Honoring Military IT and Cyber Leaders
The chapter convened government, military and industry leaders for its annual Military IT and Cyber Leadership Awards program, recognizing individuals and teams whose contributions advanced mission readiness, operational resilience and innovation across the joint force. The event highlighted achievements spanning the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard and Joint Command communities, reflecting the growing role of cyber operations, secure communications and data-driven capabilities in modern warfare.
The program featured keynote remarks from Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, commander of the Department of War Cyber Defense Command, and director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The discussion focused on the importance of resilient networks, operational communications and cyber capabilities in supporting military missions across contested environments. Examples from recent operations underscored the role of secure communications and sustained network operations in enabling command-and-control, intelligence-sharing and mission execution.
Award recipients were recognized for contributions across operational communications, cyber defense, infrastructure modernization and coalition interoperability. Honorees represented operational and technical communities supporting combatant commands, joint operations and global missions.
Award recipients included:
• Army: CW5 John Marty Millsap and Staff Sgt. John S. Ortiz-Ortega
• Marine Corps: Second Lt. John Rooney and Staff Sgt. Mario James Ranieri III
• Navy: Commander Mate Ærandir and Senior Chief Petty Officer Mohammed Alshibani
• Air Force: First Lt. Kylie Powers and Technical Sgt. Douglas P. Crisp
• Coast Guard: Lt. Junior Grade Christopher Edington and Chief Petty Officer Sean C. Lee
• Space Force: Capt. Joshua Terry and Sgt. Aaliyah Mejia
• National Guard: Capt. Jeremy "Savage" Bennington and Master Sgt. D'Angelo A. Cloud
• Joint Command: Maj. Lavell D. Williams, Capt. Charles Scott, Technical Sgt. Yusel Padilla and Staff Sgt. Wesley Kephart
Across the program, a consistent message emerged: cyber operations and resilient communications remain essential to maintaining operational readiness across the joint force. The event also reflected the continued importance of leadership, technical expertise and collaboration in addressing evolving defense challenges.
The chapter also acknowledged the sponsors and partners whose continued support contributed to the success of the program.
The chapter continues to host programs throughout the year recognizing leadership and innovation across the defense technology community. The chapter's final luncheon of the program year will take place in June, continuing discussions on the technologies and strategies shaping national defense. Additional information on upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities is available through the AFCEA Washington DC website.
The program featured keynote remarks from Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, commander of the Department of War Cyber Defense Command, and director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The discussion focused on the importance of resilient networks, operational communications and cyber capabilities in supporting military missions across contested environments. Examples from recent operations underscored the role of secure communications and sustained network operations in enabling command-and-control, intelligence-sharing and mission execution.
Award recipients were recognized for contributions across operational communications, cyber defense, infrastructure modernization and coalition interoperability. Honorees represented operational and technical communities supporting combatant commands, joint operations and global missions.
Award recipients included:
• Army: CW5 John Marty Millsap and Staff Sgt. John S. Ortiz-Ortega
• Marine Corps: Second Lt. John Rooney and Staff Sgt. Mario James Ranieri III
• Navy: Commander Mate Ærandir and Senior Chief Petty Officer Mohammed Alshibani
• Air Force: First Lt. Kylie Powers and Technical Sgt. Douglas P. Crisp
• Coast Guard: Lt. Junior Grade Christopher Edington and Chief Petty Officer Sean C. Lee
• Space Force: Capt. Joshua Terry and Sgt. Aaliyah Mejia
• National Guard: Capt. Jeremy "Savage" Bennington and Master Sgt. D'Angelo A. Cloud
• Joint Command: Maj. Lavell D. Williams, Capt. Charles Scott, Technical Sgt. Yusel Padilla and Staff Sgt. Wesley Kephart
Across the program, a consistent message emerged: cyber operations and resilient communications remain essential to maintaining operational readiness across the joint force. The event also reflected the continued importance of leadership, technical expertise and collaboration in addressing evolving defense challenges.
The chapter also acknowledged the sponsors and partners whose continued support contributed to the success of the program.
The chapter continues to host programs throughout the year recognizing leadership and innovation across the defense technology community. The chapter's final luncheon of the program year will take place in June, continuing discussions on the technologies and strategies shaping national defense. Additional information on upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities is available through the AFCEA Washington DC website.