In September, the chapter hosted a panel to discuss the topic of Personal Resume Building and Development. The panel members, Col. Jesse Phillips, USA, J6, U.S. Africa Command; Emily Jordan, branch chief, IT Resource Management, European Command, J68; and Matt Wloczewski, vice president, GDIT, provided insight into what hiring managers look for in resumes and what they listen for in interviews. The panel was moderated by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Benjamin Yancovich from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa G6.

The panel discussion started with the recommendation to look at where you are and where you want to be. Do research and understand what positions are out there. Talk to mentors and get feedback from them in advance of applying to positions. As you go through that process, be honest with yourself regarding your personal priorities and consider those when applying for jobs.

Regarding developing a resume, the following points were mentioned: Longer resumes aren't be … Read more

To celebrate the 2022 reinvigoration of the chapter, members gathered together at The Auld Rogue for networking and a little relaxation to wrap up the year.

With competitors from U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Defense Information Systems Agency European Field Command (DISA-EUR), the group participated in a costume contest with the top spot going to Col. Diane Klein, USA, of DISA-EUR. Runners up were Lt. Col. Eva Millare and Nicola Thompson, both of AFRICOM.

Two new AFCEA memberships were also awarded to Travis Thompson, CACI, and CJ Farley, Trace Systems.

Thank you to the event sponsor, V2X, represented by Michael Young. Without sponsors, these events would not be possible.

Master Sgt. Brandi Baumgartner, USAF, recently received the 2022 Maj. Gen. Gerald L. Prather Cyber Systems Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award for her exceptional performance over the last year at the Air Force Cyberspace and Air Traffic Control Association's annual convention held in Gulfport, Mississippi.

As the Communications/Cyberspace Information Technology (IT) project manager within European Command (EUCOM) J6, and the executive assistant to the commander, 16th Air Force Information Warfare Operations Center, Sgt. Baumgartner was recognized for leading a team of seven front office personnel in coordinating critical leader engagements and briefings vital to delivering strategic options and intent for U.S. Cyber Command. She synchronized efforts across 90 offices and authored seven policies that shaped 16th Air Force standards across nine wings, two centers and 26 directorates. Sgt. Baumgartner oversaw the command's $125 million theater-wide IT portfolio cri … Read more

The chapter is back! In addition to hosting its first post-COVID-19 luncheon in June, members of the board participated in the Tech Expos held on Patch Barracks and Kelley Barracks in July to spread the word about the chapter standing back up and the benefits of being a member of AFCEA International.

For those unfamiliar with AFCEA International, membership provides access to public and private sector professionals in cyber, defense, security, intelligence and related information technology disciplines. There are more than 130 chapters worldwide, allowing participation in this professional organizations regardless of location.

To learn more about the Stuttgart Chapter, including how to join and upcoming events, please visit the website at https://stuttgart.afceachapters.org.

After a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the chapter reactivated with its first luncheon in June at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. The luncheon featured Col. Brent Skinner, USA, Defense Information Systems Agency-European Field Office commander, as the guest speaker. Col. Skinner reenergized chapter members and attendees as he highlighted his command experience and the need for organizations like AFCEA, which allow for collaboration, generate conversations on where industry is headed and ensure integration of various organizations from the beginning. He explained that this is achievable by adopting the motto: Relationships, Partnerships and Friendships. AFCEA allows everyone to establish much-needed relationships across the Department of Defense, industry and NATO partners. Establishing relationships will develop into partnerships, and those partnerships will develop into strong and lasting friendships. The chapter intends to host quarterly luncheons across vari … Read more

The chapter had the honor of hosting Dana Deasy, chief information officer, U.S. Department of Defense, as the guest speaker for a luncheon in April. Much appreciation for corporate sponsor, M.C. Dean, for supporting this event. The luncheon was well attended, and the chapter hopes to maintain the interest. They are looking for volunteers to assist with future events.

After an extended period of inactivity, the chapter hosted a September luncheon in conjunction with a C4I Symposium at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. The luncheon featured Col. Robin Gibson, USAF, U.S. European Command, deputy J-6, as the guest speaker. Col. Gibson energized chapter members and guests as she highlighted the significance of organizations such as AFCEA. She discussed the various ways that AFCEA chapters collaborate on solutions for the U.S. Defense Department and contribute to the community with STEM programs and scholarships. The chapter intends to have monthly luncheons and will rotate the venue to accommodate all area organizations.

The annual Stuttgart STEM Scholarship Competition and Awards luncheon was held in May. More than $12,000 was awarded to six graduating seniors and two teachers from Patch High School. The chapter hosted Col. Jeremiah Boenisch, USAF, Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) J-6 director, as the guest speaker. He delivered a motivational speech encouraging students and other attendees to set and write down goals so that a daily reminder will keep them on track to succeed. The students' science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects were on display, allowing attendees the opportunity to meet the students and discuss their projects. The projects included building and programming a remote-operated robot; constructing a tremolo box; creating an LED 10-light circuit board; producing a portable 12-volt solar battery charger; and designing generators based on cell biotechnology. All participants presented impressive projects, and all were awarded with scholarship funds fo … Read more

The chapter hosted its annual Winter Tech Expo in February and welcomed a record of more than 40 vendors. In addition to the many excellent vendor booths, this year's event included seminars focused on collaboration solutions and cybersecurity, with presentations including: How Avaya Application Driven Networking will transform DoD UC service delivery; Cisco's Collaboration Solutions for DoD; Raytheon: An Interconnected Approach to Cyber Situational Awareness; and Tech Now: Cyber Situational Awareness (SA) Seminar. Thank you to all the participants and attendees that contributed to making this year's Winter Expo a recording breaking event!

The chapter is planning exciting events for 2015 and is pleased to welcome its new chapter president, Capt. Ramberto "Rambo" Torruella, USN, deputy chief information officer, United States European Command. The chapter kicked off the year with a January luncheon focused on Enterprise Communications Collaborations featuring Gregory Nardi of Cloudera Government Solutions as the guest speaker. Nardi's presentation, "The Enterprise Data Hub, The Future of Data Management," identified the three challenges of communications collaborations as visibility, compliance and security, and maximizing infrastructure to be able to do more with a limited budget. He provided examples of how various platforms impact a user's ability to access information to complete a task or mission. He shared an overview of an efficient data platform that interconnects; is open sources and open standards; conducts storage and processing in the same cluster; and offers flexible deployment. The goal of such a system … Read more

In May, the chapter held its annual scholarship competition with students from the Stuttgart community. Students presented projects of scientific or technical nature dealing with communications, physics, multimedia and mathematics. The chapter awarded a total of $12,500, which included a $2,500 donation from GDIT. The chapter was honored to host Maj. Gen. Robert Wheeler, USAF, deputy chief information officer, secretary of defense staff, as the guest speaker for the awards luncheon.

In March, the chapter welcomed guest speaker, Michael C. Ryan, director, Interagency Partnering, Headquarters U.S. European Command.

In February, the chapter welcomed guest speaker Larry K. Huffman, principal director for operations, Defense Information Systems Agency. The chapter hosted students from the local Patch Barracks High School who participated in the Cyber STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Initiative.

In January, the chapter welcomed Lt. Gen. Michael Basla, USAF, chief, information dominance and chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. The general briefly discussed the cyber domain, the current threats of terrorism and cyberspace, and the challenges of cyberspace. Gen. Basla shared an inspiring story from his recent visit to the Wounded Warrior Cyber Center, where wounded warriors are earning professional certifications and transitioning to cyber specialties allowing them to continue their service and helping services meet the requirement for more cyber professionals. He stressed the need for innovation and unifying capabilities as well as working with coalition partners to overcome resource constraints. Gen. Basla and Brig. Gen. Bruce Crawford, USA, U.S. European Command J-6, discussed examples of unification efforts amongst the services and specifically in the European and African theaters. Upon conclusion of remarks, the general answered questions f … Read more

The chapter's December luncheon featured Maj. Gen. Brett T. Williams, USAF, director of operations, J-3, U.S. Cyber Command. The general explained cyberspace operations, specifically how operating in cyberspace is very different from doing cyber. He elaborated on what it means to conduct cyberspace operations and outlined the Defense Department Information Network Operations (DoDIN), Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) and DCO Response Actions(DCO-RA). He accepted questions from the audience and in closing stressed the need for officers and professionals who understand and are experienced in all three areas of cyberspace operations.

The chapter's October luncheon featured Brig. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, USA, director J-6 command, control, communications and computers/cyber, United States European Command (EUCOM). The general opened with a thought provoking video presentation of “Did You Know?/Shift Happens,” highlighting shifts occurring worldwide. He shared the Supreme Allied Commander Europe's priorities, stating, "In terms of preserving strategic partnerships and sustaining trust in a post-ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] environment, anticipate an increase in requests for not only maneuver forces but also cyber forces." He discussed EUCOM and the U.S. Africa Command's demonstrated ability to work together, establishing the Europe Joint Information Environment (JIE) as the first in the Defense Department to make the shift. His additional topics included: Joint Cyber Center threat vectors, posture and vulnerabilities; and joint exercises, specifically the success of the recent Combined Endeavor an … Read more

The chapter hosted the 11th annual golf tournament in September. The event gave participants an opportunity to enjoy a day out of the office with colleagues and friends at the Stuttgart Golf Course in Kornwestheim. The event raised approximately $2,500 for the chapter's Scholarship Fund. The chapter's corporate sponsors' contributions included: sponsored holes, trophies for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, a drink cart and goodie bag items. Special thanks to the following corporate sponsors: M.C. Dean, Verizon, General Dynamics Information, Hyperion and DRS.

In September the chapter had the privilege of welcoming Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Nally, USMC, director, command, control, communications and computers/chief information officer (CIO), Marine Corps, and deputy, Marine Forces Cyber, as the luncheon speaker. Gen. Nally highlighted the commandant of the Marine Corps' priorities and his CIO priorities and stressed that deployed personnel are of the utmost importance. He explained initiatives facilitating these priorities and how industry partners can assist. Gen. Nally introduced the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) Unification Campaign Plan as the roadmap for transition from the contracted Navy Marine Corps Internet (NMCI) to a government owned and operated environment. The MCEN will provide unified network processes and services to facilitate a tactical, strategic and operational advantage by providing Marines the same capabilities and standardized tool sets both at garrison and deployed locations. Gen. Nally included an explanation o … Read more

The annual Patch Barracks Technology Expo, hosted by the chapter in July, allowed the military technical community a venue to see the latest mission focused technologies while networking with peers and industry leaders. More than 70 vendors demonstrated the latest in cloud computing, ruggedized technologies, satellite communications, audio-visual equipment, distance learning, green printing solutions, data storage and management, engineering/information technology products and much more.

In June, Col. Richard Price, USA, commander of the Defense Information Systems Agency-Europe, delivered an overview of the Department of Defense's Information Technology (IT) future, the Joint Information Environment (JIE). He explained the JIE is a secure joint information environment, comprised of shared IT infrastructure and enterprise services, and a single security architecture to achieve full spectrum superiority, improve mission effectiveness, increase security and realize IT efficiencies. The JIE is operated and managed by the Unified Command Plan (UCP) using enforceable standards and specifications and common tactics, techniques and procedures. Col. Price cleared up misconceptions about the JIE, stating it is not a program of record, turnkey solutions or an independent way of doing things. He outlined the phases, governance and near-term capabilities of the Enterprise Operations Center, providing the audience an understanding of what is ahead and steps required to achieve i … Read more

The chapter was honored to have Col. Sean Broderick, USAF, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) J-6, speak at its April luncheon. Col. Broderick discussed key current issues and highlighted successes of current initiatives. He explained how the U.S. European Command and AFRICOM are proving that the Joint Enterprise Network (JEN) works. He provided an overview of what the Enterprise Operations Center will provide and shared a timeline for implementation. He discussed how DISA Enterprise Email services and capabilities have been demonstrated and remarked that the transition was seamless. Col. Broderick also discussed the criticality of equipping allies and coalition partners, and he referenced the successes AFRICOM's experience providing a "Harmony Web" that enables partners and supports collaboration. Col. Broderick addressed current garrison and deployed communication requirements and challenges and also highlighted the recent successes of the initiatives. He provided attendees an idea of … Read more

At the May luncheon, five students from the Defense Department Dependents Schools (Europe) Patch High School in Stuttgart, Germany, were presented more than $12,000 in scholarships. Proceeds from chapter events as well as $2,500 from corporate sponsor GDIT support this annual scholarship competition that encourages student interest in communications, physics, multimedia and mathematics or other relative electronic and technology fields. The student winners and projects were as follows: Olaf Bergeson (Electromagnetic Pulse Device); Dylan Rehwaldt (Electronic Game System); Matthew Watson (Electric Motor Kit); Morgan Mahlock (Frictionless Wind Turbine); and Diego Williams (Autodesk Maya). Each student gave a PowerPoint overview presentation to the panel of judges and demonstrated their project. Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio, USN, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, was the guest speaker for the luncheon, after which he and Tony Walk, project manager, GDIT BICES Europe, presented the … Read more

The chapter recently co-hosted its Winter Tech Expo at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. In partnership with the Defense Information Systems Agency-Europe, it hosted more than 30 vendors showcasing everything from the latest in cyber, cloud computing, data storage/protection, digital imaging, mobile devices, media converters, optical equipment, satellite solutions, unified communications, video network infrastructure, VTC systems and much more. All profits to the chapter go toward its scholarship program, which last year awarded more than $15,000 to high school students and teachers in the Stuttgart area.

Timothy Bootle, infrastructure senior manager for outside the contiguous United States, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), Systems Center Atlantic, provided an overview of SPAWAR and the organization's strategic plan in November. He explained that SPAWAR's mission is to rapidly deliver and support solutions that enable information dominance for naval, joint, national and coalition warfighters. Bootle highlighted SPAWAR's vision, goals and values, emphasizing that the right people are the organization's most important asset. He referenced the delivery of more than 16,000 MRAPs and 8,000 M-ATVs integrated with command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and information technology capabilities as one of SPAWAR's many successful projects delivering innovative solutions with speed, quality and agility. In closing, he expressed his gratitude to AFCEA and shared that he was once a recipient of an AFCEA scholarship. He stressed … Read more

In October, chapter members toured the IBM Research and Development Center Complex in Böblingen, Germany.

The chapter recently welcomed Alfred Rivera, director for computing services, U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), as its guest speaker. Rivera is responsible for the operations and sustainment of DISA's 14 Systems Management centers and processing centers located worldwide. Prior to assuming this position in October 2003, Rivera was the DISA computing services chief technology officer. His combined experiences with the Army as a systems engineer, satellite engineer and senior systems engineer and his recent positions in DISA give him an educated and in-depth understanding of critical command and control systems supporting combatant commanders as well as mission critical logistics, financial, personnel readiness and medical health systems supporting the department's services and agencies. Rivera discussed DISA's Enterprise Services and Computing and Network Defense (Net Defense) initiatives. He explained how data services ride on the Global Information Grid and how the Gl … Read more

The chapter hosted its 10th annual Golf Classic in September. The event gave participants an opportunity to enjoy a day out of the office with colleagues at the Stuttgart Golf Course in Kornwestheim. The event raised approximately $2,000 for the chapter's Scholarship Fund. Event contributions from corporate sponsors included, sponsored holes, trophies for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and last place, as well as Ladies and Men's longest drive and closest to the hole awards, a drink cart and golf balls and tees. Special thanks to the following corporate sponsors: DRS, General Dynamics Information Technology, Hewlett Packard (HP), and John Sciancalepore with Intervest International Incorporated.

In April, the chapter sponsored a professional development trip with support from Emerging Markets Communications (EMC). The staff ride went to Raisting, Germany, which is home of the Raisting Satellite Earth Station complex and Telehouse—one of the largest satellite communications facilities in Germany and the world.

Cindy Moran, director of the Network Services Directorate at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), served as the guest speaker at the chapter luncheon in April. Moran encouraged the audience with a vision of the future, outlining issues DISA has working with coalition forces, reduced budgets and cloud computing. The chapter received the Harry C. Ingles Award for chapters that have most significantly contributed to the goals of AFCEA. In addition, Gus Anderson, chapter corporate vice president and program manager for DRS, won the much-coveted Regional Meritorious Service Award for his work with the chapter's corporate sponsors.

In February, the chapter co-hosted the Fall Tech Expo with more than 40 vendors showcasing everything from the latest in satellite and video teleconferencing to naturally flame retardant military clothing. All profit to the chapter go toward its scholarship program, which last year awarded more than $30,000 to high school students and teachers in the Stuttgart area.

In January, the chapter hosted its first luncheon for 2012. Dr. Kai Simon, associate director, Gartner Deutschland, serves as the guest speaker and provided attendees with an analysis of market trends and the impacts they will have on how we do business.

In October, the chapter held its luncheon at the Swabian Special Events Center on Patch Barracks. Col. Mark C. Luchs, USAF, director of communications and chief information officer, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, served as the guest speaker.

In October, the chapter named Sgt. Nicholas Andersen, USMC, a special signals communicator stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, as the recipient of this year's AFCEA/CSC Defense Technical Certification Scholarship. Sgt. Andersen impressed the Selection Committee with his application and received a $2,000 scholarship. He is the special intelligence communications chief for U.S. Marine Corps Forces – Europe and Marine Corps Forces – Africa. The sergeant deployed multiple times in support of operation Iraqi Freedom. Since enlisting, Sgt. Anderson has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology management, and he is working toward a Master of Science degree in information security and assurance. He has also earned several technical certifications. Sgt Anderson said, “As a community, it's important to foster a culture of continuous improvement so our skill sets don't atrophy, and that we strive to be technical experts in our field.”

In September, the chapter hosted their 9th annual golf tournament featuring more than 50 golfers. The event raised approximately $1,335 toward next year's scholarships.

Lt. Gen. Carroll F. Pollett, USA, director, Defense Information Systems Agency, addressed the chapter at its August luncheon. He focused on the unique operational environment that exists and the technical challenges of the future.

The chapter's 2011 Tech Expo took place in Stuttgart, Germany, July 27-28, 2011. The event attracted more than 500 visitors, including Rolf-Dieter Zechai, Bonn Chapter secretary, and a group of three ROTC students from the United States. Zechai was visiting as part of the AFCEA Europe outreach program in Germany. The ROTC students were in Stuttgart under the auspices of the AFCEA Educational Foundation ROTC Experience Tour and were co-sponsored by AFCEA and Adm. James G. Stavridis, USN, the supreme allied commander, Europe, and commander of the U.S. European Command.

In September, the chapter hosted the 8th annual Stuttgart AFCEA Golf Classic. All the profits raised from this event will go toward the chapter's annual scholarship fund, which has provided more than $60,000 in cash and U.S. savings bonds over the past six years to deserving high school seniors and teachers from the Stuttgart area. The chapter raised more than $3,500 for its scholarship fund at this year's annual tournament.

In August, the chapter invited Lt. Gen. Carroll F. Pollett, USA, director, Defense Information Systems Agency, and commander, Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations, to serve as guest speaker. He spoke of the importance of keeping current with technology and the challenges of Internet safety. The event's attendance was one of the largest in recent history.

The chapter's May meeting focused on scholarship presentations. Four high school students received $10,000 in savings bonds, and a local teacher received a $1,000 Science Teaching Tools Award to purchase equipment for technology and communications classes.

Kathleen Miller, director for procurement, Defense Information Systems Agency, served as the guest speaker at the chapter's March meeting.

In January, the chapter cosponsored the Stuttgart Patch Barracks Tech Expo with Defense Information Systems Agency Europe. More than 30 companies participated in the event.

In December, the chapter was invited to tour the IBM plant, located in Boeblingen, Germany. Information during the tour included trends in research and development, advancements in IBM's technology and a lab tour of the plant.

The chapter sponsored its annual golf tournament in September to raise funds for high school scholarships. The fundraiser was well attended by chapter members and their guests.

The chapter held its annual scholarship award presentation luncheon in July. Chris Ratliff, Defense Information Systems Agency, Europe Field Office, was the guest speaker. He compared his experience as a student learning about technology to what students are facing today as technology continues to rapidly advance.

The chapter's February luncheon meeting featured guest speaker Lt. Gen. Charles E. Croom Jr., USAF, director, Defense Information Systems Agency and commander, Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations. The luncheon featured a large turnout of attendees, who heard Gen. Croom discuss new technologies being introduced to the military forces. The general also addressed challenges facing Internet security.

The chapter held its fifth annual Golf Classic on Friday, 14 September 2007, at the Stuttgart Golf Club in Kornwestheim. Proceeds are used to support the Stuttgart Chapter of AFCEA Scholarship Program.

In July the chapter sponsored a luncheon featuring Bill Schlichter, the European Central regional vice president for AFCEA. Schlichter delivered an overview of his work and also discussed changes in technology over the past 30 years. During the luncheon, the chapter's executive board members for 2007-2008 were introduced to include the new chapter president, Col. Michelle M. Fraley, USA, commander, Defense Information Systems Agency-Europe. The new board also includes Mary Benko, chapter tech expo coordinator; Maj. Teri Centner, chapter vice president (VP); Dr. Joe Page, chapter secretary; Brandi Ottinger, chapter membership VP and Web master; Wayne Henry, chapter treasurer; Cristina Page, chapter publicity and awards VP; 1st. Lt. John Amann, chapter programs coordinator; Capt. Ted Schroemer, chapter tech expo coordinator; 1st Lt. Dave Dougherty, chapter tech expo liaison; and Master Sgt. Brian Kentta, chapter VP for Young AFCEAN and scholarships.

In May the chapter sponsored a scholarship luncheon featuring Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Verbeck, USAF, director of command, control, communications and warfighting integration, Headquarters, U.S. European Command. A longtime AFCEA supporter, Gen. Verbeck addressed the luncheon and discussed various aspects of his duties and experiences. Also during the luncheon, the chapter presented four savings bonds totaling $10,000 for first- through fourth-place student winners and joined together to congratulate a new lifetime member, Dr. Joseph T. Page Jr, chapter secretary.

Vice Adm. Nancy E. Brown, USN, director for command, control, communications and computer systems (C4)/J-6, the Joint Staff, spoke in February at Patch Barracks, Germany. More than 100 attendees came to Adm. Brown's featured guest presentation, joining with several other VIPs present for the event.