QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Don’t Miss TechNet – Orlando 2007!!!
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association • Orlando – Central Florida Chapter
December 2006
Planning is complete for TechNet 2007, to be held at the Radisson University Hotel January 23 - 25, 2007. The theme for the upcoming TechNet is “Meeting the Transformation Challenges – Training, Equipping, and Sustaining the Coalition WARFIGHTER.” The Orlando Chapters of the AFCEA and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) are sponsoring this 7th Annual TechNet Orlando. Transformation to the Future Force occurs on a daily basis. This symposium will concentrate on the near term developments essential to modernizing the force.
Some of the TechNet Orlando 2006 Speakers and Panelists
Panels will examine the Coalition Warfighter, Homeland Defense, and War Against Terror capabilities as they are affected by these new technological and business practices. The contributions of C4I to this evolution will be described, as well as the effect that Training and Testing have on these operations. Sessions and tutorials will examine the contributions of such functions as Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Training, Testing, and Simulation in preparing our Warfighters to meet the new and diverse challenges. Again this year we expect a number of distinguished speakers and panelists who are at the forefront of current transformation efforts in the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. A detailed list may be found at http://www.afcea-orlando.org/technet.htm. The number and quality of these speakers, and the carefully planned small size and relaxed setting of the event, make TechNet Orlando one of the best events of its kind nationwide. You can save your seat at this event by registering at www.riptidesoftware.com/non-profit/technet; visit www.riptidesoftware.com/non-profit/technet/golf to register for the January 23rd TechNet Golf Tourney. We hope to see you there! 1
TechNet is the economic engine that drives our Chapter scholarship program and other activities. In addition, it offers outstanding value for both industry exhibitors and government attendees, providing an unmatched interactive forum to address key C4I issues and challenges facing our armed forces. If you are interested in lending a helping hand with TechNet, please contact Fred Eisele at Fred_W_Eisele@raytheon.com. Thanks!
President’s Remarks
In the short seven years since its formation, the Orlando–Central Florida Chapter of AFCEA continues to make significant contributions to the local community. The year 2006 was no exception. Just to name a few of the accolades – AFCEA International named us as a Model Chapter of the Year for 2006; we won the coveted Harry C. Ingles Award in the small chapter category; Mr. Jeff Goodman, our VP for Young AFCEANs, was selected as the 2006 Distinguished Young AFCEAN for the entire Eastern Florida-Caribbean Region; and Dr. Roger Smith, our First VP, was recognized by AFCEA International for his significant contributions to education in the Sciences and Engineering. None of these accolades would have been possible without the over 140 dedicated Chapter members, all striving to infuse the importance of communications, electronics, and information technology. From the more than $10,000 in education and scholarship programs to our breakfast and luncheon programs, your Orlando-Central Florida Chapter stands firm in our commitment to “service to the community.” The year 2007 promises to be no different. We’re starting off the year by co-hosting our 6th annual Combined Professional Association Group (CPAG) Defense Forum breakfast on 11 January at the Radisson Hotel on Alafaya Trail. Speakers include the senior leaders from each of the four military service simulation and training organizations here in Orlando. The Defense Forum is followed by our 7th annual TechNet - Orlando on 24-25 January, also at the Radisson Hotel. This year’s forum promises to be better than ever, with many senior leaders from the military, industry, and academia, along with numerous exhibits and professional development opportunities. And the event is preceded by a golf tournament on 23 January at Eastwood Country Club. Don’t miss out on either event! Lastly, let me take this opportunity to publicly thank Mr. Richard Hess as he steps down after several years of dedicated service as the Chapter’s Treasurer. His contributions will have long-lasting, positive impacts on this community for years to come. Let me also welcome Ms. Li McCombs as the Chapter’s new Treasurer – we look forward to her continued support. And to the myriad of others that help make this Chapter great, please accept my sincere thanks for your continued support. I look forward to working with you all and to a great 2007! Jerry L. Stahl Chapter President
CPAG Defense Forum Breakfast Reminder
Chapter members are reminded not to forget the local Combined Professional Associations Group (CPAG) Team Orlando Defense Breakfast Forum on January 11, 2006. The annual CPAG Defense Forum Breakfast provides Team Orlando (USA, USAF, USN, and USMC) leadership with the opportunity to address all CPAG professional associations at a single gathering. The popular annual event will be held at the Radisson Hotel on Colonial and Alafaya Trail and will begin at 7:30 a.m. Planned speakers
2
include Dr. Jim Blake, SES, PEO STRI (USA), CAPT Stephen A Burris, CO NAWCTSD (USN), COL Walt Augustin, PM TRAYSYS (USMC), and Col Lou Olinto, Commander, AFAMS (USAF). This 6th Annual CPAG Breakfast is sponsored by the Orlando Area Defense Professional Associations, which include the Air Force Association (AFA), Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association (AFCEA), American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Central Florida Marine Corps Foundation (MCF), International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA), National Center for Simulation (NCS), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), National Contracts Management Association (NCMA), and the Central Florida Council Navy League of US (NLUS).
Team Orlando and CPAG Leaders at the 2006 Defense Forum Breakfast
The CPAG is a local group which was formed in 2001. It consists of the Chapter Presidents or Program Vice Presidents from Central Florida defense-related professional associations. The primary goal of the CPAG is to address issues of mutual interest, coordinate program calendars, and conduct joint events where appropriate. The group meets quarterly to exchange information on upcoming events and discuss local initiatives and opportunities. Advance registration for the event is encouraged. Please see https://www.riptidesoftware.com/non-profit/luncheons or contact CPAG Coordinator Fred Eisele at 407-365-8060 for additional information.
2007 Scholarships Available
Proceeds from TechNet and support from AFCEA International have allowed the chapter to provide generous high school scholarships for several years. During the first quarter of 2007 we will be receiving and evaluating applications for this year’s scholarship funds. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors in the Central Florida region. Application materials are available on the chapter’s web site – http://www.afcea-orlando.org/scholarship.htm. The deadline for submitting applications is March 2, 2007. This year we plan to select scholarship recipients in time to present the scholarship at the high school awards ceremonies held in early May. Please encourage deserving high school seniors you know to consider applying for the scholarships. In 2006, the Chapter provided $5,000 in scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Each year, the minimum scholarship amount will be $500, but awards may be larger, depending on the number of qualified applicants. 3
The Chapter has continued our investment in the Seminole Community College scholarship we established last year. This scholarship will be awarded to a full time student who is pursuing a degree program consistent with AFCEA’s C4I charter. The application process and criteria are similar to that of the high school scholarships. The funds we provide to SCC will be matched by the State of Florida. These state matching contributions will double the power of our scholarship. The SCC scholarship program started with two $1,000 awards and, like our high school scholarship program, is evaluated each year for expansion.
November Luncheon – PM-ITTS
The Orlando-Central Florida Chapter welcomed COL David Lockhart, Project Manager, Instrumentation, Targets & Threat Simulators (PM ITTS), Orlando Florida, at our November luncheon meeting. COL Lockhart provided an engaging and informative update on PM ITTS activities. COL Lockhart discussed the mission and vision of the PM ITTS program and provided updates on recent test and evaluation activities. He also outlined the challenges and his team faces in achieving their program goals, and some initiatives that are fostering program success. These include partnering, test and training convergence, and acquisition rigor, all of which are intended to make the acquisition process more responsive and forward looking. Our sincerest thanks go to Colonel Lockhart for supporting our luncheon. We wish him strength and wisdom in his efforts to bring better warfighting capabilities to America’s Army, today, and tomorrow.
Chapter VP of Military Affairs Jerry Sirmans (l) and Chapter President Jerry Stahl (r) thank PM ITTS COL David Lockhart for his luncheon presentation.
Chapter Election Results Announced
Installation of Chapter Officers for 2007 was held in a brief ceremony at the November Chapter luncheon. Continuing in their Chapter leadership positions from 2006 are Jerry Stahl, Chapter President; Dr. Roger Smith, Vice President; and COL Wells Barlow (USA-Ret), Secretary. Li McCombs of PEO-STRI rounds out our core leadership team as Treasurer. Long-time AFCEAN Fred Eisele administered the oath of office at the installation ceremony. In accordance with Chapter By-Laws, the remaining positions on the Executive Committee are appointed by the incoming President after consultation with the newly elected officers and the Chapter Board of Advisors. These officers include R.J. Farris, Past President and Board of Advisors Liaison; Mike Agor, VP of Education and Scientific Careers; Jerry Sirmans, VP of Military Affairs; Steve Painter, VP of Corporate Affairs; Bill Meeboer, VP of Membership; Fred Eisele, VP of Programs; Jeff Goodman, Young AFCEAN VP; Larry Harrison, VP of Awards; and Dane Weston, VP of Publicity.
4
Fred Eisele (R) administers the oath of office to Wells Barlow (Secretary) and Jerry Stahl (President). Dr. Roger Smith (First Vice President) and Li McCombs (Treasurer) round out the Chapter cabinet.
If you are interested in a leadership position in the local Chapter, we have a number of initiatives planned for the coming year that could benefit from your skill, dedication, and hard work. Please contact Jerry Stahl (407-719-4699) or a member of our leadership team (http://www.afceaorlando.org/leadership.htm) for more information. We wish our new leadership team good luck and great success in the year ahead!
Chapter AFCEAN of the Quarter
Jeff Goodman was selected as the Orlando-Central Florida Chapter AFCEAN of the quarter for October through December 2006, for his support of Chapter Young AFCEAN operations and membership growth. Jeff is the Chapter Vice President for Young AFCEAN activities, and he has developed and implemented several programs to increase interest, participation, and membership by younger C4I professionals in Chapter activities. Jeff graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2001. He worked at the Institute for Simulation and Training from 1998-2000 as an engineer on various projects. Jeff worked at SAIC as a student from 2000-2001 on CCTT and UKCATT, and remained at SAIC after graduation while working as a software engineer on WARSIM. Since 2003 Jeff has been working for PEO STRI as a systems engineer on the Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability (JLCCTC). The AFCEA Orlando-Central Florida Chapter is proud to recognize Jeff Goodman’s contributions to our community and our Association. Thanks for the leadership and hard work, Jeff!
Chapter AFCEAN of the Quarter Jeff Goodman
5
AFCEA Orlando-Central Florida Chapter
Mission of the AFCEA Orlando-Central Florida Chapter
To provide an ethical, nonpartisan forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and support among government, industry, and academia IT professionals To foster education in the Sciences and Engineering To enhance the personal and professional growth of our members
6