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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 05/21/2023
The chapter held its second annual Scholarship Luncheon in May and recognized three scholarship awardees.Each awardee received a check for $300 and one-year AFCEA membership: Private First Class Leeane K., USA, Hollywood, Florida, is majoring in computer and electrical engineering at Norwich University's School of Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Computing. Angela L. of Sunny Isles, Florida is completing her senior year of high school in advanced academics at Florida International University. She has been accepted to Norwich University's College of Engineering, where she plans to study biomedical engineering. Briana R. of Weston, Florida, is a cybersecurity management major at Nova Southeastern University's College of Computing and Engineering. The chapter's keynote speaker Maj. Garnett Lias, USA, chapter second vice president, commander, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Center-Southern Command, gave a phenomenal speech on the importance of STEM Scholarship ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 12/01/2022
The 2022-2023 Elections results are finally in. Many thanks to the following members who stepped up to keep the chapter moving and growing into the future.President: Marlon Atherton, U.S. Southern Command, J38 Secretary: Officer Ryan Liss, Coral Springs Police Department (Major, U.S. Air Force Reserves) Treasurer: Jay Anson, Lennar Technology Services Over the last three years, the board of directors shepherded the chapter through the COVID-19 lockdown and its residual effects. AFCEA South Florida was named an AFCEA Model Chapter for 2020, 2021 and 2022. The chapter stayed engaged with U.S. Southern Command and DISA South. The chapter reengaged with U.S. Special Operations Command-South and Joint Interagency Task Force-South. Membership grew by 20%, including an awesome steering committee. The chapter corrected financial policy and strategy shortfalls to refocus on STEM scholarships and networking events. Most importantly, the chapter revitalized its ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 10/22/2022
The chapter wishes to thank all of its sponsors, AFCEA members and supporters who made time to attend the South Florida Chapter 2022 TopGolf Tournament.Congratulations to the Tournament Champion: Master Sgt. Nathan Wick, USAF, U.S. Special Operations Command-South, J65 2nd Place: Hunter Trice, Venatôre LLC, Tampa, Florida 3rd Place: Jarrett Mathis, GDIT The chapter had a great time and raised $2,500 for STEM Scholarships and the AFCEA Scholarship Foundation. Special thanks to the event sponsor, Microsoft; beverages sponsor, General Dynamics Information Technology; lunch sponsor, Venatôre; and bay sponsors Cyabra & Guardian Cyber LLC CYBER. Topgolf did an amazing job putting together a spectacular fundraising event for the chapter. Thank you! |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 05/11/2022
On behalf of the chapter's board of directors, many thanks to all who attended the 2022 Scholarship Awards Luncheon sponsored by JR Morell and DataRobot and featuring Col. Craig Smith, USA, chief information officer, U.S. Southern Command, J-6.The 2021 TopGolf Tournament sponsors in attendance were recognized for their valuable support to the program: Microsoft, Venatôre, General Dynamics Information Technology, Meridian Partners and Guardian Cyber LLC. Four of the six awardees were presented scholarship checks for $500. In his remarks, Col. Smith congratulated the chapter on this important program supporting STEM Scholarship. He reminded attendees that technology has come a long way in just a short time, from using 60+ pounds manpack radios just 30 years ago to today's palm-sized smartphones. Such leaps in innovation were made possible through STEM education and initiatives. The 2022 STEM scholarship awardees will be part of shaping the new technolo ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 11/15/2021
The chapter is one of the five winners of AFCEA International's 75th Anniversary Bring A Friend Aboard campaign that ran March 16 through October 31.Chapters competed against others in their same size category to bring aboard the most new members during these past seven and a half months. To thank chapters for increasing AFCEA membership, AFCEA Headquarters is hosting lunch for board members at the next in-person meeting, up to the amount of $150, along with a special chapter promotional package. The chapter will be honored at the WEST business meetings in February 2022! Many thanks to all for continued membership and support of AFCEA South Florida Chapter! |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 10/22/2021
The chapter's Topgolf Tournament and STEM Scholarship fundraiser was a huge success!The chapter would like to offer congratulations to all winners! In first place was Robert Donner, Guardian Cybersecurity Consulting; Amer Haddadin, Taylors International Services, took second place; and Efrain Rivera, GDIT, came in third place. A huge thank you to the chapter's event sponsor, Microsoft, and all of the other sponsors, including: Meridian Partners, Venatore, GDIT, Taylors International Services, Guardian Cybersecurity Consulting, Topgolf, U.S. Army NETCOM and U.S. Southern Command. The event raised $3,500 for STEM Scholarships and the AFCEA International Scholarship Foundation! The chapter looks forward to hosting all sponsors and scholarship recipients at an awards banquet in May 2022. Thanks to everyone for supporting the chapter and this fundraising event! |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 08/18/2021 The chapter held its August Lunch & Learn presented by the General Services Administration (GSA) and sponsored by Meridian Partners. The event was attended by members from across industry, academia, U.S. Southern Command and the Defense Information Agency. Many thanks to all who attended. Special appreciation goes out to the guest speaker, Jan Zeigler, for providing great information and awareness on the GSA small business programs, initiatives and resources. |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 07/29/2021
The chapter continues to grow in 2021!A little over halfway through the year, chapter members wanted to take the opportunity to welcome the 14 newest members! Robert Juskiewicz, Plantation, Florida, Police Department Jason Bollinger, Assure C Phil Soloweszyk, Microsoft Corporation Col. Hector I.M. Martinez Piniero, USA James Sullivan, PredaSAR Inc. Max Kiejdan, PredaSAR Inc. Roger Teague, PredaSAR Inc. Marlon Johnson, NXTKey Corporation Alberto J. Rodriguez, SIXGEN Thomas Allen, Foresite Livia J. Martinez, Hollywood, Florida Patricia Izquierdo, Daasly Inc. David Durham, Lennar and University of Miami Cmdr. Stephen Mills, USN, Royal Caribbean Group Thank you for your membership! For more information on membership, upcoming chapter events or any questions about AFCEA, please email the board of directors at team@southflorida.afceachapters.org or visit, follow and connect with the chapter at: LinkedIn: https: ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 07/09/2021
The chapter has made recent changes to its $1,000 merit-based scholarships for high school seniors and college students who either have been accepted or are currently enrolled into an accredited degree program majoring in a STEM degree program. The board of directors recently modified the eligibility rules and application process based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes include expanded eligibility for currently enrolled students and lifelong learners, blended and online programs; and eliminating the need for in-person contact through 100 percent online submissions and virtual meetings.The application period is January 1 to April 15, each year. Scholarship awardees will be announced by the April 30. An annual awards banquet will be held in May to honor our awardees, present their scholarships and recognize the chapter's corporate and individual sponsors who contributed to STEM fundraisers throughout the year. For questions, please contact t ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 07/13/2021
The chapter's Steering Committee is comprised of exceptional leaders from across industry, academia and government who are familiar with Defense Department business practices, the AFCEA brand and the South Florida community. The chapter extends a warm welcome to the following outstanding volunteers who will ensure the chapter's success:- John Pugliese, Deep Water Point and TELESME and former U.S. Southern Command chief information officer/J-6 - David Durham, Lennar and University of Miami and former U.S. Southern Command information technology program manager - Ramon Vega, military liaison to U.S. Southern Command -Stephen Mills, Royal Caribbean Group and former U.S. Southern Command deputy chief information officer/J-6 The chapter thanks everyone for joining the team! |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 07/08/2021
The chapter provides $1000 merit-based scholarships for high school seniors and college students who either have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited degree program majoring in a STEM discipline, such as aerospace, chemical, computer, electrical, mechanical or systems engineering; chemistry, physics, science or mathematics; computer science, telecommunications, information systems or cyber and information security.The chapter incorporated lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on last year's scholarship season. The board of directors voted to expand eligibility to current students, adult and lifelong learners and online programs. Previous requirements involving physical presence or contact can now be done entirely online. The new scholarship requirements are the following: Students will email their contact information to team@southflorida.afceachapters.org with the following attachments in .pdf format, as applicable: READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 03/16/2021
During the chapter's virtual March event, Jay Anson, chapter president, provided an overview of the U.S. Southern Command mission and area of responsibility. The combatant command's chief information officer/J-6 and director of the J-6 Communication Systems Directorate updated industry and government attendees on emerging Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR). Col. James Turinetti, USA, shared his vision to deliver a joint coalition and interagency information enterprise that enables assured coordination and collaboration for decision dominance through cutting-edge architecture, governance, portfolio management, information technology investment strategy and operational capabilities. Attendees received an update on his current priorities, business development opportunities and future outlook based on the command's updated campaign plan.Many thanks to chapter members, industry partners and U.S. Southern Command empl ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 12/14/2020 In December 2020, the chapter's small business committee hosted a virtual panel of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) subject matter experts moderated by Maj. Gen. Garrett Yee, USA, special assistant to the DISA commander. With the theme "Empowering Partnerships-Driving Innovations." Chapter President Jay Anson briefed U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) mission and current priorities. Gen. Yee provided a comprehensive overview of available and emerging technologies that support both SOUTHCOM and the greater U.S. Defense Department. He closed the panel with an excellent overview of DISA's small business program. The event covered a range of topics: Commercial Solutions for Classified, Mobility, Fourth Estate, Big Data and Robotic Process Automation, DOD Mobility Unclassified Capability, Cloud Computing, and the "DISA 101" training opportunities for small businesses that want to work with DISA. Many thanks to our members who joined the webinar for your support, espec ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 07/14/2020 In July, the chapter's small business committee hosted a virtual Lunch and Learn with the theme "Teaming with Large Businesses for Government Contracts: ICF International (ICF)." During the event, small business (SBs) were able to interact and listen to Janet Weisenford, senior managing director, Learning Solutions and Analytics, ICF. The event allowed time for questions and answers that covered a range of topics, including: ICF's government customers; the capabilities SB companies must have to be included in ICF teams; how SB companies can expand their business teaming with large firms; and success stories regarding what SBs have done to win contracts with ICF. |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 03/02/2020
The chapter won the Young AFCEAN Chapter of the Year Award at WEST 2020 in San Diego, California in March. Master Sgt. Reginald Keitt, USA, Young AFCEA chapter president and Jeremy Spund, chapter president, were in attendance to accept the award. The Young AFCEAN Chapter of the Year Award is given to the chapter which has most significantly contributed to the professional development of younger AFCEANs by providing a forum of programs and initiatives geared to their unique needs. Chapters of similar size compete with each other for this award, and there are five different size categories.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 05/27/2015
Walter Lewis, Exeter Information Technology Services and first vice president of the chapter, presented a donation of $1,600 in May to fifth-grade students at Barbara Hawkins Elementary, Miami Gardens, Florida. Chapter members raised the funds to help improve local science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. Craig Uptgow, the school's fifth-grade science teacher, shared how the donation will help expand the recently established robotics club: “In 2014, we had a vision and started our first robotics club. This year, we plan to continue the club and bring in more students.” According to the school's website, it was constructed in a predominantly African-American community. Barbara Hawkins Elementary, originally called North Carol City Elementary, consists of a regular elementary with a gifted program. There are approximately 368 students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade five. Most of the students are economically disadvantaged as evidenced by the fact that 94 p ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 06/22/2015
Chapter members gathered for an informative session that addressed recent headlines and tips for protecting personal information in June.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 10/10/2013
When the chapter selected Oct. 10, 2013 as the date for its 10th annual golf tournament, they were hoping the lucky number 10 would help ensure a successful event. It ended up being a perfect day for golf at Don Shula's Golf Club in Miami and with the help of chapter members and local sponsors, the event raised the necessary funds for the chapter to continue its legacy in South Florida of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through scholarships. The purpose of the annual tournament is to raise scholarship funds for the chapter's 2014 STEM initiatives. In 2014, the chapter will to continue to support Broward and Miami-Dade STEM leaders, schools, universities and most importantly students. Trophies were awarded to the top three teams and for several individual contests including closest to the pin, longest drive and hole in one.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 11/25/2013.jpg)
The chapter welcomed Sandy Brooks, chief of Innovation and Technology and Intelligence and Security Directorate of the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), as its guest speaker at its 2013 End of Year Luncheon in Miami in November. Brooks, the 2010 Homeland Security award recipient, held a lively and interactive discussion on “Executing Information Sharing between the Defense Department, Interagency and Partner Nations to Achieve Tactical, Operational and Strategic Effects.” The event also featured a raffle for two pairs of NBA tickets for the Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers game on December 18 as well as an autographed jersey from Miami Heat player LeBron James. All proceeds from the raffle were added to the chapter's scholarship fund.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 04/25/2013
The chapter demonstrated its commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career paths to local students by honoring five exceptional middle school students, their teachers and their families in April at the chapter's spring luncheon. Col. Maria Barrett, USA, the U.S. Southern Command J-6 director and chief information officer, and chapter president, welcomed the luncheon's keynote speaker, Dr. Merilyn Johnson, a secondary STEM supervisor for Broward County Public Schools. Johnson kicked off the event with an eye-opening presentation on the need to reinvigorate STEM education programs. “I firmly believe that every child has a right to a high-quality education that will equip him or her with the knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve his or her goals and grow into productive citizens,” said Johnson. “Engagement in STEM activities provides a vehicle for reaching that destination.” Aaron Jones, chapter first vice president, then presented the stud ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 11/07/2012
In November, the chapter reflected back on its success this year. The chapter awarded two $500 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants to two local high school teachers: Carissa Brazeal, Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science, and Manuel Cox, American High School. The grants will allow these teachers to enhance and aide their respective science programs. In September, the chapter also hosted its annual golf tournament. More than 90 players participated and enjoyed themselves during the event, held at the Country Club of Miami. The tournament helped to raise more than $1,400 for the chapter's Educational Fund. In November, the chapter hosted its final luncheon of the year and recognized a few volunteers and members for their contributions to the success of the chapter.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 09/16/2011
The chapter hosted its 2011 Golf Tournament in September. The event gave attendees an opportunity to enjoy the tropical Inverrary Country Club course while networking with other members. The chapter's corporate sponsors provided shirts, a drink cart and giveaways for the raffle and awards luncheon. A special thanks to the following corporate sponsors: URS Apptis; Booz Allen Hamilton; Cisco; General Dynamics Information Technology; IBM; Hewlett-Packard; L-3 STRATIS; Terremark; and SAIC.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 11/03/2009
The chapter's November luncheon also served as a general membership event and the election of the executive board for the 2009-2010 year. Brig. Gen. VeraLinn Jamieson, USAF, director, intelligence, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), served as the distinguished guest speaker. She discussed SOUTHCOM's challenge in defining its role within the new U.S. Cyber Command. SOUTHCOM's efforts include standing up a cyber fusion working group to help identify tasks and responsibilities associated with this new role. Current initiatives include weekly updates through component videoconferences, a daily executive highlight on cyber issues and the development of a cyber consolidated operational picture. Future efforts will include integration cyber events into local and joint exercises and preparing for a cyber liaison support element at SOUTHCOM. Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, chief information officer and director, command, control, communications, computer systems and information (C4I), SOUTHCOM, an ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 10/23/2009
The chapter held its fourth annual golf tournament and fundraiser in October. Funds from the event benefit the chapter's annual scholarship awards. Brenda Morris and Wayne Ladue organized the event. The chapter's newly elected officers are Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, chapter president; Jamie Dos Santos, chapter first vice president; Billy Hogan, chapter second vice president; Brenda Morris, chapter treasurer; and Diane Guidry, chapter secretary. The officers for the chapter's Young AFCEANs are Jamie Montenegro, president, and Jaysri Castro, vice president.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 08/18/2009
The chapter held its August meeting in conjunction with the LandWarNet Conference. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson, USA, chief information officer/G-6, Headquarters Department of the Army, served as the keynote speaker. He discussed transforming LandWarNet through an Army-wide strategy called the Global Network Enterprise Construct (GNEC), which will transform the Army's networks to an enterprise activity that is global, standardized, protected and economical. The four-part GNEC strategy includes placing network service centers in Europe, Southwest Asia, the Pacific and the continental United States. Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, director, command, control, communications, computer systems and information, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, and chapter president, announced that a donation in Gen. Sorenson's name will be made to Fisher House. The chapter recognized three National Science Fair winners and the chapter's AFCEAN of the Quarter.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 07/18/2009.JPG)
In July the chapter's Young AFCEANs toured Disney World to learn about the technology used by the amusement park. Biometric fingerprint scans are used as a security measure to activate park entrance tickets. Tunnels called utilidores (utility corridors) connect areas of the amusement park and allow cast members to navigate the park underground without being seen. Uniforms are bar-coded for tracking. The automated vacuum system uses compressed air to move garbage through pipes at 60 miles per hour. Most rides and park music and sounds are controlled from a secret central processing location, but the need for centralization is decreasing as computers become smaller and more efficient.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 04/30/2009
In April, the chapter awarded $5,000 scholarships to four outstanding high school students. Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears, USAF, deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, presented the students with their scholarships. The chapter also presented Fred Rainbow, executive director, AFCEA International Educational Foundation, with a $5,000 check. Dr. Saeed Rajput, assistant director of mathematics, computer science and technology at Nova Southeastern University, presented on how to protect virtual identities. Patti Botteicher was recognized as the AFCEAN of the Quarter and received a lifetime membership. |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 02/12/2009
The chapter's February luncheon featured Jill Tummler Singer, deputy chief information officer (CIO), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), who spoke on the theme of "Transforming the Information Technology Enterprise." Singer discussed the ongoing transformation of the information technology enterprise at the CIA. The transformation's key components are strategy, technology and culture. The CIA began its transformational journey two years ago when the agency appointed a strong CIO, Al Tarasiuk Jr., a corporate governance structure to oversee information technology and a strategic planning approach to ensure buy-in from missions, Singer shared. For 2009, the CIA is focusing on Microsoft SharePoint, knowledge discovery, tiered/virtual storage/servers and advanced intrusion detection/prevention, and the agency aims at cutting costs through an efficiencies program and by reestablishing a sense of urgency and a commitment to deadlines, she continued. The chapter recognized its first eve ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 10/24/2008
In October, the chapter hosted its third annual golf tournament, which provides funding for the chapter's annual scholarship awards. The event also provided an opportunity for chapter members and guests to network. Brenda Morris, chapter treasurer, and Wayne Ladue, chapter member, coordinated the fundraiser. The chapter also elected its 2009 officers: Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, chapter president; Jamie Dos Santos, chapter first vice president; Billy Hogan, chapter second vice president; Morris, chapter treasurer; and Diane Guidry, chapter secretary. The 2009 Young AFCEAN Committee is Patti Botteicher, president; Jamie Montenegro, first vice president; Patrick Shelton, second vice president; Rose Angry, executive chair; and Yalier Farinas, committee chair.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 10/09/2008
The chapter's October luncheon was held in conjunction with SOUTH 2008, the first annual conference and exposition focused on the critical issues surrounding drugs and the Americas, held in Miami. Booz Allen Hamilton sponsored the luncheon, which featured a keynote speech by Adm. James G. Stavridis, USN, commander, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Adm. Stavridis summarized the panel discussions from the SOUTH 2008 conference, which focused on the challenges and the global impact of drugs and the Americas. He discussed the need to attack the drug problem on multiple fronts and for the U.S. to engage with its partner nations, interagencies and the private sector. Adm. Stavridis outlined how technology helps in this effort, noting in the end, the old-fashioned way works best: "We have to think our way through this problem," he said. "This is a high-speed, brain-on-brain warfare in the 21st century with people who are lethal." Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, director, command, control, c ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 08/19/2008
The chapter's August luncheon was held in conjunction with LandWarNet 2008 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson, USA, Army chief information officer/G-6, provided the keynote speech, discussing his first-year initiatives, his theater visits with deployed warfighters and the anticipated future of the current era of persistent conflict. Gen. Sorenson's focus areas include network service centers, cyber operations warfare, knowledge management and the program objectives memorandum 2010-2015. He stressed the need to constantly strive for jointness and to partner with industry while maintaining support for warfighters. Col. Mark Churchwell, USA, director, command, control, communications, computer systems and information, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, and chapter president, thanked Gen. Sorenson and announced the chapter had made a contribution in Gen. Sorenson's name to Fisher House, an organization that provides support to members of the military and their ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 05/15/2008
The chapter's May luncheon honored four outstanding South Florida students. Joshua Eisenberg, Matthew Stankowicz, Mirela Vasconcelos, and Mylo Cheng were each awarded $5,000 scholarships. Chapter president Col. Herb Newman, USA, noted, "The AFCEA South Florida Chapter understands how important our youth are, and we are pleased to be able to recognize these four deserving students in our community. A special thanks to our corporate sponsors: Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, ManTech International, SeaMobile, SGIS and Terremark Worldwide. These scholarships would not be possible without their outstanding support." The chapter also donated $5,000 to the Annual Education Foundation Fund drive, an amount that AFCEA International will match. CSM Angel Febles, USA, provided the keynote speech, which emphasized the need to increase the number of science and engineering experts. For more information, please visit the chapter at www.afceasfl.org.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 03/27/2008
Brig. Gen. Richard T. Ellis, USA, was guest speaker at the chapter's March luncheon. As director of intelligence (J-2), Headquarters, U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Ellis shared his insight on what the intelligence community needs from both industry and the communications community. He urged corporate sponsors present to 'think outside the box,' encouraging them to provide the intelligence community with products it can use to gather all the information it must analyze and correlate-as timely as possible-make sense of it to enable commanders to make those "hard decisions." According to the general, "We still do not know what 'we do not know.'" He stated that, 'Policy needs to change regarding information sharing,' because right now, 'there are mixed results and it is sometimes slow and painful, but policy will follow if the technology problems are solved.'
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 01/23/2008
In January the chapter recognized its Science Teaching Tools efforts, marking 2007 as the first year it has been able to award the educational grants. One $1,000 grant went to earth science teacher Alfonso Livingston from Norland Middle School in Miami Gardens, Florida. Livingston's submission outlined the need for funds to purchase experimental supplies and an LCD monitor and printer for the science department's computer lab. The second $1,000 grant went to seventh grade science teacher Jesse Stacy from Leadership Academy in Tamarac, Florida. Leadership Academy, a school for students with learning disabilities or other emotional or physical handicaps, is in its first year and initially had no science supplies. The school is funded primarily from the McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities program. Stacy's submission requested funding for equipment such as microscopes, a weather station, binoculars and solar system teaching tools. |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 12/05/2007
The South Florida Chapter hosted its 2007 Golf Tournament with a record number of 17 Corporate Sponsors. The event gave members an opportunity to enjoy the tropical Miami Country Club course, have some fun, meet the rest of the members, and do some great networking. The South Florida Chapter's Corporate Sponsors outdid themselves by sponsoring tees, a breakfast and hole-in-one contest sponsored by ManTech, the drink cart sponsored by L-3, and giveaways for the raffle and player goody bags. A special thanks to the following South Florida AFCEA Chapter Golf Tourney Corporate sponsors: Bearing Point; Booz Allen Hamilton; Commercial Data Systems; DataLine Inc.; General Dynamics(sponsored 2 holes); KFORCE; L-3 Communications; Lockheed Martin; ManTech; Microsoft; Northrop Grumman; Research Analysis Maintenance (RAM) Inc; SeaMobile; Smartronix; Terremark; Tower Software; and Trusted Computer Solutions. Additionally, the Chapter held its annual holiday social and completed its elect ... READ MORE |
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 08/21/2007
The chapter's August luncheon was held in conjunction with the U.S. Army's LandWarNet 2007 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The luncheon was highlighted by a keynote speech by Maj. Gen. (P) Jeffrey A. Sorenson, USA, chief information officer/G6 nominee, headquarters, Department of the Army. Gen. Sorenson's theme was 'Conducting Information Enabled Joint Warfighting and Supporting Operations.' He discussed trends such as posturing for persistent conflict while operating in a complex environment. He also stressed the need to sustain the momentum of modernization and to build strategic communication capabilities that can effectively communicate with internal and external audiences. He touched on goals for his '500 day plan' and his top six priorities, one of which is the creation of area processing centers/fixed regional hub nodes to improve delivery services, information assurance and Security, and to achieve net-centric operations and reduce the total cost of ownership for i ... READ MORE
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 06/28/2007
The chapter's June luncheon featured Brig. Gen. Nolen V. Bivens, USA, chief of staff, Headquarters, US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Gen. Bivens shared insight on where SOUTHCOM is going as it moves towards a joint interagency security command with security, stability, and prosperity as its prime missions. He challenged the audience to understand the importance of the SOUTHCOM region, to consider interagency partnerships, to reach for innovative solutions and to see the global connections. He used Joint Interagency Task Force South, one of SOUTHCOM's direct reporting units, as a model for regional operations at the tactical level, and highlighted the need for SOUTHCOM to duplicate that success at the operational level. He asked the AFCEA South Florida Chapter members and corporate sponsors to be chapter president, thanked Gen. Bivens for taking time from his busy schedule to speak to the chapter on this important topic.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 05/10/2007
The May luncheon honored five outstanding South Florida students who were awarded scholarships of $4,000 each to the following: Allison Chan of Deerfield Beach High School; Diana Ellis of American Heritage School; Jeffrey Greene of Northeast High School; Maria Quintanilla of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; and Emmanuel Rodriguez of Everglades High School. Col. Herb Newman, USA, chapter president, said, "Our Young AFCEAN panel picked these five exceptional and deserving students from a large number of qualified candidates, and we know they will make us proud as they develop into our nation's future leaders." The luncheon was highlighted by a keynote speech by Dr. Ben A. Amaba, Global Executive Software Group, on the higher education opportunities available in the sciences and engineering, the forecasted shortage of trained engineers in industry and the challenges that engineering colleges face with enrollment.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 04/03/2007
April marked the first 2007 chapter luncheon and featured Lt. Gen. John A. Dubia, USA (Ret.), executive vice president, AFCEA International, as the guest speaker. Gen. Dubia discussed AFCEA's role in bringing together military, government and industry, saying that this partnership is more vital now than ever. Jaysri 'Jai' Castro provided an update on the South Florida Chapter's new Young AFCEAN efforts to involve more young professionals in AFCEA activities. She highlighted examples of these efforts, such as a February mentor speech for young professionals and a mid-April joint event with the Tampa-St. Pete Pelican Chapter Young AFCEANs for a voice over secure Internet Protocol seminar.
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SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER - 08/23/2006 The chapter's August luncheon was held in conjunction with the U.S. Army's 2006 LandWarNet Conference at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The luncheon, attended by 350 people, was highlighted by a keynote speech from Lt. Gen. Steven W. Boutelle, chief information officer/G-6, U.S. Department of the Army. Lt. Gen. Boutelle stressed the need for the Army to posture itself for "the long war." In particular, he expressed concern over the Army's ability to support the rapid expansion and fielding of capabilities provided by commercial products over a long term. He challenged the audience to develop innovative solutions to meet warfighter requirements in a fiscally austere environment. Col. Herb Newman, USA, chapter president and director, J-6, U.S. SOUTHCOM, thanked Lt. Gen. Boutelle for his stimulating speech and presented him with an original chapter polo shirt. For more information about the South Florida C ... READ MORE |
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