Chapter Launches Jim Loiselle Award for Volunteerism

The chapter teamed up with Rady Children's Hospital to launch the annual Jim Loiselle Awards Event, and it announced finalists and the winner in August. Loiselle was a beloved member of the San Diego defense community. He had a long and distinguished naval career and retired as a captain. Loiselle had a deep love for his country and served 43 years in the defense community. He was an H-2 and H-46 helicopter pilot, flew 52 different aircraft as a Navy test pilot, launched six satellites for the Navy's Communications Satellite Program and implemented the military's first 911 emergency system. He was one of 20 finalists for NASA's military mission specialist astronaut program. As a devout community servant, Loiselle was a valued member of AFCEA since 2006. He held several positions within the chapter, including president from 2010-12 and chairman of the board of directors. In honor of Loiselle, the chapter has instituted the Jim Loiselle volunteer award. This award will be given once a year to the individual within the chapter who exemplifies Loiselle's values: an individual who holds ethics at the highest level and volunteers his or her time to better others, never quitting, and always working peacefully with others. The 2015 finalists are Gary Brister, Pat Kelly, Virginia Bayer, Lillian Maestas and Ken Garber. The first Jim Loiselle Volunteer of the Year award goes to someone who works behind the scenes and rarely receives the recognition she deserves. She volunteers tirelessly for multiple organizations and truly embodies the qualities of Loiselle. The chapter congratulates its inaugural Volunteer of the Year award winner, Maetas.

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