NDIA, Gulf Coast Chapter
Newsletter - April 6, 2007 |
Good evening,
We continue to work on projects to help our young people get the education they need for the future. At our December Board meeting, Dr. Perian Herring from OWC’s Collegiate High School gave a presentation titled “Project Career Connection (C2)”. This project is focusing on math and science for high school students. Col Justice, Group Commander for Miniature Munitions, volunteered to host a tour for students at Eglin.
At our January Board meeting, Dr. Richburg, OWC President, accepted our check for $100K to endow a new scholarship. Also in January, Board members Dr. Bruce Simpson, Mr. Dave Andrews and Ms. Cheryl Nilsson teamed with General (Ret) Tiny West, General (Ret) Gordy Fornell and Ms. Yolanda Dawson (Education With Industry student with Tybrin) to form an Ad Hoc Committee to explore ways NDIA can support increased student interest in math and science in Okaloosa County. The Committee met with Dr. Alexis Tibbetts, Superintendent of Okaloosa County Schools, who stated the kids need mentoring, hands-on learning opportunities, and well designed research opportunities. Dr. Tibbetts’ primary focus is on raising the level of understanding of math and science students in grades 4-8. The Committee is investigating potential synergies with other on-going initiatives such as Marsville, STARBASE, and Math MovesU.
NDIA presented 2 cash awards ($100 for the Senior Division and $50 for the Junior Division) at the Robert Sheffield East Panhandle Regional Science and Engineering Fair held 30 January. Thanks go to the following for volunteering as judges for the exhibits: Tom Hancock (NDIA member), Martin Hammond (46th Test Wing), Chris Hughes (688 ARSS), Ms. Betsy Thorn (308 ARSW) and Col Dick Justice (708 ARSG).
Following up on the C2 presentation we heard in January, Col Justice hosted a tour on 2 March for the students enrolled in C2. The tour consisted of briefings on weapons development and the test process and concluded with an EOD Robotics Demo. Dr. Herring provided a few of the student’s comments contained in their Learning Logs:
“I felt as if this was a wonderful class trip and it is by far the best field trip the class of ’08 has had at OWC.”
“These jobs obviously carry much importance. Not only are their mathematic and scientific connections, but there are also moral connections towards improving the country’s defense and ultimately saving lives. Though these jobs carry much responsibility, they also carry much reward.”
“Wow! I liked the Robots sooooo much! I now know that I want to make the robots for prosthetic arms that connect to the nerves. Playing with the robot in the trailer (the one that was operated by moving your arm) made me realize how I wanted to make prosthetic arms that work. Anyway, I also enjoyed hearing what the Colonel had to say--very interesting.”
“I want to be an engineer and getting to listen to actual engineers will give me a heads up on what to expect.”
“Our trip to Eglin AFB showed me how mathematically orientated the United States Military really is. I am so inclined towards math and science, becoming involved with the military could be a very real possibility. I am also interested in a thought provoking career like the careers shown to us during the presentation.”
“This field trip was very pertinent to me because I was able to discover the part that chemical engineers are able to take in the development process. My dream is to help design explosives, and this trip showed me a very nice place to start looking. Maybe I could find a way to incorporate someone from this area into my capstone project/ C^2 next year.”
On 6 March, AAC hosted an Industry Day to provide information on what we are doing at the Air Armament Center to improve our program results, and to collaborate with our stakeholders and with industry to reach alignment in practices and expectations. Topics covered included our Balanced Scorecard Measures, Assessments of Systems Engineering, Technology and Manufacturing Readiness, our Probability of Program Success Tool, and Changes in Source Selections and Cost Estimating. Our NDIA Chapter hosted a social to conclude the day. Feedback from the events has been positive!
Save the dates! Brig Gen Eidsaune will be the guest speaker at 1530 on 16 May at the Sand Dollar Lounge in the Officer’s Club. The 33rd Air Armament Symposium will be held 10-11 October 2007. Ms. Gail Allen is the Symposium Chair with Dr. John Corley serving as the Government Co-Chair. The theme will be decided next month. Be ready to assist Gail and John to make this year’s Symposium even better than last year’s!
We currently have about 970 members in the Gulf Coast Chapter. If you know of someone who wants to sign up, they can register at http://eweb.ndia.org NDIA offers a 3 year free membership to Government employees. Spread the word and let’s shoot to get our membership up to 1000!
Thank you for all you do to defend our great country.
V/R,
Judy A. Stokley, President
Gulf Coast Chapter of the NDIA |
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