Search AFCEA Site
 |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 08/15/2024
The chapter is a key collaborator in Pikes Peak regional STEM programs and activities, enriching student education and providing needed resources. This year, the chapter awarded 71 grants totaling more than $183,000 to 65 local schools.Established in 1946, the chapter's budget has grown from $50,000 to nearly $500,000 over the past decade. This means that Colorado Springs students receive free or low-cost drone kits for VEX robotics competitions, 3D printers to design and create, calculators for scientific computation, microscopes to use in chemistry and biomedical science, computers to run coding programs, rocket kits to build and launch, and telescopes for stargazing. Without access to these resources, some students might not be familiar with the range of future benefits if they decide to pursue STEM careers. Grants for teachers help educators learn STEM skills and knowledge they pass on to students in the classroom and after-school clubs. 'Our goal is ... READ MORE |
 |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/04/2023
The chapter thanks everyone for participating in this year's Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium. With more than 3,300 attendees, 153 exhibits, 33 sponsors and 24 speakers, this event couldn't happen without the volunteers, including 10 volunteer committee members. Funds raised during this symposium help the chapter give over $500,000 to the local community in STEM scholarships and teachers grants, as well as donations to other STEM-related programs. The AFCEA Pikes Peak Robotics Classic 2023 Signature Event occurred at the same time with 40 teams from around the country and Canada.
|
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/21/2022 The chapter thanks everyone for participating in this year's Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium. Held at the majestic Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the symposium hosted over 2,500 attendees, 141 exhibits, 38 sponsors and 24 speakers. This event couldn't happen without volunteers, to include 10 volunteer committee members. Funds raised during this symposium help the chapter give over $300,000 to the local community in STEM scholarships and teacher grants, as well as donations to other STEM-related activities. |
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 03/03/2021 The chapter hosted its annual Cyberspace Symposium in early March, delivering a virtual event from the Broadmoor Hotel under the shadow of the historic Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. This year we had over 1,300 registrants representing active-duty military, government civilians, academia and industry experts, along with 58 speakers, 57 exhibitors and 46 sponsors. Every year, the Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium (RMCS) brings together the U.S. Defense Department, industry and academia to participate in this national forum to discuss the challenges of cybersecurity, community cyber readiness and digital transformation. This year the theme was "The Power of Convergence," with discussions led by senior leaders such as Lt. Gen. Chris "Wedge" Weggeman, USAF, deputy commander, Air Combat Command; Lauren Knausenberger, Air Force chief information officer; Lt. Gen. John Thompson, USAF, commander, Space and Missile Systems Center; Lt. Gen. Stephen Whit ... READ MORE |
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 03/03/2021 Vanessa Johnson, chapter president, and Russ Fellers, vice president of education, were featured on KOAA NBC News 5 as they presented a check for $20,000 to the Scripps-Howard Foundation. The donation will go toward the foundation's If You Give a Child a Book Campaign to provide 10 books to every student in two Title 1 schools. The goal is to promote literacy and libraries in Southern Colorado. The chapter plans to support this gift every year so that students receive another 10 books to match their reading level as they progress in age and grade. The chapter is very active in providing scholarships, grants, and donations to expose students of all ages to STEM education opportunities. The chapter donates between $250,000 to $300,000 every year to schools such as the University of Colorado and Pikes Peak Community College, as well as local high schools, students and teachers. The chapter's primary source of funds is its annual Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium (RMCS) held ea ... READ MORE |
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 11/19/2020
During the pandemic, the chapter transitioned its monthly lunches to virtual events, donated $15,000 in support of local food banks and first responders, and continued its education donations to STEM programs throughout the community.In September, Brig. Gen. Chad Raduege, USAF, director of Cyberspace and Information Dominance, Air Combat Command, spoke about priorities for enterprise-level cyberspace capabilities not only during the pandemic but looking forward to deliver effects to the Advanced Battle Management System. Col. Roy "Rocky" Rockwell, U.S. Space Force, commander of Delta 6 at Schriever Garrison, joined the chapter in October to discuss his priorities as he coordinates key U.S. Space Force resources during the transition to the new military service. And in November, Lt. Col. Raymond Brushier, USAF, commander, 62nd Cyberspace Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, discussed how they are executing Mission Defense Teams to protect space assets across the ... READ MORE |
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/05/2020 The chapter has approved community donations in the amount of $15,000 to support food pantries, food kitchens, first responders and others in need. So far the chapter has given $1,000 to each of the following organizations: Springs Rescue Mission Salvation Army Care and Share Project Cope Westside Cares Marian House ACTS Ministries The chapter is also working to identify others in need. |
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/03/2020
The chapter hosted its annual Cyberspace Symposium in early February at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This year's event had over 2,000 attendees representing active duty military, government civilians, academia and industry experts, along with 129 exhibitors and 25 sponsors. Every year, the chapter brings together U.S. Defense Department, industry and academia to participate in this national forum to discuss the challenges of cybersecurity, community cyber readiness and digital transformation. This year's focus was "The Future of Cyber-Cyber 2030," with a discussion led by senior leaders such as Lt. Gen. Chris "Wedge" Weggeman, USAF, deputy commander, Air Combat Command; William Marion, deputy chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C.; Brig. Gen. Chad Raduege, USAF, director of Cyberspace and Information Dominance and chief information officer, ACC; and Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, USAF, commander, 16th Air Force. ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/05/2019
Once again, the chapter thanks all the Defense Department and industry partners for another record year. The generous support shown for this year's show enables the chapter to contribute over $200,000 to local STEM education programs and scholarships-more than twice that of last year's donations. The chapter donates 100 percent of the net profits from this symposium to the local STEM fund. To date, over $1 million in grants and scholarships has been donated, much of it due to the outstanding support from sponsors, exhibitors and other donations. Here are some amazing statistics and highlights from this year's show: Over 2,300 attendees; 129 companies/organizations exhibiting; 33 Speakers (10 Flag/SVP) from industry and Defense Department; 10 technical training classes providing certification credits; exposure to over 65,000 government, industry and academic entities through the advertising campaign. Once again, thank you for helping make 2019 a great success, and the chapter hopes t ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 12/07/2018
In December, Russ Fellers, chapter vice president for education, and Rod Pohlmann, chair, chapter investment committee, presented a check for $50,000 to University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) Vice Chancellor Martin Wood and Assistant Director for Development Zuleika Johnson. The check, and a newly signed agreement, will support a new partnership with UCCS to establish scholarships focused on STEM-related majors for 2019 and subsequent years. The goal is to maintain and grow the partnership in the years ahead and focus the chapter's endowment funds on supporting students in the local community. |
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 11/30/2017
The chapter held its November luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. Guest speaker Maj. Gen. Robert Skinner, USAF, deputy commander, Air Force Space Command, drew a large turnout. His briefing touched on a number of high-interest items, including the dynamic space environment, enterprise information technology as a service, 24th and 25th Air Force, and force development of the 17D career field.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/27/2017
The chapter held its monthly luncheon in April at the Air Force Academy Falcon Club. The highlight of the luncheon was a presentation and demonstration provided by Team 662 Rocky Mountain Robotics. The team is made up of students from six different high schools in Colorado Springs District 20 and is filled with creative and motivated life-long learners. The students explained how they are organized like a real business to design, engineer, manufacture and operate robots that solve stated game objectives over a six week period. They then demonstrated one of their creations for the audience. Team 662 says they build people who build robots while encouraging students to reach as high as they can dream. These remarkable young people clearly showed that they are fulfilling that goal. The future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the Rocky Mountain Region is bright.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/28/2017
The chapter supported February's Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair with awards totaling $5,000 for students and teachers. It remains the largest donor of monetary awards among other professional organizations, large corporations and government agencies for this important annual event.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/06/2017
The chapter donated $12,500 to the Wounded Airmen Program of the Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA) at a February Casino Night benefit at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event was held on the first night of the chapter's Cyberspace Symposium. Col. Bob Wright, USAF (Ret.), chapter president, presented a check to F. Whitten Peters, AFA chairman of the board and former secretary of the Air Force.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 11/16/2016
The chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club in November. Col. Gary Cornn, USAF, commander, 721st Mission Support Group, provided an excellent briefing on the missions, facilities and recent upgrades completed at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 10/20/2016
The chapter held its October luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. The luncheon was the first to be held after the chapter's summer break and the turnout was excellent. David Blanks, Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) liaison to Air Force Space Command and the Air Force Tactical Applications of National Capabilities (TENCAP) provided an excellent briefing on AFRL's organization, future plans and priorities.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 03/15/2016
The chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Fort Carson Elkhorn Club in March. The luncheon is the first to be held at Fort Carson in several years and the turnout was excellent. The chapter plans to continue holding luncheons at various locations throughout the Denver and Colorado Springs area to maximize participation from members across the region. Lt. Col. Rob Castillo, USA, chief of plans,106th Signal Brigade provided an excellent briefing on the Brigade's plans and successes in moving the Army toward the Joint Information Environment (JIE) with Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Joint Regional Security Stack (JRSS) capabilities.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/28/2016
Chapter board members joined hundreds of community and military leaders, astronauts and supporters at the Reaching for Tomorrow dinner to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger tragedy on January 28, 2016. RMC supported the event as a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sponsor with proceeds benefiting educational programs and space-based mission simulations at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado Springs. Astronaut Lt. Gen. Susan Helms (Ret.), was the keynote speaker. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the American flag carried on board the final Challenger mission. The flag was recovered, intact, from the bottom of the ocean and returned to Boy Scout Troop 514 of Monument, Colorado by astronaut Guy Bluford on December 18, 1986. Scoutmaster Michael Hite and Eagle Scout Seth Hudson presented the flag at the dinner. RMC President, Bob Wright said, "We are proud partners with the Challenger Learning Center in promotin ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 09/16/2015
In September, the chapter held its monthly luncheon on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The highlight of the luncheon was the opportunity to recognize 2nd Lt. Cristal Rodriguez, U.S. Army ROTC, with the AFCEA Educational Foundation 2015 Ralph W. Shrader Diversity Scholarship. This $3,000 scholarship is for the 2015-16 academic year and is awarded to full-time students pursuing a graduate degree and maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Chapter President Bob Wright also presented Gail Whalen with a check for $1,000 to help fund a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education experience at the Peterson Air Force Base Air and Space Museum. The guest speaker, Col. Donovan Routsis, USAF, deputy director, Integrated Air, Space, Cyberspace and ISR Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, gave an informative brief on the structure and missions of the White House Communications Agency (WHCA). Col. Routsis recently arrived in Colorado Springs aft ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/23/2015
The chapter held its monthly luncheon in April at the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Club. The highlight of the luncheon was a presentation and demonstration provided by Team 662, Rocky Mountain Robotics. The team is made up of 96 students from six different high schools in Colorado Springs District 20. These students were an inspiration to all who attended to see the impressive presentation. They explained how they organize like a real business to design, engineer, manufacture and operate robots that solve stated game objectives over a six-week period. This year's game was named Recycle Rush and required a robot to retrieve and stack several recycling bins. Members of Team 662 say they build people who build robots and encourage students to reach as high as they can dream. These young people clearly showed that they are fulfilling that goal.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/13/2015
In January, the chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. The guest speaker for the luncheon was Col. Aaron Smith, USAF, chief, Cyberspace Superiority (Headquarters Air Force Space Command/A-5I). Col. Smith described the new A-5/8, Directorate of Strategic Plans and Requirements organization and the efforts to normalize cyber weapon systems in terms of challenges, operational context, priorities and cyber requirements. The command is making good progress despite the dynamic nature of cyberspace threats and capabilities and lengthy coordination processes.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 12/11/2014
In December, the chapter held its annual holiday luncheon at the Antlers Hilton hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Approximately 50 people attended and enjoyed delicious food and fantastic fellowship. A lucky few walked out with gifts from $900 worth of door prizes, but the real winner was the Wounded Warrior Project. Attendees donated $325 to the charity organization, and the chapter matched it for a total gift of $650.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 10/30/2014
In October, the chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Peterson AFB Club. The highlight of the luncheon was a presentation by Brig. Gen. Kevin Wooton, USAF, director, communications and information, Headquarters Air Force Space Command. Gen Wooton described the Air Force's current and planned contributions to the Joint Information Environment (JIE). He bridged the JIE update into a strategic alignment to the Cyber Mission Forces (CMF) delivering service and national capabilities in that domain. He concluded with how JIE, CMF and intelligence components within Air Force Space Command are being united into a Directorate of Integrated Operations (A2/3/6). Additionally, Col. Michael Varner, USAF (Ret.), regional vice president, Great Plains–Rocky Mountain, announced that the Rocky Mountain Chapter had been named a Model Chapter of the Year for the fifth consecutive time. He also recognized outgoing Chapter President Col. Phil Platt, USAF (Ret.), for his contribution.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 03/20/2014
In March, the chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. The highlight of the luncheon was a presentation and demonstration provided by Team 662, Rocky Mountain Robotics. The team is made up of students from six different high schools in Colorado Springs District 20 and is filled with creative and motivated life-long learners. The students explained how they organize like a real business to design, engineer, manufacture and operate robots that solve stated game objectives over a six-week period. They then demonstrated one of their creations—the T-Rex. T-Rex is a remotely piloted robot capable of shooting a T-shirt more than 100 yards from its compressed air cannon. Team 662 says they build people who build robots while encouraging students to reach as high as they can dream. These remarkable young people clearly showed that they are fulfilling that goal. The future of STEM in the Rocky Mountain Region is bright!
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/16/2014
In January, the chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. Highlights of the luncheon included the presentation of the AFCEA Scholarship for Veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to Kendall Robinson in the amount of $2,500. After lunch, the guest speaker, Rear Adm. Thomas H. Hank Bond, USN, director, command and control systems and director of cyberspace operations (J6/J3D), North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, provided an informative presentation on the need for situational awareness and decision support systems to provide visual/perceptual cues in addition to traditional analytics. Adm. Bond laid out a compelling case that decision-making is improved when the visual/perceptual side of the brain is engaged along with the analytic/verbal side by drawing on research in neuroplasticity, cybernetics and Gestalt psychology.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 05/10/2013
In May, the chapter held its annual scholarship dinner at the Antler's Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs. This event honors winners of the chapter's local Science Fair, Scientific, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher grants, High School scholarships, Enlisted scholarships and STEM scholarships in the region. Col. Joyce Jenkins-Harden, USAF (Ret.), chapter executive vice president, served as master of ceremonies. After dinner, the guest speaker, Dr. Carol Bach, provided an inspirational discussion focused toward all the recipients on the significance of education and how science fairs play an important role in both education and life itself. Highlighting the evening, this year the chapter awarded $64,000 in scholarships to eight graduating high school seniors, $12,500 in scholarships to six enlisted personnel ($2,500 donated from the Lewis Foundation went to fund one), more than $30,000 in teacher grants to eleven high schools, and $2,400 to science fair winners a ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/17/2013
The chapter hosted a luncheon in January at the Peterson Air Force Base Officers Club featuring guest speaker Brig. Gen. Kevin B. Wooton, USAF, director, communications and information, Headquarters Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Col. Philip Platt, USAF (Ret.), chapter president, presided over the event. During his presentation, Gen. Wooten emphasized the challenges and the dichotomies the concept of the Joint Information Environment (JIE) migration presents to the lead command, AFSPC. He noted that in implementing the "jointness," he has concerns that the air component must retain the necessary tools to complete its mission. He next reminded the audience that we must smartly integrate the JIE under shrinking budgets, and we need to tackle what's hard now as there are repercussions to only implementing the easy fixes first. The general then indicated that his number one priority is the Air Force's migration of the Active Directory and Exchange. H ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 10/25/2012
In October, Col. Rod Pohlmann, USAF (Ret.), chapter vice president for education, served as the commentator for the chapter's October luncheon held at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. After welcoming the membership back from the summer break, he provided a few chapter announcements, introduced the head table and then lunch was served. William R. Marion II, chief technology officer, headquarters Air Force Space Command Communications and Information, treated the audience to a presentation. Marion's chief responsibilities are to provide senior technical guidance, architectures and strategic planning for the Air Force's space and cyber community. As such, he presented current concerns in these key areas that must be addressed in the near future. He emphasized that one of the major challenges involves migrating the Air Force's cyber community from a wired to a wired-wireless capability that still protects security concerns and takes advantage of the numerous technology advanced mobile ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 06/24/2012
In June, the chapter held its second annual summer networking event at Sky Sox Stadium in Colorado Springs. More than 100 chapter members and their families attended the event where they gathered to watch a Triple-A baseball game between the hometown Sky Sox and the Sacramento Rivercats. Col. Phil Platt, USAF, chapter president, threw one of the honorary opening pitches. Despite the hometown loss, all attendees experienced an enjoyable evening.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 05/18/2012
For the first time, the chapter hosted a dinner for all regional (Colorado) winners of science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) scholarships, local chapter scholarships, teacher grants and a science fair at the Colorado Springs Antlers Hotel in May. Col. Phillip Platt, USAF, chapter president, served as the master of ceremonies and welcomed guest speaker Brig. Gen. Ian R. Dickinson, USAF, director, communications and information, Headquarters, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). After dinner, Gen. Dickinson discussed the importance of education, congratulated the winners on their accomplishments and challenged them to remain vigilant in their pursuit of future academic endeavors. He then summarized several of AFSPC's ongoing technology activities stressing the importance that education played in their development and success. Following the speech, the general helped present awards. This year, the chapter awarded six science fair winners with checks for nearly $3,000, eight ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/27/2012
The chapter sponsored the third place award for the 2012 National Security Innovation Competition. The competition was held at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in April and was organized by the National Homeland Defense Foundation. Thirty-eight projects were entered this year. Northeastern University captured third place with their "Next Generation Millimeter-Wave Whole-Body Imaging for Concealed Threat Detection" project.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/30/2012
The chapter hosted an April luncheon featuring guest speaker Michael Winchester, deputy G-6 of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT), at the Peterson Air Force Base Officers Club. Col. Joyce Jenkins-Harden, USAF (Ret.), chapter vice president, presided over the event, which featured a plaque presentation to the chapter's newest AFCEA corporate sponsor provided to Kevin Mackey, vice president of federal sales of Epoch Concepts. This presentation was followed by several chapter business event updates and then lunch. Afterward, Winchester outlined his organization's recent accomplishments and future goals. He highlighted SMDC/ARSTRAT's three major tasks, which encompasses training missile defense forces, building future space and missile defense services, and researching/testing space and missile defense systems. Finally, he stressed the challenges ahead including integrate training requirements with the Army's future missions, the necess ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 03/22/2012
In March, the chapter hosted a luncheon featuring a Warrior Panel at the Peterson Air Force Base Officers Club. Col. Philip Platt, USAF, chapter president, announced that Col. Joyce Jenkins-Harden, USAF (Ret.), was a recipient of the AFCEA Meritorious Service Award and the chapter received this year's Harry Ingles Award in the large chapter category. Next, Col. Platt presented plaques to Steve Vasquez of GPS Networking Incorporated and Kelley McCready of Responsive Geospatial Systems LLC for becoming new AFCEA corporate members. He then introduced the Warrior Panel and its first speaker: Capt. Jason Ballard, USAF, who is assigned to Headquarters Air Force Space Command/A-6SM. He just returned this January after supporting communications functions at Guantanamo, Cuba. The audience then heard from Senior Master Sgt. Donald Lemke, USAF, 21st Communications Squadron, who describe base communications closure and transfer activities at Balad Air Base in Iraq. The third panel member was Ma ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/26/2012
The chapter's January luncheon featured Col. Michael Finn II, USAF, commander of the 50th Network Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Col. Finn provided a large number of attendees and guests with an informative briefing on the mission and details of the recent restructure of the communications arrangement (three squadrons) by which the Network Operations Group supports the warfighter and helps assure the mission accomplishment of the Air Force Satellite Control Network's 154 satellites as well as other agencies and space units at the base. Bill Galvan, chapter vice president for membership, announced that the chapter membership had increased significantly to 834. During this luncheon, Col. Phil Platt, USAF, chapter president, presented Ed Flanagan, chief executive officer, Manitou Motion Picture Company, with his new AFCEA corporate member certificate.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 11/17/2011.JPG)
Stephen Bach, mayor of Colorado Springs, addressed chapter attendees at the November luncheon held at the Club at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. At least once a year, the chapter, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), the Air Force Association and the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council have a combined luncheon. The chapter had the privilege of hosting this year's luncheon. Bach stressed the importance of the military, defense contractors and supporting professional organizations like AFCEA, NDIA and AFA to the Colorado Springs community. He then outlined the challenges facing the city of Colorado Springs and his plans for addressing these challenges. The mayor concluded his speech by emphasizing that Colorado Springs is a great place to live, and he intends to attract additional businesses and "working age" individuals to the area. Afterwards, Bach addressed several questions regarding activities impacting the local community.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 10/25/2011
The chapter held its opening luncheon in October at the Peterson Air Force Base Club with guest speaker Dr. J. Douglas Beason, chief scientist and technology adviser, Headquarters Air Force Space Command. Beason addressed more than 110 audience members on the challenges presently facing the command. He stressed the criticality of overcoming limitations in data rate, geographic access and multilevel security. He also mentioned the importance in improving situational awareness by eliminating jamming and getting a better understanding of both space and terrestrial environment effects and spectrum management considerations. He closed his presentation by emphasizing that the key to success relies on the nation's ability to master rapid reconstitution and reconfiguration of space and cyber systems. In addition, Col. Joyce Jenkins-Harden, USAF (Ret.), chapter vice president, recognized Jon Pennington, Air Force global account manager, Dell Incorporated, for his company's donation of laptop ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 06/01/2011
In June, the chapter held its final formal luncheon before breaking for summer at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs. The event recognized the combined chapter scholarship, grant and science fair winners for this past year. The total of all scholarships awarded this year more than doubled last year's total. Attendees were treated to viewing the displays of and having discussions with the science fair winners. Maj. Gen. Bentley R. Rayburn, USAF (Ret.), president, Colorado Technical University, served as the guest speaker for the event. He emphasized the importance of education and our nation's challenge to engage more students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 04/20/2011
Gen. James McCarthy, USAF (Ret.), director of the Institute for Information Technology Application (IITA) at the U.S. Air Force Academy, served as the guest speaker at the chapter's April luncheon. He explained the history of the IITA, which started as a result of an Air Force Science Advisory Board need assessment. IITA started with Gen. McCarthy and now has a $9 million budget and 24 cadets doing critical information technology research on aspects of shared flight planning in automated air operations centers and designing a 3-D wedge viewer for air drops and piloting unmanned aerial vehicles at the academy that fly complete intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cycles on an experimental basis. In addition, the GeoBase information technology program was created to locate all buildings and equipment on a base. The general's talk brought forth many questions and generated a long line of questioners after the luncheon. The chapter made a donation to the Wounded Warriors in rec ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 03/23/2011
In March, the chapter and the Rocky Mountain National Defense Industrial Association co-sponsored a military guest lecture event hosted by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Lt. Gen. Michael J. Basla, USAF, vice commander, U.S. Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), served as the guest speaker. Gen. Basla, an AFCEA Lifetime Member, spoke of the AFSPC's primary goal of supporting the joint warfighter and maintaining that vision with tight budget constraints. He stressed that for the first time in his 32-year career, with the addition of the Libyan conflict, the United States now has the quest of simultaneously fighting engagements on three fronts—a huge challenge with shrinking resources. He then focused on a major scale back of the “in-sourcing” activity the Air Force had planned over the next three years. Again due to shrinking budgets, the Air Force will only be able to bring on a fraction of the hires needed in both AFSPC and the total civilian force. ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/10/2011
Nearly 1,500 participants gathered at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for the chapter's Cyberspace 2011 Symposium. The theme of “Mission Assurance for Cyber and Space” set the tone for the numerous speakers, panelist, participants and exhibitors attending the February event. The venue was made possible with the support and dedication from both the Air Force Space Command and the U.S. Northern Command, along with the volunteers required to execute an event of this size. Participants were able to hear the latest views, concerns and updates from the distinguished speakers, including Howard Schmidt, special assistant to the president and White House cybersecurity coordinator, and Gen. Keith B. Alexander, USA, commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service. The numerous remaining speakers and panels covered topics ranging from cyber policy to current and future requirements within ... READ MORE |
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/20/2011
The chapter held its January luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club in Colorado Spring, Colorado. Col. Steven Hennessy, USAF, deputy director of communications and information, Air Education and Training Command (AETC), served as the guest speaker. He addressed a new Air Force-level initiative headed by AETC known as Comply to Connect (C2C). C2C is a program in the works that guarantees a computer asset is secure before it can connect to the Air Force network. Rod Pohlmann, chapter vice president, also presented Jeff Devine with an AFCEA Lifetime Membership. Finally, Joyce Jenkins-Harden, chapter vice president for education, presented Master Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, USAF, with a $1,500 scholarship for his continuing education.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 12/16/2010
The chapter held its annual holiday luncheon in December at the Antlers Hilton Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs. By tradition, this event forgoes a formal speaker. However, this festive gathering of more than 120 members provided fun and laughter for the holiday season. Col. Michael Curry, USA, chapter president, provided a few opening comments including the announcement of two AFCEA International award winners. The chapter announced Eric LaPorte as one of AFCEA's Distinguished Young AFCEAN's. In addition, Andy Heo received one of AFCEA's Emerging Leadership awards. The event included a great meal, plenty of socializing and networking, accompanying music and a good time had by all.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 11/10/2010
At the November luncheon, Brig. Gen. Ian R. Dickinson, USAF, director, communications and information, Headquarters Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), discussed the challenges AFSPC faces transitioning to the cyber environment and associated operations. He mentioned that both the 14th Air Force and 24th Air Force are working together to study impacted areas and determine strategies going forward. The general then highlighted the command's approach to cyber. Finally, he addressed questions from the audience regarding AFSPC's strategy to incorporate new cyber technologies through the logistical/contractual chain and the expected joint cyber organizational structure. More than 125 attendees were present at the luncheon, which doubled as the chapter's membership appreciation event emphasizing recruitment and members supporting activities.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 10/08/2010
During a recent ceremony in October, Rodney Pohlmann, chapter vice president, and Joyce Jenkins-Hardin, chapter vice president for education, presented Jesse Hyde with an AFCEA scholarship check for $2,000. Hyde is a sophomore electrical engineering student at the University of Colorado. He won an AFCEA General Emmett Paige Scholarship competing at the national level. This scholarship is available for active duty personnel, veterans, their spouses or dependents seeking a technical degree in one of several related fields, ranging from management information systems to aerospace engineering. To be eligible a candidate must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 10/07/2010
In October, Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, USAF, director of plans and policy, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, spoke to a crowd of approximately 160 members on the evolution of cyberspace and the functions of the new command. She specifically outlined numerous challenges of protecting information and what practices the new command must address and instill in developing U.S. cyber warfighters. The general emphasized that it is imperative that both the offensive and defensive cyber warfare teams share practices and intrusion results in order to best posture our information technology resources from future attacks. In this era of limited resources, she emphasized that the U.S. may have to limit the quantity of its resources in order to pay for the services to protect them. Gen. Vautrinot also addressed a concern regarding the lengthy and bureaucratic logistics cycle that now exists and says she feels positive improvements in shortening that procurement time are around ... READ MORE
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 08/17/2010
In August, the chapter recognized Ethan Hahn, the Grand Prize winner of the AFCEA National High School Science Fair and the 2010 Rocky Mountain Chapter Science Fair. Hahn graduated from The Classical Academy (TCA) charter school in Colorado Springs this year. He received a $3,000 check from Col. Michael Curry, USA, chapter president, and Ares Koumis, Science Fair Committee chairman. AFCEA International also recognized Hahn at LandWarNet 2010 for building a working nuclear reactor experiment and demonstrating the reactor's many capabilities. Hahn plans to attend Emery Riddle University as a Naval ROTC cadet. His goal is to become an aerospace engineer and ultimately an astronaut. The chapter recognized Hahn, along with his parents, high school teachers and TCA. Dr. David Bohn, president of TCA; four of Hahn's TCA science and physics teachers; and five members of the AFCEA Executive Board were in attendance.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 02/18/2010
The chapter's February guest speaker was Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla, USAF, vice commander, Air Force Space Command, and former vice director, C4 Systems, Joint Chiefs of Staff. In addition to pointing out what issues exist within the communications arena, he also asked industry to share their solutions. The chapter recognized Andy Heo, AFCEA International's Young AFCEAN of the Year. Col. Michael Curry, USA, chapter president, shared that Michael Varner will be the new regional vice president, taking over from Philip Andreski, who is retiring. He received a memento in recognition of his service to AFCEA.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 01/14/2010
The chapter's January event, the Cyberspace 2010 Symposium, drew more than 700 attendees and exhibitors. Distinguished speakers included Gen. Victor Renuart Jr., USAF, commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base (AFB), Colorado; Gen. C. Robert Kehler, USAF, commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB; Lt. Gen. William T. Lord, USAF, chief of warfighting integration and chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; and Robert J. Butler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber and space policy. Events included an army warfighter panel, an industry panel, an air force cyber panel and a joint cyber panel. In lieu of traditional commemoratives for guest speakers, donations were made in their honor to the Wounded Warrior Project. The 2011 symposium is planned for next February.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 06/01/2009
Rear Adm. Janice Hamby, USN, director, command and control (C2) systems, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, was the guest speaker for the June meeting. She suggested a list of books to help increase understanding of the command, control, communications and computers (C4) mission area. One recommended title was "The Star Fish and the Spider" by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom, which discusses the resilience required for C2. Chapter science fair winner John Parish IV received $3,000 from the chapter to attend the AFCEA International science fair competition, held in Florida.
|
|
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER - 05/26/2009
In May, chapter president Col. Michael J. Curry, USA, presented the Lt. Gen. Gordon T. Gould Jr. Award to Cadet 1st Class Bryan T. Freeman, a student at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). Cadet Freeman is majoring in electrical engineering with a focus on communications engineering. USAFA faculty members nominated Cadet Freeman because of his outstanding performance in the communications track. The chapter also presented six scholarships worth $1,500 each to outstanding college students. The recipients include Master Sgt. James Zimmer, USAF; Master Sgt. Vincent Castrogiovanni, USAF; Master Sgt. Lamont Scott, USAF; Technical Sgt. Scott Hollister, USAF; and Airman 1st Class Olivia Gorman, USAF. Brig. Gen. David Warner, USAF (l), director, Communications and Information, and chief information officer, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, served as the meeting's keynote speaker. He discussed current cyber integration initiatives within the Air Force ... READ MORE
|
|
