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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 04/17/2025
At the April luncheon, Maj. Gen. Susan Henderson, USAR, shared with attendees about her history coming up in the Army Reserve and her journey to leadership. She discussed being in a trucking battalion, along with becoming a commander and her sense of responsibility to her soldiers.Henderson also quoted Abraham Lincoln: "I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down." She said this drove her to her "why" and that she didn't want to let her commander down or her personnel. Henderson ended the luncheon by comparing priorities to rubber, wood and glass balls. Rubber balls can bounce back and are not nearly as critical as we think they are, but they can still have impact. These are low threat and low priority. Wooden balls make a noise and it would be obvious someone made a mistake; therefore, it would be a higher priority with higher impact that could create a cascading effect. Glass shatters and is comp ... READ MORE |
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 12/05/2024
In December, a vibrant and impactful networking food drive brought together community leaders, professionals and volunteers with the shared goal of addressing food insecurity while fostering meaningful connections. Held at a Global Brew in O'Fallon, Illinois, the event was a testament to the power of collaboration and generosity. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, exchanging ideas and building relationships in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The event's backdrop featured tables adorned with an array of nonperishable food items and essentials, highlighting the collective effort to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. This memorable evening exemplified the power of community action, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. As the food drive ended, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to supporting those in need. Approximately 100 cans of food were donated to Forces for Food. |
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 01/18/2024
The chapter hosted Christopher Burton, Cyber Operations Division chief, U.S. Transportation Command/J6, as speaker of the month. He discussed zero trust and the need not only to utilize it but also to meet all of the underlying requirements for compliance. Burton stated that "it is not about doing zero trust; it is about using zero trust."
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 05/18/2017 The chapter awarded $40,000 in scholarships-its biggest total yet-and $5,000 in grants to educators at its annual scholarship and grants awards banquet in May. Lance Litteken, chapter vice president of scholarships and grants, presided as master of ceremonies for the event at the Bellecourt Manor in Belleville, Illinois. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each were awarded to 16 exceptional high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. A panel independently reviewed and rated students' applications and then ranked them according to their consolidated scores. Award amounts were determined based on these rankings. Scholarship recipients and their respective colleges include Anna Bartz, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Meghan Bibb, Baylor University; Joey Black, Valparaiso University; Paul Carter, the University of South Carolina; Connor Flack, the University of Tulsa; Amanda Grither, the U ... READ MORE |
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 04/16/2015
Brig. Gen. Mitch Butikofer, USAF, was the chapter's April guest speaker and covered J-6 transformational challenges. Working closely with other directorates over the past nine months, the TCJ6 team ensured that the U.S. Transportation Command's information technology, data and cybersecurity strategies were in lockstep with the command's operational strategy. TCJ6 has five strategic initiatives: implement service-oriented architecture (SOA); evolve the common computing environment (CCE); shape the Joint Information Enterprise (JIE) strategy; institutionalize chief information officer (CIO) governance; and inspire cyber excellence. These strategies will guide the directorate's efforts in the near- to medium-term future. In addition, TCJ6 is responsible for the enterprise infrastructure portfolio and leverages CIO Councils and Forum to ensure compliance with CIO policy and standards to protect information, networks and systems. In a constantly evolving environment, partnerships and rel ... READ MORE
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 05/01/2014
The chapter's guest speaker for May, Col. Tom Clancy, USA, chief, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Joint Cyber Center, presented three "big ideas" about command and control of cyber to the chapter. These ideas were: focus on the commander and operations; scope to mission through key cyber terrain with shared cyber situational awareness and partnering; and generating effects through the appropriate authorities. On the business side, the scholarship committee announced the selection of 16 scholarship recipients and five science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants to be awarded at the May 15 awards dinner. The chapter also held its scholarship golf tournament in May, and chapter officer elections for the next year term will be held in June.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 01/16/2014
Bert Vescolani, president and chief executive officer of the Saint Louis Science Center, was the guest speaker at the chapter's January luncheon. Vescolani leads a team of 225 staff members and 400 volunteers with a mission to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 03/20/2014
The chapter met at the Regency in March for its monthly luncheon. The pledge of allegiance was recited, the meeting was opened in prayer and lunch was served. Zane Scott, vice president, Vitech Corporation, presented a talk about a model-based systems engineering methodology and its application to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and public policy. Chapter announcements were made, including STEM scholarships opportunities, a golf scholarship fundraiser on May 2 and a scholarship dinner on May 15. A raffle was conducted and prizes distributed.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 02/27/2014
The February chapter meeting was a joint monthly luncheon held with the National Defense Transportation Association. FIRST Lego League (FLL) team Da Ex Bots delivered a report in appreciation for the chapter providing a $1,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grant to sponsor the FLL Southern IL robotics competition previously cancelled due to bad weather. The tournament was a resounding success allowing tomorrow's technology leaders an opportunity to showcase the results of six months of hard work. Keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Sarah Zabel, USAF, director, command, control, communications and cyber systems (TCJ-6), and chief information officer, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), discussed current J-6 activities in support of TRANSCOM's global mission. Cyber Week will kick off in May to include a speaker's panel, training opportunities, scholarship dinner and a scholarship fundraising golf tournament.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 10/17/2013
The chapter's October luncheon featured guest speaker Kristopher Bleich, director of forensic services for Speartip. Bleich has more than 15 years of combined military and civilian law enforcement, computer information security and computer forensics experience. The chapter AFCEAN of the Month for October was Capt. Jichul Song, USAF. Catching up from the previous month, the chapter AFCEAN for September was Sekhar Prabhakar. Corporate sponsors for the luncheon were Booz Allen Hamilton and CMW & Associates. Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management consulting, technology and engineering services to the U.S. government in defense, intelligence and civil markets, and to major corporations, institutions and not-for-profit organizations. CMW & Associates is a woman-owned small business with expertise in agile development of behavioral health systems for both Defense Department and civilian agencies.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 09/25/2013
The September chapter luncheon featured guest speaker David Rogers, a member of The Mission Continues. The Mission Continues is a nonprofit organization that awards community service fellowships to post-9/11 veterans, empowering them to transform their own lives by serving others and directly impacting their communities. For more information on The Mission Continues, please visit their website at missioncontinues.org. Additionally, Lt. Col. Lanny Greenbaum, USAF, became an AFCEA lifetime member. Avaya and Agile Defense were the corporate sponsors for the month. Avaya is a leading global provider of next-generation business collaboration and communications solutions, providing unified communications, real-time video collaboration, contact center, networking and related services to companies of all sizes around the world. Agile Defense is a leading information technology services business. They actively and directly engage their customers to shape innovative information technology off ... READ MORE
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 03/21/2013
At the March luncheon, the chapter formally honored SRA International as its Corporate Sponsor of the Month. In addition, Maj. Gen. Barbara Faulkenberry, USAF, vice commander, 18th Air Force, served as the guest speaker. The 18th Air Force delivers innovative and rapid global mobility solutions as the air component of U.S. Transportation Command. Gen. Faulkenberry challenged the community to help the Air Mobility Command and the Defense Department develop secure communications that are unclassified, and she highlighted two core precepts industry should consider when developing new technologies: develop what the customer needs, and ensure the customer will get a return on investment from the tools/solutions developed. Gen. Faulkenberry also thanked AFCEA and the information technology community for all that they do to help the AMC, the Transportation Command and the 18th Air Force get to the fight.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 02/28/2013
The February luncheon was a joint effort with the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and the chapter. The NDTA is a nonpolitical, nonprofit educational association of government, military and industry professionals dedicated to fostering a strong and efficient global transportation and distribution system in support of national security. The guest speaker for the luncheon was Judith Beussink, chief information officer, Surface Deployment Distribution Command (SDDC). Beussink presented an overview of the SDDC and its state of information technology to include the past, current and future. She described how the SDDC continues to transform its information technology environment from packaged software, where the Program Office has all of the responsibilities, to a “software as a service” environment where the infrastructure provider is responsible for everything but the Program Office's application.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 10/18/2012 During the October luncheon, Dr. Adam Tournier, assistant professor of physics at McKendree University, presented “How do We Inspire Tomorrow's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Leaders Today” and focused on the importance of STEM in the United States. He explained For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) and the different leagues: FIRST LEGO League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). In addition, he detailed how companies and individuals can get involved. During the brief, the Robo Raiders had an opportunity to present what they do and answered numerous questions about their robot and the FLL. Lastly, Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Taylor, USAF (Ret.), received a Life Member certificate and pin. |
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 09/13/2012
Marc Purcell, chapter president, presented Curt Piontkowski with a Life Member certificate and pin during the chapter's monthly luncheon in September. The Life Member certificate is awarded to recognize an individual for long-term dedication to the support of AFCEA.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 12/16/2010
The chapter recognized key individuals for ongoing commitment and support of the community at the December luncheon. All 40 corporate sponsors were acknowledged and presented with plaques. Through their participation and the success of the chapter's golf tournament in October, a $5,000 Fellowship Award check was presented to Natalie Williams, a U.S. Navy veteran, on behalf of the chapter's adopted community outreach organization, The Mission Continues (TMC). A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, TMC was founded in 2007 after Eric Greitens, chief executive officer of TMC and a St. Louis native, returned home from service as a Navy Seal. TMC's objective is to aid every returning veteran serve again as a citizen leader and to honor the fallen by living their values through programs focusing on fellowship, service projects and thought leadership.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 08/19/2010
In August, the chapter awarded Thomas Giacobbe, a 6th grader at Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville, Illinois, with first place in the electronics category at the regional science fair. He won for his project titled “Effects of Metal Types and Electrolytes on the Strength of a Voltaic Cell.” Giacobbe's project was then selected from six other award-winning projects at the science fair to qualify for the National Middle School Science Fair Competition held by AFCEA International. His project went on to take the organization's first place grand prize, which included an all-expenses paid trip to the famed Space Camp in Alabama at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Giacobbe attended the camp over the summer and spoke about his once-in-a-lifetime experience at the chapter's August luncheon. Col. Curtis O. Piontkowsky, USAF, former chapter president, presented Giacobbe with a plaque commemorating his accomplishment.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 03/13/2010 In March, 40 volunteers from the chapter gathered at Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville (SIUE) to continue the tradition of helping judge to regional SIUE middle and high school science fair. Cathryn Kennedy, deputy commander for the 375th Communications Group, led the volunteers as they spent the morning judging more than 200 projects from students in grades fifth through 12th. The judges' scores for the projects and research papers helped SIUE staff determine overall ratings and science fair winners. Kennedy was assisted by Tech. Sgt. John Hauer, USAF, and Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Martychenko, USAF, of the 375th Communications Squadron. Dawn Olive, SIUE science fair coordinator, recognized the contributions of the chapter saying, “AFCEA is the reason the fair will go so quickly this year.” The chapter awarded a total of $675 to six of the best projects, and the winning students are invited to attend the chapter's awards banquet with their families. This year's regional science f ... READ MORE |
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 01/14/2010
In January, the chapter held its monthly luncheon in conjunction with its annual career fair. More than 150 members of the local military, government and industry attended the event. Irvin Varkonyi, marketing manager for transportation and logistics programs, American Public University System, served as the guest speaker and discussed online education. More than 30 companies had representatives at the career fair. 1st Lt. Kayla Georgiafandis, USAF, was recognized as the chapter's AFCEAN of the Month.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 08/20/2009
More than 160 individuals from the local military and industry communities attended the chapter's August meeting, which featured John Garing, director for strategic planning and information, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), as the guest speaker. He discussed DISA's efforts to transform the U.S. Defense Department's approach to networking and data management. The chapter's newest officers also were sworn in.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 03/19/2009
More than 175 members of the military and industry communities attended the chapter's March meeting. James Donahoe, founder, Fisher House Foundation, presented a video on the foundation's history and mission. St. Louis soon will have its own Fisher House, and the chapter has raised funds to support the building's construction.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 02/26/2008
In February the chapter held its annual joint National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA)/AFCEA luncheon, which was attended by almost 300 people. Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, USN, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) presented remarks framed on the USTRANSCOM Annual Report. She described USTRANSCOM as the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation and distribution for the U.S. Defense Department and emphasized the importance of information technology in accomplishing its mission. Also announced at this luncheon was the first dual sponsorship of TechNet Mid-America by both the AFCEA chapter and NDTA chapters. TechNet Mid-America will take place July 21-23 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Illinois. Rory Kinney, chapter president, and Ken Wavering, the local NDTA chapter president, will co-host, and the theme of the event will be "Distribution Visibility and Data Availability for the Warfighter."
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 01/10/2008
In January, thechapter held its third annual luncheon and career fair. Sandi Hubert, Elite IT; Suzanne Magee, TechGuard Security; and Cindy Heflin, Preferred Systems Solutions, executed the event, with 39 local companies represented and more than 200 job seekers in attendance. To set the tone for the event, the guest speaker was David Hults, Active8 Careers. He spoke on the right way to prepare to answer interview questions. Heather Harris, a science teacher at Belleville Township High School West, was awarded a $1,000 Teaching Tools Award by Mike Bradfield, chapter awards coordinator. Bradfield was honored as AFCEAN of the Month for his work on the program. Finally, the chapter welcomed Innovative Technical Solutions, LLC (ITS), as a new corporate sponsor, with Bill Redfield as their representative.
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SCOTT-ST. LOUIS AREA CHAPTER - 12/19/2007
In December, the chapter held its annual charity outreach event. For the past three years, the chapter has chosen an organization to receive our speaker honorariums and to be hosted in December. For the 2007 - 2008 program cycle the charity is the Fisher House, St. Louis, Missouri. St. Louis was chosen because of its VA Center polytrauma site that offers rehabilitation programs for such severe injuries as amputations, blindness, burns and spinal cord and brain trauma. The local campaign's goal is to raise $2.5 million, about half the cost; the remainder would be contributed by the Fisher House Foundation. Additionally, the chapter honored Candace Caveny of O'Fallon Township High School with a $1,000 Science Teaching Tools Award, and also honored Eric Lubeck as AFCEAN of the Month for his outstanding work running the 2007 Scholarship Golf Tournament last June. |
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