Inaugural TechNet Day Held

In September, the chapter held its 1st Annual AFCEA Okinawa TechNet Day on Camp Shield, Okinawa, Japan. The chapter discussed "Communications in a Constrained Fiscal Environment." Keynote speakers included Col. Mike Warlick, USMC (Ret.), vice president for regional and chapter outreach, AFCEA International; Richard McConnell, senior program manager of global Army programs, Federal Division, Cisco Systems; Master Gunnery Sgt. Arthur Allen, USMC, communications chief, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); Master Gunnery Sgt. Mathis Richard, USMC, communications chief of the Marine Corps; Chief Master Sgt. Richard Vargas, USAF, chief operations, 18th Communications Squadron; Master Gunnery Sgt. Tim Lepsch, USMC, ground communications-electronics maintenance chief, III MEF; Master Sgt. Beau Broussard, USA, S-3 Operations, 58th Signal Battalion; Command Master Chief Petty Officer Satoshi Obata, JMSDF; and Sgt. Maj. Hisato Uchikawa, JGSDF, Fleet Air Wing 5. The perspective offered by the guest speakers and the subsequent discussions amply highlighted the importance of our efforts and solidified the mission of AFCEA in the Asia-Pacific region. Communication is crucial in Okinawa due to its remote location and the huge operational tempo of the military units, stated the speakers. Clearly, work must be done in formulating successful strategies and executing them in partnership with the government, military, industry and academia. This is an ongoing process, and the chapter aims to facilitate this important forum.

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