Chapter Hosts Annual Awards Dinner

In August, the chapter hosted its Annual Awards Dinner to recognize achievements made by the chapter and its members during the past year. A collection of various industry and government representatives attended the event, which was hosted at Arrowhead Country Club. The chapter's Education Foundation kicked off the evening with the Presidents Reception, recognizing many companies who made generous donations in support of the foundation. Those companies include Array, IBM, ICS, NDTA, Sumaria and Unisys. Following the reception, attendees enjoyed dinner and a presentation from the Education Foundation highlighting the success of the High School IT Summer Internship Program. Corporate summer intern sponsors included Dr. Joe Besselman from Disruptive Technologies and Bill Woodhouse from eSolution Architects. Both gentlemen attested to the intelligence and tenacity of their interns and provided great feedback for the program. After the presentation, Tom Gwaltney, regional vice president, Midsouth Region, recognized the chapter and several individuals for their contributions. AFECA International Awards for the 2012-2013 year included the Harry C. Ingles Award (Large Chapter Category) and the Model Chapter of the Year Award for the 16th consecutive year. Chapter members recognized with AFCEA awards were John Hardt, Medal of Merit; and Eric Sloan, Meritorious Service Award; Master Sgt. Neil Stewart, USAF, Young AFCEAN of the Year; Kameke Mitchell, Emerging Leadership Award. Chapter award recipients for 2013 were Ray Perry, Government AFCEAN of the Year; Tom Wojszynski, Industry AFCEAN of the Year; and Taylor Gardiner, Young AFCEAN of the Year.

After the awards were presented, the audience enjoyed an insightful and informative presentation from Col. Ted Lowry, USAF (Ret.). Col. Lowry provided advice and words of wisdom from his many years of experience serving as a member of the Air Force and as a successful member of industry. The evening was a very successful event. The chapter would like to extend sincere thanks to all who helped put together the event, as well as its corporate donors who have supported and continue to support the Education Foundation.

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