In the heart of "Cyber City USA" resides one of the largest concentrations of enlisted, officers and civilian cyber and information technology professionals in the Department of Defense. The chapter answered the call and delivered the first-of-its-kind government-centric speed networking event for Joint Base San Antonio's Cyber Community.
In January, during National Mentoring Month, the chapter hosted an opportunity for military and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian cyber senior leaders to engage across organizational lines and impart knowledge at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. Master Sgt. Nicho Chung, USAF, a rising AFCEA Emerging Leader and 2025 AFCEA International Meritorious Service Award winner, spearheaded this landmark event, resulting in an overwhelming turnout of 93 attendees across 42 organizations.
Mentor biographies were shared in advance to highlight leaders' diverse cyber career paths and foster an intentional mentoring conversation at the event. The event kicked off with Lt. Col. Gilberto "Coach" Perez, USAF, 502nd Communications Squadron commander and chapter vice president of military affairs, emphasizing the importance of coming together to strengthen relationships and mentor the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.
Then, shoulder-to-shoulder, 30 senior leader mentors introduced their organizations and shared words of wisdom to help mentees navigate their careers in the profession of arms.
"Mentorship is a force multiplier. Alamo AFCEA built a critical knowledge-sharing forum, which gave a meaningful support structure to those who will carry the torch forward in service to our nation," said Col. Mickey Jordan, USAF, 688 Cyberspace Wing A2/3 and 690 Cyberspace Operations Group commander.
Mentees had the opportunity to meet and converse with their chosen mentor, then rotated in 15-minute intervals to engage with other mentors over the course of two hours.
"The mentor-protégé event was an incredible experience. It was eye-opening to have the opportunity to engage with commanders and senior enlisted leaders, who provided unique insights into leadership and career progression. The discussions helped me feel more confident, as I look ahead to new opportunities and challenges in my career," said Airman 1st Class Skyler Hilton, Air Force Public Affairs Agency.
Chapter volunteers highlighted the importance of joining professional organizations-such as AFCEA-to first-time attendees and answered general questions regarding AFCEA and the Alamo Chapter. To culminate the event, 15 airmen were awarded AFCEA memberships to join the premier international organization dedicated to connecting people, ideas and solutions.
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