AFCEA International Chapter News
GULF COAST CHAPTER CHAPTER - Oct 17, 2019

Chapter Reignites at Keesler Air Force Base

In October, the chapter kicked into gear for the upcoming fiscal year by hosting guest speaker Col. Heather Blackwell, USAF, commander, 81st Training Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. In addition, as sponsors for 81st Training Wing Information Dominance Awards Program, the chapter presented the award mementos to the 2019 winners. The luncheon signaled the kick-off efforts to reestablish an AFCEA presence at Keesler Air Force Base to provide professional development opportunities for the base's over 400 information technology (IT) and cyber professionals. The chapter also hosted a golf tournament in October, raising $1,500 to go toward STEM scholarships and other chapter programs. The chapter's mission is to strengthen the command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) communities and promote STEM at Keesler and the surrounding Biloxi, Mississippi, area. Furthermore, the chapter partners with local community academia and industry to foster education and development. Members serving in diverse careers including cyberspace, IT, security, communications and intelligence are eligible for membership. This eligibility extends to all Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force IT and cyber specialties to include civilian workforce, contract personnel, academia, financial institutions and IT professionals in the healthcare industry. This year's winners for the 81st Training Wing were: Cyber Operations Airman (Amn): Senior Airman Malcom Fowler, USAF, 81 Training Support Squadron; Cyber Operations Noncommissioned Officer (NCO): Technical Sgt. Jonathan King, USAF, 336 Training Squadron; Cyber Support Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO): Master Sgt. Zachary Golden, USAF, 81 Training Support Squadron; Cyber Systems Amn: Senior Airman Michael Padgett, USAF, 81 Communications Squadron; Cyber Systems NCO: Senior Sgt. Shawn Barrett, 338 Training Squadron; Cyber Warfare NCO: Technical Sgt. Ryan Perkins, USAF, 333 Training Squadron; Cyber Warfare SNCO: Master Sgt. Wilfredo Mateo, USAF, 333 Training Squadron; Cyberspace Outstanding CGO: Capt. Arturo Urquieta, USAF, 333 Training Squadron; Civilian Cat. I: Karen Dahmer, 81 Communications Squadron.

Event Photographs:

Col. Heather Blackwell, USAF, commander, 81st Training Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, presents Information Dominance Awards for the 81st Training Wing to Senior Airman Michael Padgett, USAF, at the October luncheon.
Col. Heather Blackwell, USAF, commander, 81st Training Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, presents Information Dominance Awards for the 81st Training Wing to Senior Airman Michael Padgett, USAF, at the October luncheon.
Col. Blackwell discusses the current state of cyber at the October event.
Col. Blackwell discusses the current state of cyber at the October event.
Attendees at the October event listen as Blackwell discusses the importance of Kessler Air Force Base's role in ensuring the cyber force is properly trained.
Attendees at the October event listen as Blackwell discusses the importance of Kessler Air Force Base's role in ensuring the cyber force is properly trained.
Blackwell presents an Information Dominance Award to Technical Sgt. Jonathan King, USAF, at the October luncheon.
Blackwell presents an Information Dominance Award to Technical Sgt. Jonathan King, USAF, at the October luncheon.

RSS Feed

Latest News News By Chapter Submit News FAQ RSS Feed Image Map
Search: