TMCnet News

INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER NEWS [Signal]
[April 24, 2014]

INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER NEWS [Signal]


(Signal Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) EDITORIAL POLICY: Chapter News must be received by the 20th of the month two months prior to publication date.

Aberdeen Workshop on Developing the Tactical Network The chanter hosted a PEO C'T Technical Worksnop in December on "Developing the Tactical Network: An Investment in Our Future." Brig. Gen. Dan Hughes, USA, program executive officer for command, control, communications-tactical (PEO C'T), and key staff discussed the technical pathway as the Army continues to modernize its tactical network and capability packages to support its infantry, Stryker and armored brigade combat teams. The event outlined the strategic direction of PEO C'T, which is charged with developing and fielding the Army's tactical network. The office will then focus on the technology road map to support fielding a less complex current network, future network enhancements and the network after next. Key conversation at the workshop included topics such as information assurance, spectrum management, human-machine interface, common operating environment needs and platform integration challenges.



Alamo Speaker Explains Steps Toward JIE Maj. Gen. Craig Olson, USAF, program executive officer (PEO) for command, control, communications, infrastructure and networks, spoke to the chapter in January about the path the U.S. Defense Department is following to build a resilient and defensible Joint Information Environment. Though his remarks focused heavily on Air Force policy, Gen. Olson noted tnat the five pillars underlying this strategy are virtually the same throughout all the uniformed services: connect, protect, compute/store, share, and command and control (C2) operations. One listener asked how heavily the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) strategy would continue to be enforced by Gen. Olson's PEO. "Does anybody like LPTA?" Gen. Olson asked, to laughter from a room filled with industry contractors. "Whatever contracting strategy we make for a given effort needs to be the one for that effort. So it depends," he said, noting that LPTA can become an obstacle to goals if too rigorously applied.

Chapter Awards $25,000 in Scholarships In December, Bill Morrow, chapter president, presented scholarship checks totaling $25,000 to six students at the University of Texas-San Antonios (UTSAs) Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS). The allocations to UTS A are among the chapters largest single disbursements of scholarship funds and go to students who are seeking careers in information assurance, cybersecurity and information technology. The winners were UTSA sophomores Christopher Ruff and John Hollenbeck, senior Alyssa Dunn, masters candidates Joey Acosta and Jason Jendrusch, and Ph.D. candidate Rocky Slavin. "The level of knowledge and professionalism in these recent scholarship recipients is the highest I've ever seen," Morrow said. UTSAs College of Sciences and the CIAS continue to excel and give back to the security of the nation.


Alaska Verizon Wireless Expands to Alaska During the January chapter luncheon, Lt. Col. David Elder, USA, chapter president, recognized two members for their outstanding contributions to the chapter: Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Burris, ANG, chapter secretary, and Electa Kean with AT&T, who as a corporate liaison for the chapter reached out to dozens of companies. The guest speaker was Charles Bock, government account manager for Verizon Wireless. Bock discussed Verizon's recent expansion into the Alaska markets, including 4G LTE in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, as well as LTE for Rural America (LRA) in outlying communities. Verizon's robust infrastructure has built-in redundancy and a fleet of mobile backup systems: Cell On Wheels (COWS); Generator On A Trailer (GOATs); Cell On Light Trucks (COLTs); and Repeater and Trailer units (RATs). Bock also discussed coming improvements in priority calls on the 3G network.

Atlanta Local Teachers Honored with Grants The chapter held its Teaching Tools Grant ceremonies during the January luncheon at GTRI in midtown Atlanta. The chapter annually recognizes, based on merit, a number of middle and high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers in the local area. This year's awardees include: Dr. Kelly Price, Forsyth County (multiple schools), Forsyth; Martha Milam, East Coweta High School, Coweta; Lynn Cook, Loganville Middle School, Loganville; Carla Vanshaw, North Gwinnett Middle School, Gwinnett; Sheila Harmony, Gwinnett School of MST, Gwinnett; ana Tina Link, Walton High School, Cobb. Unable to attend were Juan Mora, South Cobb High School, Cobb, and Randy Stafford, Rome High School, Floyd. Each recipient was presented with a $625 monetary grant and the profound appreciation of the chapter for their passion to keep STEM subjects robust and interesting to young leaders.

Central Maryland Women in Intelligence Group Hosts Social The chapter's Women in Intelligence Group (WIIG) held its February social at the offices of host Varen Technologies, a chapter Silver Sponsor. As always, a great deal of networking and career discussions took place among the attendees, who enjoyed food and beverages supplied by Varen.

Bookclub Unites Women in Intelligence The chapter's Women in Intelligence Group (WIIG) held another successful book club in January at Proteus Engineering. The event once again gathered together women in the intelligence community to share their insights, thoughts and feelings about Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. The book club meets quarterly, and the book selection for the upcoming April book club is Good to Great by Jim Collins. The WIIG is especially interested in this recommended read from Cynthia Miller, chief of staff, Information Assurance Directorate, who made the recommendation at WlIG's 2013 Fall Speaker Event.

Government and Small Business Speakers Address Luncheon The chapter hosted its January luncheon at Martin's Crosswinds in GreenDelt, Maryland, with more than 500 people in attendance. The small business guest speaker was Mark Mykityshyn, Ph.D., executive chairman of Tangible Security. The company was founded in 1998 as an application development company with a mission to deliver complex information technology solutions. As of 2014, Tangible has increased its reach into vital commercial markets such as financial, manufacturing, retail and health care. It also has expanded such capabilities as security operations; secure development life cycle; and governance, risk management and compliance services. While focusing on its future, Tangible has had a clear vision as a trusted partner to federal and corporate clients-a future in which the firm is dedicated to being at the forefront of in cybersecurity innovation, insight and intelligent growth. Anne Neuberger, who has served as the director, National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) Commercial Solutions Center (NCSC), was the government speaker.

Covilha Student New Student Club Established in Covilha The president and chief executive officer of AFCEA International approved the founding of a student club at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Covilha, a city in eastern Portugal. The club president is Pedro Santos, the first vice president is Pedro Albuqueraue and the secretary is Joao Morgado, all students at the Department of Aerospace Sciences (DCA) of UBI. Professor Jorge Reis Silva is the faculty adviser. In December, during the opening ceremony of the UBI/DCA academic year 2013-2014, Morgado spoke about the creation of the club and presented the activities planned for 2014. Rear Adm. Carlos Rodolfo, PRT NA (Ret.), president of the Portugal Chapter, pointed out that the club membership will provide opportunities for students to communicate with the academic and scientific community around the world; to participate actively at seminars, symposia, courses and member networking; and to engage in scientific projects and obtain grants and scholarships.

Dayton-Wright Twenty Years of Valentine Ball Scholarship Success The chapter held its annual Valentine Ball Gala in February to raise scholarship money for the chapter to benefit local colleges and support science and technology teaching tools in local schools. More than 220 attendees participated in the black-tie gala with dinner and dancing. The event was attended by the local military community and support organizations. The Volunteer Committee included Danna Plewe, chair; Stephanie Gottschlich, vice chair; Casey Weinstein, sponsorship chair; Cory MacPherson, silent auction chair; and Julie Harris, operations chair. Event sponsors were: Gartner, Cubic, Peerless Technologies, Vana Solutions, Radiance Technologies, Deloitte, Dayton Development Coalition, Winans, CDO Technologies, WSRI, Sawdey Solutions, Dell, CACI, Team Askin, Flairsoft, Segue Technologies, Triune, JJR Solutions and Tek Systems.

New Year Kick Off The January luncheon kicked off the new year with the installation of its officers and a state of the base presentation on WrightPatterson Air Force Base. Col. Cassie B. Barlow, USAF, is the 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, WrightPatterson Air Force Base, Ohio. She commands one of the largest air base wings in the Air Force with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian and contractor employees. The wing provides support and services to one of the largest, most diverse and most organizationally complex bases in the Air Force, including a major acquisition center, research and development laboratories, a major command headquarters, an airlift wing and the worlds largest military air museum. The base is home to more than 27,000 employees and is the largest single-site employer in the state of Ohio.

Greater Omaha Strategic Command Speaker on Space In January, Harold D. Haney, chief, Space and Missile Defense C4 Division (J-66), U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, spent some time discussing the inner workings of satellite communications (SATCOM) management. Haney explained that STRATCOM has responsibility for eight distinct missions, of which space is one. His division deals with beyond line-of-sight communications. The STRATCOM commander is the SATCOM operations manager, directing management of operational U.S. Defense Departmentowned and leased commercial SATCOM resources. Haney touched on satellite orbits. He commented that approximately 1,500 electromagnetic interference (EMI) events occur a day. He mentioned the military SATCOM constellations, including the currently active ones and their proposed replacements. Haney said that the Defense Department needs to collaborate closely with commercial SATCOM to meet its operational objective. He elaborated on the various mobile terminals the military utilizes and talked about the importance of determining global requirements.

Hampton Roads Admiral Discusses Navy Technology Initiatives January's luncheon featured Rear Adm. Scott B. Jerabek, USN. The admiral discussed the Navy's initiatives to support new technology and research from small private sector firms. He specifically discussed some recent projects involving drone technology and the process his department uses to screen and select which "grassroots solutions" it will preview and consider.

Hawaii The Evolving Nature of Security in Asia-Pacific In January, the chapter welcomed Lt. Gen. Dan "Fig" Leaf, USAF (Ret.), director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, who spoke on "The Evolving Nature of Security in Asia-Pacific." He provided insights on the United States' stabilizing influence in the region and the importance of continuing tne centers program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events. Daniel Schwarz of CACI International Incorporated was recognized for his work as the chapter's 20082012 vice president of finance. Craig Nagasawa, GDIT Intelligence Solutions Division, was honored as the chapter's Executive of the Month. AFCEAN of the Month was Maj. (Lt. Col. select) Alejandro Rodriguez, USAF, U.S. Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Operations Center. Master Sgt. Donald Wildasin, USAF, quality assurance supervisor, Defense Information Systems Agency Pacific, joined by his wife, Katie, was recognized as the Young AFCEAN of the Month. The chapter congratulates and thanks all its awardees for their outstanding service to the community.

28th Annual TechNet Asia-Pacific Conference and Exposition Held The 28th Annual TechNet Asia-Pacific Conference and Exposition was held in Honolulu in December. This year's theme was "Building Coalitions Through Cyber." The event is the largest, longest-running information technology conference of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Keynote speakers, panel moderators and panelists discussed policies and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and their relevance to both industry and governments. More than 200 exhibitors demonstrated products and solutions to meet increasing, ever-changing information and security needs. More than 3,000 attendees from Hawaii, Asia, the Pacific Rim and the U.S. mainland attended the event to explore and discuss the critical issues associated with technology, information assurance and security, intelligence and their various applications. Students from private, public and charter schools representing future scientists and innovators could be found demonstrating robotics and cyber projects in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) exhibit room. This was the first year that TechNet Asia-Pacific offered five one-hour information technology and computing courses. Attendees received a certificate and one continuing education unit (CEU) per course. Registration for the panels, courses and exhibits was free.

Lexington-Concord Luncheon Celebrates AfricanAmerican History Month The chapter's Diversity Committee, led by Sheila Cunningham, in coordination with the Hanscom Air Force Base African-American Heritage Committee, led by 2nd Lt. Natasha Miller, USAF, hosted a luncheon in February, at the Minuteman Commons, Hanscom Air Force Base, to commemorate African-American History Month. Bud Vazquez, chapter president, presided as master of ceremonies. Special guest speaker Col. Bruce Monroe, USAF, senior material leader, International Division, Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, and former Hanscom Air Force Base community member, enthralled the crowd with his personal perspectives in celebration of African-American heritage.

State of AFLCMC Address Bud Vazquez, chapter president, hosted the second annual State of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) luncheon at the Doubletree Bedford Hotel, Bedford, Massachusetts, in January. Guest speaker Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore II, USAF, commander, AFLCMC, discussed progress, initiatives and the future direction of the center. Scott Hardiman, chairman of the board, joined Vazquez in presenting a $2,500 check to Col. Lester Weilacher, USAF, base commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Gerald Nunes, USAF, Security Forces manager, for the Air Force Enlisted Education Fund. Vazquez also recognized the chapter's AFCEA International award winners, including Jeff Katz, Medal of Merit; Steve Wert, Program Executive Office for Battle Management, Distinguished Award for Engineering; Matt Carroll, Regional Distinguished Young AFCEAN; Capt. Bobby Walker, USAF, Distinguished Young AFCEAN; and Chris Molis, Emerging Leader. The luncheon concluded with presentation of a $500 check to Gen. Moore for Hanscom's Operation Concern, which supports the Hanscom community and families of deployed personnel.

Los Angeles Future Space and Missile Missions Col. Scott W. Beidleman, USAF, director of development planning at Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is responsible to the commander of the SMC for the planning of future space and missile missions across the center. In his talk to the chapter in January, he explained new materiel concepts that are being developed by his directorate to satisfy requirements provided by headquarters Air Force Space Command. He directs an SMC modeling and simulation capability to assess the performance of these concepts. He also is responsible for the planning process for technology investment needs across the center and for conducting project demonstrations. Research, technology and demonstration are the keywords for their activities. Projects include, among others, a commercial hosting demonstration, Advanced Hypersonic Development (AdHD), solar electric propulsion and a Space Environmental NanoSat Experiment (SENSE) to measure and establish background radiation levels in orbit.

Northern Virginia Young AFCEAN Recognized as Emerging Leader Chapter member Ryan Cox, Oracle, won the National Capital Region Distinguished Young AFCEAN (DYA) Award in 2011 for exemplary leadership as a chapter Young AFCEAN (YAC). At West 2014, Cox received the Emerging Leadership Award from AFCEA International, which recognizes former DYAs who have demonstrated continuous leadership. As a member of the chapter, Cox served as YAC president, and as a result of his performance, he was elected to the chapter board in 2012. Cox served successfully as vice president of information, where he initiated innovative member communications, most notably the NOVA Communicator eNewsletter, and led the adoption of social media for advertising and member coupling. Cox chaired the chapters committees for Small Business, Sponsorship and Schedules, and was selected for the 2013 Corjay Award, the highest chapter honor, not often given to younger members. In 2013, Cox was elected as vice president of special activities, managing the chapters largest events with a budget of more than $880,000.

Young AFCEAN Awarded DYA at WEST At West in February, chapter member Luke Howe, Sagent Partners, received the AFCEA International Distinguished Young AFCEAN (DYA) Award. Howe serves as president of the chapters Young AFCEANs. He has been an active volunteer since March 2009 and quickly became involved in support of chapter events and the AFCEA scholarship program. Luke has supported all chapter IT Days by helping identify sponsors, acquire speakers and support event logistics. Flowe also assisted with the Valentine's Day Ball, the Mentoring Program with the George Mason University subchapter and a large variety of Young AFCEAN initiatives. Since 2011, Howe has been the Pentagon Shuttle Captain for the chapter, coordinating transportation between the Pentagon and the chapter event site. Howe works closely with the chair of the chapter's Wounded Warriors Program to raise funds and educate attendees on the importance of supporting Wounded Warriors. Howe received recognition as a chapter Super NOVA and a Distinguished Young AFCEAN.

Portugal STEM Award Supports Military College Robotics Activities In lanuary. Rear Adm. Carlos Rodolfo, PRT NA, chapter president, presented professor Armando Francisco, a technology teacher at Colegio Militar, with a set of microcontrollers for project development activities in the area ot robotics in the presence of students of that school.

Rocky Mountain Admiral Addresses Situational Awareness Needs In January, the chapter held its monthly luncheon at the Peterson Air Force Base Club. Highlights of the luncheon included the presentation of the AFCEA Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to Kendall Robinson. After lunch, the guest speaker, Rear Adm. Thomas H. "Hank" Bond, USN, director, command and control systems and director of cyberspace operations (J-6/J-3D), North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, provided an informative presentation on the need for situational awareness and decision support systems to provide visual/perceptual cues in addition to traditional analytics, Adm. Bond laid out a compelling case that decisionmaking is improved when the visual/perceptual side of the brain is engaged along with the analytic/verbal side by drawing on research in neuroplasticity, cybernetics and Gestalt psychology.

Silicon Valley First Meeting of the Year as Chapter Rebuilds The chapter held a luncheon in February at the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum. The guest speaker was 2nd Lt. Roderick Bersamina, ANG, public affairs officer, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard. Lt. Bersamina is from the local area, graduated from San José State University and received his commission through the Air Force ROTC program. Lt. Bersamina shared with an audience of 71 people the 129th's mission, a video and the unit's history spanning from 1975 to the present. The Rescue Wing has 1,003 saves under its belt, achieved during peacetime and wartime operations; the wing has actively supported operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom since 2003. In attendance at this meeting were military and industry personnel from all over the region. The chapter is actively rebuilding its program to make it relevant and viable to the armed forces and industries currently residing in the Bay area.

Stuttgart Air Force CIO Visits Stuttgart In January, the chapter welcomed Lt. Gen. Michael Basla, USAF, chief, information dominance and chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. The general briefly discussed the cyber domain, the current threats of terrorism and cyberspace, and the challenges of cyberspace. Gen. Basla shared an inspiring story from his recent visit to the Wounded Warrior Cyber Center, where wounded warriors are earning professional certifications and transitioning to cyber specialties, allowing them to continue their service and helping services meet the requirement for more cyber professionals. He stressed the need for innovation and unifying capabilities, as well as working with coalition partners to overcome resource constraints. Gen. Basla and Brig. Gen. Bruce Crawford, USA, U.S. European Command J-6, discussed examples of unification efforts among the services and specifically in the European and African theaters. Upon conclusion of his remarks, the general answered questions from attendees.

TampaSt. Petersburg Chapter Supports Regional STEM Fair The chapter proudly presented the 34th Annual Hillsborough Regional STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Fair. Tne STEM Fair is the largest event of its kind in Florida. This year, more than 2,600 students participated and represented public and private schools throughout Hillsborough County. The STEM Fair encourages students to pursue STEM careers.

Tidewater Professor Discusses Systems Engineering The chapter's January luncheon featured Michael C. Smith, a professor from the University of Virginia Department of Systems and Information Engineering. He provided a presentation on the tenets of systems engineering. Using the emergency landing of flight 1549 in the Hudson River as a Backdrop, Smith elaborated on the role that systems engineering plays-both good and bad-in everyday occurrences. In addition, the chapter presented the AFCEAN of the Month Award for January to Bryan Dunsmore, a junior at Tabb High School. Dunsmore is a member of the school's first CyberPatriot Team, which launched last fall. As the student leader for the team, he planned, trained and commanded the team during the November-December 2013 competition. The team finished in the top tier and will be competing in the state finals in February. Tabb is one of the chapters Adopt-A-School (c) 2014 Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association

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