated experimentation efforts, such as Cyber Blitz and the Network Modernization Experiment (NETMODX). Cyber Blitz will explore technical, i ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 03/06/2019
The chapter held the Fourth Annual C4ISR Cyber Panel in March at the Water's Edge Events Center in Belcamp, Maryland. This highly anticipated event featured an interactive discussion with renowned members of the newly formed Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR), including Panel Chair Portia Crowe, chief of cyber engineering, Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T); Col. Fred Dixon, USA, chief of the strategy and policy division, Headquarters Department of the Army G-3/5/7; Col. Gary Brock, USA, chief of the future Defensive Cyberspace Operations Branch; Bill Taylor, chief, Cyber Offensive Operations Division, U.S. Army Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate; and Scott Christensen, information assurance manager, Cyber Security Information Assurance, Space and Terrestrial Directorate, C5ISR Center. Each panelist offered a brief presentation on ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 02/07/2019
In February, the chapter's Young AFCEANs (YACs) held their fourth annual Mentor Protégé and Networking Night at Top of the Bay, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), Maryland. This highly anticipated annual event is the most high-profile function organized by the chapter's YACs. Each year, a new crowd of eager young professionals attend this event in search of top-notch professional advice from leaders in government, military and industry. During the event, attendees are treated to a Q&A Panel with senior leadership from the APG area. Following this panel and a brief networking session, YACs are then split into small groups to take part in a rotating "speed mentoring" session, which allows them the opportunity to connect with the mentors on a more personal level. This year's event drew a crowd of more than 120, including a multitude of new faces and potential members, and featured a record number of female leaders on both the senior leadership Q&A panel and the speed mentoring session. Th ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/31/2019
In January, the chapter hosted a brand-new government forum event, designed to give its members a glimpse at the direction and future vision for Army networks. The chapter was joined by special guest speakers Maj. Gen. David Bassett, USA, program executive officer (PEO) for Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical (C3T), and Maj. Gen. Peter Gallagher, USA, director of the Network Cross-Functional Team (CFT) under the newly established Army Futures Command (AFC). Together, Gen. Bassett and Gen. Gallagher took the stage to present a simplified version of the capability sets needed to create the Integrated Tactical Network of 2028, with a vision of multidomain dominance. Each of these capability sets is tied to a specific fiscal year for deployment, and they are being rolled out in two-year iterations. Capability Set 21, or CapSet21, is the first of these rollouts and focuses on "expeditionary and intuitive" applications and network devices; smaller, lighter, and faster communicat ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 01/17/2019
In January, the chapter's Young AFCEANs (YACs) held the latest event in their Leadership Breakfast Series at The GroundFloor collaboration space in Havre de Grace, MD. Sponsored by OMNI Technologies, this event featured special guest speaker Lindsay Jones (formerly Lindsay Yowell), deputy project manager (DPM) for the Distributed Common Ground Systems - Army (DCGS-A). During her presentation, Jones detailed her personal career progression, discussing how she worked her way up the civilian ranks from mechanical engineer to multiple leadership roles, including chief of the Soldier Systems Division and the test and quality division chief for Project Manager DCGS-A. She stepped into the DPM role in July 2015. Throughout her presentation, Jones emphasized four key areas of importance on which she believes all young professionals should focus: continuous learning, taking risks/moving outside of one's comfort zone, networking and finding a mentor. Overall, this event drew about 30 attendee ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 12/18/2018
The chapter's Young AFCEANs (YACs) have partnered with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Junior Advisory Council (JAC) to present a series of Lunch and Learn, aimed at bringing together young professionals from industry and government for collaborative professional development events. The first event in this series, held in December 2018, featured special guest speaker Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, USAF (Ret.), who currently serves as an advisor in the Strategic Initiatives Division within the U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM). Gen. Walsh provided the captivated audience with a brief history of U.S. CYBERCOM and his involvement within the organization. CYBERCOM's number one job is ensuring protection of the Department of Defense Information Network. To accomplish this mission, the organization works closely with the Nation's 17 critical infrastructure industries (which have lately come to include elections) and partner nations throughout the world. Gen. Walsh stated that ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 11/28/2018
In November, chapter members received a glimpse into the future of Army data and communications courtesy of Alan Hansen, chief technology officer of the Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD). Hansen presented several key insights on the next generation Unified Data Ecosystem (UDE), a burgeoning "data-intensive analytic architecture that will converge the Army's intelligence and operations data enterprise." Historically, silos were created within the organization by legacy equipment and tailored mission applications, which led to a lack of collaboration between Army divisions. This also led to barriers in understanding and fully exploiting collected data. With the implementation of the UDE, the Army hopes to remove these silos and provide ubiquitous access to all data, to better benefit the warfighter. The UDE will work off of a "converged, extensible, modular, scalable, secure database that operates in real-time, encompasses all data types and traverses numerous tr ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 10/17/2018
The chapter held its October luncheon at the beautiful Top of the Bay venue, located on the water at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD. Kenyata Wesley, director of the Army Contracting Command (ACC) at APG, delivered the guest speaker presentation. Wesley emphasized his desire for increased documented communication between ACC and the contractor community. To help make this a reality, he has implemented quarterly Industry Days, giving members of industry the chance to meet with ACC officials to ask questions and discuss their challenges. These Industry Days are also supplemented by Industry Forecasts, a detailed look at the ACC opportunity pipeline, released every 30 days on the Federal Business Opportunities website, to offer complete transparency between ACC and industry. APG's reliance on the contracting community continues to grow with each passing year. Last fiscal year, ACC issued 30,000 contracting actions, modifications and new work, totaling $14 billion in obligations. Alth ... READ MORE
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ABERDEEN CHAPTER - 09/12/2018
Patrick O'Neill, director of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC), spoke at the chapter's September luncheon about the organization's priorities. He emphasized both the importance of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities to enable and protect warfighters and the vital role industry can play in sustaining and supporting in-theater equipment. O'Neill also presented information on the newly formed U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), the fourth major Army command (ACOM). The ACOM, established in July, will include three subdivisions: Futures and Concepts, Combat Development, and Combat Systems. It also will focus on the Army's six modernization priorities, including long-range precision fires; next-generation combat vehicles; future vertical lift; network and command, control, communications and intelligence (C3I); air and missile defense; and soldier lethalit ... READ MORE
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