AFCEA DC ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 3^rd ANNUAL SPRING LEADERSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM

14 Individuals Recognized for Significant IT Contributions to the Warfighter

Visit the Event Website and View Pictures of the Awards Gala

Washington, DC — May 4, 2010 — The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s DC Chapter (AFCEA DC), a non-profit association focused on promoting higher education in the hard sciences, mathematics, computer technology, and engineering, today announced the winners of its 3^rd annual Spring Leadership Awards program.  The program recognizes members from each branch of the military and the joint service that have made a significant contribution to the warfighter through the use of information technology (IT), with special consideration given for decisive bravery.  The 14 honorees will be recognized on May 13 during AFCEA DC’s Spring Leadership Awards Gala, taking place at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, DC. 

“AFCEA DC received an astounding 109 nominations this year, which is by far a record number of submissions for this program,” said Tina Jordan, President, AFCEA DC.  “Given the fact that we had so many quality candidates, the selection process was very competitive.  Reading the write-ups gives you a sense of pride to be an American, as these men and women are on the front lines defending our nation.  We congratulate our winners and thank them for their service.”

AFCEA DC coordinated with members of the Armed Services, Joint Staff, COCOMS, and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to identify the nominations.  Nominations were then submitted to a 20-star executive selection committee (recently retired two and three-stars), which included Lt. Gen. Steven W. Boutelle, U.S. Army (Ret), Lt. Gen. William J. Donahue, U.S. Air Force (Ret), RADM Ed Gilbert, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret), Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege Jr., DISA (Ret), Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), VADM Jerry O. Tuttle, U.S. Navy (Ret), and Lt. Gen. Jack Woodward, U.S. Air Force (Ret).

The winners of the 2010 Spring Leadership Awards program are listed by branch below. 

U.S. Army

Enlisted – E-7/SFC Todd Parsons, 5^th Corps

Officer – 0-3/CPT Mallory Fritz, B Co. 50th Signal Battalion

U.S. Navy

Enlisted – E-6/P01 Michael Shaw, Naval Special Warfare Unit Two

Officer – 0-1/ENS Kizzie Pharr, NAVCOMTELSTA SICILY

U.S. Air Force

Enlisted – E-5/SSgt Steven Light, 6th Communications Squadron

Officer – 0-3/Capt Daniel Presland, 48th Brigade Combat Team, Task Force 122, FOB Vulcan, Ghazni, Afghanistan

U.S. Marine Corps

Enlisted – E-6/SSgt Douglas Williams, Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center

Officer – 0-3/Capt Natasha Mceachin, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force

U.S. Coast Guard

Enlisted – E-4/P03 Zachary Painter, Coast Guard Sector San Diego

Officer – 0-4/LCDR Patrick Thompson, CG-9335 (Headquarters)

Joint Services

Enlisted – E-5/Sgt David Boast, U.S. Marine Corps, Joint Staff Support Center

Enlisted – E-6/P01 Jamone Robinson, U.S. Navy, TASK FORCE MED SOUTH Afghanistan

Officer – 0-2/LTJG Christopher Bannon, U.S. Navy, CJIOC AFGHANISTAN

Officer – 0-4/LCDR Hezekiah Natta, U.S. Navy, IZ CSO, USF-I, J6

The 3^rd annual AFCEA DC Spring Leadership Awards Gala will include a keynote presentation from ADM Jonathan Greenert, Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO).  This exclusive event is not only a salute to our Warfighters for their service and dedication, but recognition of the contribution and sacrifice that they have made in defending our nation.

This exclusive event is limited to 150 attendees – sponsorship and ticket opportunities are available.  Please visit: www.afceadc.org/springgala for additional details.

About AFCEA DC
AFCEA DC represents the professional communications, electronics, intelligence, and information systems community.  The Chapter holds regular luncheon meetings that provide a forum in which government, association, and industry leaders can meet to exchange ideas and concepts, discuss current problems and solutions, and identify future requirements in all technical disciplines.  The AFCEA Forum encourages and enhances open dialogue essential to national and international cooperation and security.  These monthly meetings feature individual and panel speakers that cover current topics in industry.  For additional information on AFCEA DC’s programs and activities, go to www.afceadc.org.

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