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In December, the chapter hosted a luncheon featuring guest speaker Col. Ronald Jobo, USAF, at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama. Col. Jobo, deputy program executive officer (PEO), Business and Enterprise Systems (BES), spoke to a full house of military, industry and government personnel on the topic "State of the BES." Col. Jobo emphasized the crucial role of the BES in sustaining and managing more than 165 U.S. Air Force applications and centered his discussion around the potential new mantra for the PEO BES: "Without the PEO BES, the USAF will grind to a halt." He also briefly discussed BES priorities for 2015, dividing them into three subgroups: programmatic, strategic and technical. Col. Jobo mentioned that Robert Shofner, USAF, PEO BES, is heavily involved in the Secretary of the Air Force's "Bending the Cost Curve" initiative regarding Air Force spending on information technology. He mentioned a strong push for one information technology infrastructure across the Defense Department, a road map for this infrastructure and migration details to include how BES-managed applications function within this infrastructure. Col. Jobo also mentioned the importance of understanding potential challenges as well as effects of the Air Force acquisition reorganization effort, which should help customers gain deeper insight as opposed to program oversight. Finally, he discussed the critical need for BES personnel to demonstrate programmatic efficiencies that save money, which can then be filtered back into other Air Force systems. The audience then engaged in a brief question-and-answer session with Col. Jobo. The chapter also conducted annual board nominations and voting for the upcoming year. All nominations were approved by the group, and the following individuals will represent the Montgomery Chapter as of January 1: Eric Sloan, chapter president; Master Sgt. Neil Stewart, USAF, chapter vice president; Kameke Mitchell, Young AFCEA Advisory Council chapter president; Charisse Stokes, director, Education Foundation; Candace Akerson, chapter secretary; and Cheryl Brown, chapter treasurer. The chapter is proud to welcome all new and returning officers and extends thanks to Col. Jobo for donating his time to speak at the final luncheon of 2014.
In November, chapter members witnessed the results of one of their long-term Education Foundation sponsorships: The Wetumpka High School Robotics Team conducted a demo sales pitch for their newest robot, NERD Runner 3.0, to the Montgomery Industry Partners group in Montgomery, Alabama. Experienced business professionals critiqued the students and provided invaluable feedback in the areas of marketing, planning, promotion, digital model construction and professionalism regarding their sales pitch in preparation for the upcoming South's BEST Robotics Competition. The team, led by Dr. Virginia Vilardi, recently placed first overall in the War Eagle BEST Robotics Competition. The "SteAm Machine," as the team is referred to, is looking to bring strong competition to South's BEST in December. The Montgomery AFCEA Chapter Education Foundation has continuously supported the hard-working robotics team over the years, most recently with a $5,000 donation to fund essential equipment and other necessary items to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning and prepare for competitions. The chapter is proud to support the efforts of this tireless group of students and Vilardi as they continue to grow their program and expose students to the exciting world of STEM.
The German Armament Office and AFCEA Bonn e.V. presented their Joint Koblenz IT Symposium for the 10th time in September. This year's topic was "From Sensor to Shooter: How Interoperable Is It?" More than 300 participants discussed and listened to experts from the armed forces, industry and academia. The Koblenz IT Symposium has become a tradition with innovative elements, said Maj. Gen. Erich Staudacher, GEAF, chapter president. Challenges of interoperability among systems and international collaboration were among the main issues of the day. International experts and guests are part of the Koblenz IT Symposium, which has become a major event for federal forces in Germany over the years.<br>
The chapter's Women in Intelligence Group (WIIG) held its October social, sponsored by Cymertek, at Union Jacks. The event brought together professionals from throughout the industry for another positive networking experience.
In October, Charisse Stokes, director of the chapter's Education Foundation, awarded the Science Teaching Tools Grant and the Chapter Initiative Grant to deserving recipients within the Montgomery Public School system. Steve Blair, district technology coordinator for Montgomery Public Schools, presided over the award ceremony held at Wynton Blount Elementary School. Kristy Hatch, science specialist at Wynton Blount Elementary School, and Mona Green, principal at Wynton Blount Elementary School, accepted a $1,522 Science Teaching Tools Grant on behalf of the school to fund the purchase of iPad minis/cases and wireless temperature probes for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-enhanced learning during science classes. Bobby Abrams, principal at Jefferson Davis High School; Anissha Officer, principal at W.S. Garrett Elementary School; and Charlesetta Robinson, principal at Fews Secondary Acceleration Academy, accepted a Chapter Initiative Grant of $14,616 to fund the purchase of new computers and software for their respective schools. Carol Lamar, district technology instructor for the Montgomery Public School system, also attended and proudly supported her colleagues during both award donation presentations. The chapter is proud to support these outstanding educational institutions and looks forward to success stories from the schools as funds are used to introduce advanced STEM technology into classrooms.
In October, the chapter hosted a luncheon featuring Montgomery, Alabama, Mayor Todd Strange at local venue Arrowhead Country Club, drawing a full house of professionals from military, industry and government. Strange discussed local cyber initiatives, including plans to collaborate on a cyber-focused center with Maj. Gen. Steven Kwast, USAF, commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, and vice commander, Air University, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base. According to the mayor, working with Gen. Kwast and the local military community provides an opportunity to link information technology and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs with local River Region universities, thereby retaining graduates in Montgomery for information technology-related jobs. The mayor wants to instill cyber training into the universities' curriculum, as it will complement the training needs of local military organizations. Strange continued his information technology-themed discussion by reiterating his ongoing and strong support for the Montgomery Information Technology Summit, an annual chapter-hosted conference bringing in various speakers from across industry and the Department of Defense. Strange concluded by discussing plans for a $60 million investment to further enhance local areas around Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base. The chapter thanks Strange for his time, his strong support for AFCEA initiatives and for sharing his thoughts and plans related to information technology in the River Region. At the luncheons conclusion, Tom Gwaltney, regional vice president, AFCEA Mid-South Region, took a moment to recognize Dr. Joe Besselman, Disruptive Technologies, for his recent AFCEA International Leadership Award.
In October, the Montgomery Chapter's Young AFCEAN Advisory Council (YAAC) hosted a Business Over Breakfast event featuring Col. Ronald Jobo, USAF, deputy program executive officer for business and enterprise systems at Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex. Col. Jobo spoke to a full house of military and industry professionals on the topic "Leading in a Time of Change." Col. Jobo began his presentation by engaging with audience members to form a collective definition of the word change. He then explained the significance of understanding change and being a good leader who is able to adapt to an ever-evolving environment. Col. Jobo then turned his discussion to focus on the roles of leaders and their purpose of influencing people to work toward a collective mission. He emphasized the importance of a leader developing a strategy for mission success and concluded his discussion by offering advice for YAAC audience members to be successful leaders. After a brief question-and-answer session, Kameke Mitchell, YAAC Montgomery president, presented Col. Jobo with a certificate of appreciation. The chapter thanks Col. Jobo for taking the time to share his thoughts on leadership and career success.
In October, the chapter's Education Foundation was proud to award Science Teaching Tools Grants for educational-related funding to two deserving schools within Alabama's River Region. Jada Meadows and her third-grade students at George Washington Carver Elementary received a Science Teaching Tools Grant of $1,000 to fund the purchase of Lego building bricks and associated educational materials. Meadows plans to incorporate the Lego bricks into an architecture-related project that will dually enable students to gain experience with basic engineering and mathematics principles. Dr. Erinn Camille Floyd and students from Macon County proudly accepted a Science Teaching Tools Grant of $1,500 to fund the purchase of Lego Mindstorms robotics kits to continue the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among students. Macon County students will use the robots to learn about programming, engineering and technology in preparation for upcoming competitions. Both donations were presented by the chapter's Education Foundation director, Charisse Stokes. The chapter is proud to support these hard-working instructors and students and looks forward to making additional donations to deserving educational institutions in coming weeks.
In November, Lee High School's IT Academy hosted its annual open house event and featured guest speaker Charisse Stokes, the chapter's Education Foundation director, to discuss the benefits and path to pursuing a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree/career. The event took place at Lee High School and kicked off with a formal dinner immediately followed by student speeches and a presentation by Stokes. Stokes spoke to the audience of current and prospective students and their parents regarding the benefits of a career in STEM. She emphasized to students the importance of hard work, tenacity and practice to achieve success in life. Stokes encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities presented to them through the IT Academy, in the forms of various certifications they can obtain and more, to set them on an advanced track to a successful future upon high school graduation. Students and parents were receptive to Stokes' motivating presentation. During the evening, students took the opportunity to personally thank their instructors, Christopher Royal and Kevon Chesson, for supporting them during their time at the IT Academy. Royal and Chesson bring information technology expertise, encouragement and an enthusiasm for teaching to the IT Academy that is directly reflected in their students excitement in learning about STEM. The chapter's Education Foundation is proud to continue supporting the hard-working students and teachers of the IT Academy and looks forward to its continued success.
In November, the chapter's Education Foundation provided a robotics donation valued at $800 to the Prattville Girl Scouts Robotics Club in Prattville, Alabama. The Girl Scout troop is currently building a robot named Victor in preparation for upcoming competitions in Athens, Georgia, and Huntsville, Alabama. The troop is led by Laura Puranen and consists of seven girls who make time after a full day at school to dedicate to tailoring and upgrading Victor. The chapter's Education Foundation is proud to support this bright group of girls and looks forward to watching their continued success as they pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) interests.
In November, the chapter hosted its annual membership mixer at local venue the Alley Bar in Montgomery, Alabama. The event drew a full house of local and visiting members of industry, government and military personnel, many of whom were in town to attend a vendor exchange forum event at Gunter Annex earlier that day. The mixer provided a prime opportunity for various AFCEA members from across the country to network and served as a great learning experience for nonmembers who were looking to join the organization. Mixer guests had the opportunity to network not only with each other, but also with various leaders from Gunter Annex, including Robert Shofner, program executive officer (PEO) for Business and Enterprise Systems (BES); Col. Ronald Jobo, USAF, deputy PEO, BES; Richard Lombardi, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition); and Randall D. Culpepper, PEO, Combat and Mission Support. Overall, the evening was a success, and the chapter looks forward to working with new and existing AFCEA members on future events.
In November, the chapter's Young AFCEANs participated in the 14th annual Turkey Burner 5K as part of their Get Fit program. Team YAAC was proud to be a part of this charitable run that supports the Montgomery Area Food Bank by collecting donations of canned goods from race participants to help feed those in need in the community. The run took place in Montgomery, Alabama, and all members of Team YAAC finished the race strong. Team YAAC runs/walks in the Turkey Burner annually and boasted an impressive team this year consisting of 18 participants. Team YAAC is already looking ahead to form teams for upcoming local races, including the Jingle Bell Run in December and the Hyundai Half-Marathon/5K runs in March 2015.
Chapter member Capt. Mário Simões Marques, PRT (N), won the AFCEA Medal of Merit Award 2014, which recognizes his commitment and dedicated service to the association and a professional level of excellence as a military member, an industry-defense facilitator and a C4I researcher and developer. In December, Rear Adm. Carlos Rodolfo, PRT (Ret.), AFCEA director and regional vice president of the Atlantic Region, presented this award along with Vice Adm. António Manuel Fernandes da Silva Ribeiro, PON, the Portuguese Navy's materiel superintendent, and Rear Adm. Mario Durao, PRT NA (Ret.), chapter president.
In December, the chapter awarded two scholarships to deserving cadets enrolled in the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) program at San Jose State University. The scholarships, presented to Henry Salazar and Steven Wong, totaled $1,000 for use toward tuition, books or other college expenses. Bob Moorhead, chapter president, and Bob Landgraf, former regional vice president, presented the awards during the AFROTC Detachment 045 Fall Dining-Out. The Fall Dining-Out is the cadet wing's formal event of the school year where more than 175 cadets, alumni, community partners, friends and family celebrate the achievements of the semester. The guest speaker, Col. Matthew Lupone, USAF, commander, Defense Contract Management Agency, Sunnyvale, California, spoke to the cadet wing about leadership characteristics necessary to be effective on active duty.
The chapter's Young AFCEANs hosted their third annual 5K run and 1-mile walk in November at the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. The event was the group's largest fundraiser of 2014, raising $5,000 in sponsorships that will directly benefit science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Harford County. The proceeds will aid Edgewood Middle School's FIRST Lego League (FLL), allowing teams of students to independently research, design and program robots for the FLL competition. The 5K race began with opening words from Edgewood Middle School principal Patrice Brown. Gary Martin, deputy to the commanding general at U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), participated in the race and shared closing remarks during a post-race award ceremony.
The chapter sponsored the professional development course "Digital TV and Telecommunications" in December at Military Circle in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Engineers Luis Valle and Claudia Cardama coordinated distinguished speakers who exchanged views and experiences on the roles to be fulfilled by the state, companies, institutions and the university in the operation of new mobile services and digital TV platforms. Among the topics presented were "Spectrum Auction for 3G and 4G"; "Service Advanced 4G Mobile Communications (SCMA)"; "Regulation Mobile Virtual Network Operator OMV"; "National Plan for Digital Communication Services"; "National Standard for Digital Terrestrial TV Service Open"; "Argentina Connected"; "Networks Provincial"; "Over-the-Top OTT"; and "Digital Cinema." The event attracted 20 speakers and 55 attendees.
Former Chief Information Officer Lt. Gen. Michael Peterson, USAF (Ret.), spoke to attendees at the chapter's fall luncheon in November at the Carolina Skies Club, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. His speech focused on cyber warfare and the asymmetric threat and how industry is adapting with respect to critical infrastructure protection. The event also featured an Oculus Rift demonstration courtesy of U.S. Air Forces Central Command A6O. Among those in attendance were Col. Stamatis Smeltz, USAF, director of communications, U.S. Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT); Lt. Col. Stew Newton, commander, University of South Carolina Air Force ROTC; and Lt. Col. David McCoy, USAF, 20th Communications Squadron commander.
In December, the chapter hosted a luncheon featuring guest speaker Col. Ronald Jobo, USAF, at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama. Col. Jobo, deputy program executive officer (PEO), Business and Enterprise Systems (BES), spoke to a full house of military, industry and government personnel on the topic "State of the BES." Col. Jobo emphasized the crucial role of the BES in sustaining and managing more than 165 U.S. Air Force applications and centered his discussion around the potential new mantra for the PEO BES: "Without the PEO BES, the USAF will grind to a halt." He also briefly discussed BES priorities for 2015, dividing them into three subgroups: programmatic, strategic and technical. Col. Jobo mentioned that Robert Shofner, USAF, PEO BES, is heavily involved in the Secretary of the Air Force's "Bending the Cost Curve" initiative regarding Air Force spending on information technology. He mentioned a strong push for one information technology infrastructure across the Defense Department, a road map for this infrastructure and migration details to include how BES-managed applications function within this infrastructure. Col. Jobo also mentioned the importance of understanding potential challenges as well as effects of the Air Force acquisition reorganization effort, which should help customers gain deeper insight as opposed to program oversight. Finally, he discussed the critical need for BES personnel to demonstrate programmatic efficiencies that save money, which can then be filtered back into other Air Force systems. The audience then engaged in a brief question-and-answer session with Col. Jobo. The chapter also conducted annual board nominations and voting for the upcoming year. All nominations were approved by the group, and the following individuals will represent the Montgomery Chapter as of January 1: Eric Sloan, chapter president; Master Sgt. Neil Stewart, USAF, chapter vice president; Kameke Mitchell, Young AFCEA Advisory Council chapter president; Charisse Stokes, director, Education Foundation; Candace Akerson, chapter secretary; and Cheryl Brown, chapter treasurer. The chapter is proud to welcome all new and returning officers and extends thanks to Col. Jobo for donating his time to speak at the final luncheon of 2014.
In December, as part of the ongoing GET FIT Program, members of the chapter's Young AFCEAN Advisory Council (YAAC) "jingled" their way to the finish line in the 25th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk at Huntingdon College. Team YAAC, represented by military, industry and government participants, finished the 5K race strong. The YAACs were proud to participate in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk again this year in support of the Alabama Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, which focuses on finding a cure for arthritis. The Jingle Bell Run/Walk was the final fitness event in Team YAACs 2014 GET FIT Program. The chapter YAAC is already planning future events as part of GET FIT 2015, including the Centerpoint Half-Marathon/5K in February, the Hyundai Half-Marathon in March and the Walk of Life supporting breast cancer awareness/research in April.