January Event Held at VMI Highlights the Race for 5G Dominance

In January, the chapter hosted "Race for 5G Dominance and How It Impacts Us Regionally," at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. AFCEA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence's President's Commentary from the June 2022 SIGNAL Magazine, 'The Tortoise-and-Hare Race for 5G Dominance,' set the stage for the program. Col. Michael B. Black, USAF (Ret.), vice president, Defense, AFCEA International, shared the stage with Lenny Chin from AT&T, Cadet Cody Bartman, moderator, and Cadet Derrell Fletcher-Knight, question facilitator. The combination of the event's location, Chin's expertise as AT&T's senior principal architect and Col. Black's knowledge as a former U.S. Department of Defense and industry representative highlighted the government, industry and academia triad that is part of AFCEA's misson.

The VMI cadets were attentive and asked great questions. Col. Black had the opportunity to engage Lt. Col. John Young, USMC (Ret.), VMI chief of staff, and Col. Nichole Scott, Air Force ROTC commander, with office calls prior to the panel. Both were very receptive to AFCEA and collectively, Col. Young, Col. Scott and Col. Black identified several avenues for increased synergy. 'I really think we have a chance to build a great relationship and partnership with VMI (through the Rockbridge Shenandoah Chapter) with their level of interest and committed support,' said Col. Black. 'There are several other staff members that wanted me to meet ‘next time.'''

The chapter leadership of Jeff Thompson, president, and Mattie Smith, executive vice president, along with Regional Vice President Ken Hirlinger, were great hosts and are eager to grow the chapter. The chapter's location, which is close to a number of colleges and universities in the Shenandoah Valley, could provide a model for AFCEA in the academia arm of the association's goal of maintaining the government, industry and academia triad.

Event Photographs: