Search AFCEA Site
 |
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 06/17/2025
In June, Mike Sanjume, Deputy Program Executive Office, Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications and Space Intelligence, U.S. Space Force, discussed his evolving portfolio as the Space Force implements Mission and System Deltas.
|
 |
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/27/2025
In May, the chapter hosted Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence, USA, president and CEO of AFCEA International, at a luncheon and Top Golf Emerging Leader event. The visit highlighted chapter activities and accomplishments, as well as many introductions to local chapter members. More than 30 emerging leaders from local government and industry attended the Top Golf event, with several expressing an interest in joining the chapter.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/26/2025
Col. Robert Davis, USAF, program executive officer, Space Systems Command, presented the Space Sensing Portfolio to the chapter during its May event.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 04/22/2025
Col. Elisabeth White, USSF, military deputy for international affairs, U.S. Space Systems Command, presented "Allied by Design" at the April luncheon.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 03/18/2025
Col. Erik Stockham, director of the Space Warfighting Acquisition Delta, Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, Space Systems Command, presented to the Los Angeles Chapter in March.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 02/11/2025
Col. Heather Bogstie, deputy director of the Space Systems Integration Office, Space Systems Command, presented at the February Luncheon.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 12/16/2024
The chapter's board of directors visited the USC Institute for Creative Technologies. The board was split into two groups for the tour of the Department of Defense university-affiliated research center. One of the groups visited the lab where engineers create human avatars.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/23/2024
The chapter organized the Space Industry Days in October with over 1,000 people participating. The event was held at the Los Angeles Marriott.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/13/2024
In July, the chapter held a Cycling for STEM event starting in Redondo Beach, California. The 62-mile metric century route traveled along the beach with four rest stops.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/07/2024
In 2024, the chapter provided three scholarships to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students at El Camino College in Torrance, California. The chapter originally worked with the El Camino College Foundation to establish an endowed scholarship that provides permanent, sustainable funding for current and future students at this Southern California community college. More than 10 years ago, the chapter invested $25,000 to fund an annual $1,000 scholarship award named for the chapter. In recent years, the chapter has also funded two additional STEM scholarships per year to help additional deserving students achieve their goals of earning technical degrees.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/29/2024_Susan_Lawrence,_President_and_CEO_of_AFCEA_International.jpg)
In May, Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence, USA (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA International, visited with members of the chapter to discuss events and operations over lunch.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/21/2024
In May, Col. Corey Klopstein, USSF, program executive officer for Operational Test & Training Infrastructure, Space Systems Command, briefed the chapter lunch participants.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 04/16/2024
Col. Richard Kniseley, USSF, Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office, presented to the chapter at the April monthly luncheon. Jennifer Krolikowski, chapter vice president of finance, introduced Col. Kniseley.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 12/14/2023
The chapter's board of directors and guests visited the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in December 2023. The board was greeted by Lt. Gen. Larry James, USAF (Ret.), deputy director of JPL. The tour included the NASA Control Room, a replica of the Mars rover (with helicopter) and the build of the Europa Clipper, which will launch soon to visit Jupiter's moon, Europa.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 11/14/2023
In November, Barbara Baker, deputy program executive officer, Military Communications & Position, Navigation and Timing, Space Systems Command, presented to the chapter.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/18/2023
The chapter co-hosted the 2023 Space Systems Command Industry Days in October.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 09/19/2023
In September, the chapter presented scholarships to local ROTC cadets and midshipmen and active-duty military members from Space Systems Command (SSC), headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Before presenting the checks, Joy M. White, a member of the Senior Executive Service and the executive director for the SSC, advised the audience on the growing importance of technical education for professionals in the military.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/22/2023
The chapter hosted the 4th Annual Cycling Event To Benefit STEM Education in July. The 40-mile route started in Redondo Beach and traveled to Temescal Canyon in Pacific Palisades, California. A rest stop was stationed in Marina del Rey at the half way point. The ride included a custom event jersey, SAG (Support and Gear) and two rest stops. Riders traveled along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail for most of the route, with scenic views of the beach communities. This annual event was a success thanks to our volunteers, 14 corporate sponsors and participants.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/23/2023
Col. (S) Edward E. Jones, USAF, is the materiel leader for Space Command and Control (C2) Space Domain Awareness and Theater Support. Col. Jones builds and integrates C2 software capabilities for U.S. Space Force Deltas 2, 5 and 15 as part of Space Systems Command's Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3) Office.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 01/24/2023
Col. Heather Bogstie, USSF, senior materiel leader for the Resilient Missile Warning, Tracking and Defense Acquisition Delta, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, presented at the January Luncheon.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 12/01/2022
The chapter's board of directors toured the SoFi Stadium in December. The stadium has over 70,000 seats and is a major sports and entertainment center. SoFi is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers football teams. The AFCEA group visited the Rams locker room, toured the broadcast facilities and walked the field where they had a chance to pass and kick footballs.SoFi Stadium will host the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 9, 2023, and will play a major role in the World Cup in 2026. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/19/2022
The Space Industry Days were held at the Los Angeles Marriott October 19-20. The theme was "Responsive to the Threat-Accelerating Resilient Space Capabilities."
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/16/2022
The chapter sponsored the Cycling for STEM event in July. Members of the Space Systems Command and contractors participated in this annual event, which raised funds for the chapter's Education Fund. Scholarships from this fund are presented at the chapter's annual AFCEA Awards Luncheon. The ride was 34 miles in length along the Los Angeles beach communities into Culver City. Two rest stops were located along the route. Planning is underway for the 2023 event.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/22/2022
In May, Col. Scott Beidleman, USAF (Ret), past chapter president, presented a scholarship certificate to Maci Spencer, daughter of Space Force Col. Matt Spencer and Tracey Spencer, at a ceremony supporting the Los Angeles Military Charitable Fund. The chapter donated $5,000 to the charity organization supporting scholarships for children of military and government employees.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/20/2021
The chapter held Space Industry Days October 20-21. Presentations were provided by Gen. John Hyten, USAF, Joint Chiefs of Staff (virtual); Brig. Gen. Jason Cothern, USAF, deputy, Space Systems Command; and Brig. Gen. (S) Timothy Sejba, USAF, program executive officer, Space Enterprise, and director, Enterprise Corps.Approximately 500 registered for this annual AFCEA event. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/17/2021
The chapter held their Second Annual Cycling for STEM Education event in July. The 32-mile ride to benefit AFCEA's STEM education program was made possible by over 50 cyclists and support staff and sponsors from the Aerospace community. The route was along the beach in Los Angeles before turning inland.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/20/2021
In May, Col. Brian J. Gamble, U.S. Space Force, senior materiel leader for the Multi-Domain Awareness Division in the Capability Integration Directorate of the Space and Missile Center's Portfolio Architect Office, Los Angeles, California, was the guest speaker for the chapter's virtual event. Col. Gamble is responsible for mission area integration and weapon system architecting in the remote sensing capability areas of missile warning and tracking, environmental monitoring and tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. He is also responsible for leading space acquisition integration into the Advanced Battle Management System. Prior to his current assignment, he was the Weapons Division chief in the Global Power Programs Directorate, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. He was responsible for the acquisition planning, programming, budgeting and execution of A ... READ MORE |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 12/10/2020
Col. Peter J. Flores, USAF, presented at the December online meeting. Col. Flores is the commander for Space Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional), STAR Delta (P), Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. STAR Delta (P) prepares U.S. Space Force (USSF) forces to prevail in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment through the education and training of space professionals across core and common specialty codes; development of space warfighting doctrine and tactics, techniques and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/21/2020
Col. Scott Beidleman, USAF (Ret.), chapter president, led the Space and Missile Systems Center Online Space Industry Days held in October. Presentations were provided by Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, USAF, chief of space operations, United States Space Force; Lt. Gen. John F. Thompson, commander, Space and Missile Systems Center; Will Roper, keynote speaker and assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and Derek Tournear of the Space Development Agency.Over 1,000 participants registered for this annual AFCEA event. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 08/26/2020
At the August chapter event, Col. Robert Bongiovi, USAF, director of Launch Enterprise at the Space and Missile Systems Center in El Segundo, California, provided an overview of recent successes and future plans for launches.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 01/16/2020
Col. Wallace "Rhet" Turnbull, USAF, director of the Cross Mission Ground and Communications Enterprise at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles, briefed attendees on the plans and objectives of the organization.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 11/14/2019
The chapter held a luncheon panel in November with Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) leadership to discuss the opportunities and challenges of acquiring the future space enterprise. Panel members included Col.Tom Rock, USAF, senior materiel leader for the Range and Network Division, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base; Col. Dennis Byethewood, USAF, program executive officer for space development, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base; and Col. Steven Purdy, USAF, director, special programs. The panel moderator was Col. Jeff Stutz, USAF (Ret).
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/16/2019
The chapter hosted the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Space Industry Days 2019 in October. During his opening remarks, Col. Scott Beidleman, USAF (Ret.), chapter president, introduced Lt. Gen. John F. Thompson, USAF, commander of SMC. Other speakers for the two-day event included Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, USAF, vice chief of staff; Maj. Gen. Nina M. Armagno, USAF, director, Space Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Washington, D.C.; and Michael Dickey, director, Enterprise Strategy and Architectures Office and the Air Force Space Command chief architect at Air Force Space Command Headquarters, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The Los Angeles Space Industry Days event was organized by Lane Gilchrist.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 09/19/2019
Lt. Gen. John Thompson, USAF, commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California; Scott Beidleman, chapter president; and Steve Staso, chapter vice president of scholarships, presented ROTC cadets with awards at the September 2019 lunch/meeting.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/31/2019
For his outstanding contributions and overall dedication to the association and the chapter, AFCEA is proud to name Nick Farinacci AFCEAN of the Month. Nick Farinacci is a business development account manager for TEKsystems, overseeing their federal business portfolio in the Los Angeles market. Farinacci has made notable contributions to the chapter, where he has served as the vice president for operations over the past year. Additionally, he has worked to solidify excellent working relations between the chapter and multiple organizations across the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and the 61st Air Base Group host unit utilizing his extensive program management experience and longtime personal relationships. Since 2015, Farinacci has been an active member of the chapter, handling responsibilities as the regional industry Young AFCEAN as well as the vice president of operations. He actively worked on the planning and "day-of" coordinating for three major conferences ... READ MORE
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/18/2019
At the July luncheon, Steve Pluntze, executive director and civilian deputy director, Remote Sensing Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles, was the guest speaker.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 06/20/2019
In June, Dan Mathews, program support and business development, ENSCO, was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his work as chapter vice president of publicity. Dan has published articles, photographs of speakers/presenters/panelists of all chapter functions. He has represented the chapter at scholarship award ceremonies for high school and community college events and organized the inaugural Cycling for STEM function, bringing in corporate sponsors and government/contractor personnel to participate in cycling to raise funds for scholarship awards. He also helped organize the GPS Partnership Council with over 200 government and industry participants.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 06/20/2019
In June, Lane Gilchrist, Alpha Omega Group, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), was awarded the Medal of Merit for his service as chapter vice president of finance. Gilchrist provides budget reports, insures compliance with state and federal laws to maintain the chapter's nonprofit status and provides an annual budget summary and initial STEM grant/scholarship budget proposal. Gilchrist led budget development and planning for the 2018 and 2019 GPS Partnership Council and the SMC Industry Days with over 600 participants.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/02/2019
In May, the chapter sponsored the annual GPS Partnership Council. Members of government and industry gathered to discuss the issues surrounding Global Positioning System (GPS) and Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) with three panels: Epic Speed of PNT; Overcoming Challenges to GPS Integration; and Issues Facing the Warfighter. Guest speakers included Brig. Gen. Steve Whitney, USAF, director, Global Positioning Systems Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base; Doug Loverro, former deputy assistant secretary of defense; and Lt. Gen. Larry James, USAF, deputy director, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Panel members discussed the many successes of GPS and the path forward, while the warfighter panelists reviewed their PNT challenges in the field. The warfighter panel consisted of Air Force, Army and Navy personnel, who each brought unique experiences to the discussion. Plans are underway for the 2020 GPS Partnership Council.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 02/16/2019
In February, the chapter sponsored the Inaugural Cycling for STEM ride. At the check-in table, the chapter representatives distributed information on STEM education and scholarships that will be funded with the proceeds from this cycling event. Cyclists from the Space Industry rode north from Redondo Beach up through Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades toward Will Rogers State Beach. Most of the riders completed the 40-mile round trip wearing the Cycling for STEM jersey designed specifically for the ride. Members of the chapter and their families provided services including check-in, registration and staffing of three support stations with water, snacks, support, gear and enthusiasm. The ride was a great success thanks to our sponsors, local and out of town riders, volunteers and beautiful weather. The chapter has begun planning the 2020 Cycling for STEM.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 01/17/2019
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 11/15/2018
During the chapter's November luncheon, Col. Scott Beidleman, USAF (Ret.), received the AFCEA Meritorious Service Medal for his work with the chapter. The award was presented by Doug Holker, regional vice president, Western Region. Col. Beidleman serves as executive director of Space and Launch Systems at Millennium Engineering and Integration.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 10/17/2018
In October, the chapter led the management of the Space Industry Days along with the Schriever Chapter of the Air Force Association, the National Defense and Industry Association of the greater Los Angeles Chapter and the Southern California Aerospace Professional Representatives. The Space and Missile Center (SMC) directorates presented their near and mid-term space program plans, possibilities, and interests, and asked industry to share their challenges, opportunities and perspectives. The theme for this year's conference was "Reimagining Western Development Division" reflecting on the historical name of what became SMC. This theme was selected to recognize that space assets are operating in a contested environment, and much like the threat in 1954, SMC must now reimagine and develop systems to meet today's requirements given the rapidly evolving threats in space. Approximately 500 personnel from the Air Force, government and industry participated in the conference.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 09/20/2018
Brig. Gen. Philip Garrant, USAF, vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, recognized three master's degree recipients at a September awards luncheon. The general awarded chapter scholarships to 2nd Lt. Alejandra Mejia, USAF, and Gloria Dees. Recipient 2nd Lt. Marcy Gouri, USAF, was not present. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 09/20/2018
Brig. Gen. Philip Garrant, USAF, vice commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, presented checks to cadets and midshipmen from local ROTC units at the chapter's September scholarship luncheon. Midshipman David Sniffin, Cadet Joe Nguyen, Cadet Gabriel Feingold, Cadet Kristen Peet and Cadet Adam Ha received scholarships from the chapter.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 08/16/2018
Col. Jim Reynolds, USAF, senior materiel leader of the Advanced Systems Division, Space Superiority Systems Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Los Angeles, presented an update in August on the reorganization of SMC acquisition offices. The colonel leads a team of government and industry acquisition, engineering, operations, intelligence and security specialists executing a multibillion-dollar budget. The division plans, develops, tests, deploys and sustains several presidential-priority classified capabilities that provide the nation with critical warfighting advantages and enable space superiority. Chapter leaders Bill Page, president; Scott Beidleman, vice president, programs; Nick Farinacci, vice president, operations; and Mike Plantenga, secretary, attended the colonel's presentation. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 08/14/2018
Doug Loverro, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy and former executive director of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) in Los Angeles, met with Young AFCEANs in August to discuss professional development. Attendees included Kishore Radhakrishnan and Beth Deal of Deloitte; Chris Nie and Steve Scott of Lockheed Martin; Adam Feingold of Engility; James Tan and Shelly Merica-Jones, the Aerospace Corp.; Lt. Alex Berry, USAF, and Capt. Joey Aguilo, USAF, both of the SMC.
|
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 07/19/2018
The July chapter meeting featured a speaker and an awards presentation. The speaker was Deanna Ryals, chief of the International Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Division within the MILSATCOM Systems Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base. Recent AFCEA International chapter awards also were presented to members. AFCEA Regional Vice President Douglas Holker presented Chapter President Bill Page the Medal of Merit and Past President Adam Feingold the Leadership Award. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 05/03/2018
The chapter sponsored the two-day GPS Partnership Council in May. Col. Steve Whitney, USAF, director of the Global Positioning Systems Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, spoke at lunch on the first day. This was followed by a presentation from Harold W. Martin II, director of the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), and a panel on the future of GPS. An industry panel on the second day addressed the challenges of GPS systems integration. A mixer also honored GPS Hall of Fame inductees and their family members. |
|
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER - 04/19/2018
Tom Fitzgerald, director of engineering at the Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, spoke at the chapter's April lunch meeting. Chapter officials attending the meeting were Bill Page, president, Lane Gilchrist, vice president, finance, and Michael Plantenga, chapter secretary. |
|
