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Major General Gary Brito

Major General Gary Brito

BIOGRAPHY

General Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army, Retired

General Ham is the president and chief executive of the Association of the Army. He is an experienced leader who has led at every level from platoon to geographic combatant command. He is also a member of a very small group of Army senior leaders who have risen from to four-star general.

General Ham served as an enlisted infantryman in the before attending John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. Graduating in 1976 as a distinguished military graduate, his service has taken him to Italy, Germany, , , Macedonia, Qatar, and, uniquely among Army leaders, to over 40 African countries in addition to a number of diverse assignments within the United States.

He commanded the First Infantry Division, the legendary Big Red One, before assuming duties as director for operations on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon where he oversaw all global operations. His first four-star command was as commanding general, U.S. Army Europe. Then in 2011, he became just the second of United States Africa Command where he led all U.S. military activities on the African continent ranging from combat operations in Libya to hostage rescue operations in Somalia as well as training and security assistance activities across 54 complex and diverse African nations.

General Ham retired in June of 2013 after nearly 38 years of service. Immediately prior to joining the staff at AUSA, he served as the chairman of the National Commission on the Future of the Army, an eight-member panel tasked by the Congress with making recommendations on the size, force structure and capabilities of the Total Army.

He resides with his wife, Christi, in Arlington, Virginia. General Gary Brito Gary Brito, a native of Hyannis, Massachusetts, was commissioned an Infantry Officer through Penn State University and entered active duty in March 1987. He most recently served as the Commanding General, Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and . Previous assignments include Deputy Commanding General for Sustainment, then later Operations, 25th Infantry Division; Director, Force 2025 and Beyond, US Army Capabilities and Integration Center (ARCIC), Training and Doctrine and Command (TRADOC); and Operations Officer (G3) for III , , . In that capacity, he deployed and served as the Deputy Director, Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) Development, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan. Throughout his career, MG Brito has served in a variety of command and staff assignments to include Commander, 120th Infantry , First Army; Commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry , 3d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division; Operations Officer (S3), 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment; and later as the Brigade Operations Officer (S3), 2d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Additionally, he served as the Aide-de-Camp to the III Corps Commanding General, Fort Hood, Texas; and Chief, Commander's Planning Group (CPG) and interim Executive Officer to the Commanding General, TRADOC. Major General Brito has twice served at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California: first as a Company/Team and Battle Staff Observer/Controller and later as a Senior Battalion and Brigade Combat Team Trainer. He served in multiple company grade positions at , , and has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. MG Brito is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, Airborne and Ranger Schools, Combined Arms Staff Services School, Command and General Staff Officers Course, and Senior Service College at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS), Norfolk, Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Studies from Penn State University, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University, and a second Master’s degree in Joint Strategy and Campaign Planning from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School. He is also a graduate of the MIT Seminar XXI Program. Major General Brito is married to the former Michelle Harper of Washington, DC. They have two sons, Matthew and Patrick.

Major General (MG) William K. Gayler assumed duties as the Commanding General, Aviation Center Need New Pic of Excellence on April 6, 2016.

MG Gayler is a Distinguished Military Graduate of North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, where he was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in 1988. He holds two master’s degrees, one in Military Arts and Sciences and one in National Security Strategy. Maj. Gen. Gayler is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the National War College.

MG Gayler’s key command assignments include C/2-227th Aviation Regiment in Hanau, Germany; D/2-227th Aviation Regiment in Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina; A/1-14th Aviation Regiment in Mesa, Arizona; 3-101st (EAGLE ATTACK) Aviation Regiment in , , and Iraq; 101st Combat Aviation Regiment (DESTINY) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Afghanistan; Deputy Commanding General (Support), 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Director, Officer Personnel Management Directorate, Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe, and Commander, U.S. Army NATO.

MG Gayler’s key staff assignments include Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama; Battalion S3 and Executive Officer with 2-101st Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Brigade S3 and Executive Officer with 101st Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Deputy Director of the Directorate of Evaluations and Standardization at Fort Rucker, Alabama; Deputy G3 RESET Chief of the (AASLT); and Chief of Staff, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Major deployment history includes Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1990- 1991; Former Yugoslavia/Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1995-1996; Operation Iraqi Freedom I, 2003; Operation Iraqi Freedom V-VII, 2005-2006; and Operation Enduring Freedom X, 2010-2011.

MG Gayler is a Master Army Aviator and Standardization Instructor Pilot in the AH- 64D Longbow Apache and also rated in the OH-58 Kiowa. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Bronze Star Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Air Medal (Numeral 6), the Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), the , the Combat Action Badge, and the Honorable Order of Saint Michael (Bronze and Silver award).

MG Gayler is married to the former Michele Nash of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and they have three daughters - Katie, 26; Margaret, 24; and Samantha, 18. BG (Ret) STEPHEN D. MUNDT

BG (Ret) Stephen D. Mundt is currently the Sole Owner of “Mundts LLC,” providing consulting services to key leaders in both Industry and the Department of Defense. Steve is the President of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) and the Chairman of the Combat Survivability Division of the National Defense and Industrial Association (NDIA).

Prior to retiring from Airbus and setting up Mundts LLC, he had been with Airbus for almost nine years (October 2008 - March 2017) where he served in a number of Executive Leadership positions culminating as the Senior Vice President for US Government Strategy and Development. Steve was responsible for the cohesive strategic level planning to improve Airbus products market position with the Federal Government and DOD while defining market penetration opportunities for new and/or improved Airbus products. He was responsible for developing and securing Foreign Military Sales (FMS) opportunities and for maintaining a thorough understanding of the DOD Acquisition process and the key decision makers involved in that process to facilitate sound business decisions throughout the acquisition timeline. During his tenure he was also the Senior Vice President for Strategy and Development for EADS North America and prior to that was Vice President of Army Programs for EADS North America.

Prior to joining Airbus BG Mundt had an extremely successful military career culminating as the Head Quarters Department of the Army (HQDA) Director of Army Aviation. He was responsible for the coordination of Army Aviation Transformation, Modernization, and support to ongoing Combat Operations. Additionally he was responsible for integrating Army Aviation plans, programs, and initiatives with the Army Aviation Warfighting Center, Program Executive Office – Aviation, AMCOM, NGB, OCAR, TRADOC, and FORSCOM. He represented Army Aviation in the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System process within the Joint Staff, Congress, the COCOMs, and the other Services. He worked across HQDA to develop, refine, and once approved, articulate Army Aviation senior level decisions impacting requirements, programming, force development, and sourcing for Global War on Terror. He oversaw the transition of Army Aviation to full spectrum organization with enhanced capabilities to meet the emerging requirements.

Prior to becoming the Director of Army Aviation he served in a number of senior leadership positions. He was the Assistant Division Commander (Support) 1st Infantry Division in Germany, Turkey, Kosovo and Iraq (2003-2005). He served as the Director of Materiel, Force Development G8, Headquarters Department of the Army (2001-2003), developing the Army investment strategy and procurement programs to meet Army warfighting requirements – totaling $200 billion across the POM. He also served as the Division Chief Army Aviation G8.

BG Mundt served in all levels of Command and staff from Company to Battalion to Brigade Commander of the 17th Aviation Brigade and the Deputy Commander Combined Aviation Forces, Republic of Korea responsible for supporting the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Korea, USFK, Eighth United States Army and the United States Army Japan.

His education includes the National War College, Command and General Staff College, Operational Research and Systems Analysis Military Applications Course, B.A. Political Science, University of ; M.S. Personnel Management and Business Administration, Troy State University; M.S. National Security and Strategic Studies, National War College.

He is married to Betsy, his wife of over 38 years, and they reside in Herndon, Virginia, with their two miniature schnauzers Skyler and Suri.

Kenneth James Quinlan Jr. Major General US Army Retired

Director GasTOPS Inc. 4960 Corporate Drive, Suite 140 Huntsville, AL 35805

Office: 256 562-1120 Cell: 256 783-0439 [email protected]

Bio

Ken Quinlan is the Director and majority owner of a 51% US Owned Small Business. GasTOPS Inc. is dedicated to providing technical solutions for machinery diagnostics, prognostics, and health monitoring through the application of advanced measurement analysis technologies. Quinlan also sits on the GasTOPS Ltd. Board of Directors, a privately owned small business located in Ottawa and a partner with GasTOPS Inc. Quinlan served thirty-four years in the US Army retiring in 2007 as a Major General with extensive experience in Army Aviation. He commanded at every level through Brigade, was a Master Army Aviator and qualified on multiple Army Aviation helicopters. He is a Life Time Member of the Army Aviation Association of America and the Association of the United States Army.

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GENERAL JAMES D. THURMAN United States Army (Retired)

A native of Marietta, Oklahoma, General Thurman earned his commission through ROTC at East Central Oklahoma University in 1975. His first three commands were in Germany where he led a troop in the 11th Armored Regiment, the 2d Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment; followed by the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. He then commanded 2d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. His next assignment was as the Commander, Operations Group at the National Training Center and later as the Commanding General. He then commanded 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas and , Iraq. He commanded in Germany and U.S. Army Forces Command. His most recent assignment was as Commander, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and US Forces Korea. General Thurman has significant Army and Joint staff experience, including Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Plans and Policy(J5), Allied Forces Southern Europe, Regional Command South in Italy; Director of Training, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, Department of the Army; Chief, Operations, Coalition Forces Land Component Command, C3, in Kuwait; Director, Army Aviation Task Force, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, Department of the Army; and Deputy Chief of Staff, G3/5/7, Headquarters, Department of the Army.

General Thurman has extensive operational combat experience. His combat assignments were as a battalion executive officer in the 1st Cavalry Division during Desert Shield/Storm from 1990-91; the Chief of the Plans and Policy Division for Allied Forces Southern Europe in Kosovo from 1999-2000; the Chief of Operations, C3, for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command during the invasion of Iraq from 2002-03; and the Multi-National Division Commander responsible for all coalition operations in Baghdad in 2006.

General Thurman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from East Central Oklahoma University and a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University. He has attended numerous military schools and is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal (four oak leaf clusters), the Defense Superior Service Medal (one oak leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit (three oak leaf clusters), the Bronze Star Medal (one oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (five oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement medal (three oak leaf clusters). General Thurman is a Senior Aviator and has earned the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.

General Thurman relinquished command of United Nations Command, Republic of Korea – United States Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea on October 2, 2013 and retired from active duty 1 December 2013. General Thurman has been married to the former Delia Lee Hilton for 44 years. They have two daughters, Jaime Crystal Brown and Carey Lee Thomas who is deceased. He currently resides in Salado, Texas.

Since his retirement from the US Army, General retired Thurman operates JD Thurman Enterprises, a Strategic Consultant business.

He is a Senior Fellow at National Defense University for the Capstone, Pinnacle and Keystone programs.

He serves on the Board of Directors for First National Bank Texas and Fort Hood National Bank.

In March of 2015, General Thurman was appointed by Senator John McCain Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee to serve as one of the eight Commissioners on the National Commission on the Future of the United States Army.

Kevin W. Mangum Vice President of Business Development, Army Programs Rotary and Mission Systems

Kevin W. Mangum is Vice President of Business Development, Army Programs for the Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) at Lockheed Martin.

In this role, Mr. Mangum leads all business development activities for domestic and international RMS Army products, including rotary wing aircraft, radar, integrated air and missile defense and training. He works closely with teams across the RMS portfolio to support business pursuits with the U.S. Army customer.

Mr. Mangum joined Lockheed Martin after a thirty five year career in the U.S. Army, where he served in a variety of conventional, special operations, and aviation assignments, retiring as a General. His final assignment was as the Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Army Command responsible for designing, acquiring, building and improving the Army. He also served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence where he led force modernization, training and doctrine for Army Aviation. Additionally, Mr. Mangum was the first commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command, forming the unit to oversee man, train, equip and resource functions for Army special operations aviation units. He also commanded the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He is a Master Army Aviator with over 3,000 helicopter flight hours.

Mr. Mangum is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Webster University. He also served as a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.

Biography

Department of the Army

Dr. William D. Lewis Director for Aviation Development U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development & Engineering Center Redstone Arsenal, AL

Dr. William D. Lewis was selected for the Senior Executive Service in July 2006. The Director for Aviation Development manages and directs the execution of the Aviation Science and Technology Program including basic research (6.1), applied research (6.2), and advanced technology development (6.3). He provides direct leadership of the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, the Aero Flight Dynamics Directorate and the Aviation Systems Integration Facility. He is responsible for the success of the Army's multi-million dollar aviation science and technology program and is the Office of the Secretary of Defense lead for rotorcraft technology. The aviation science and technology funding averages $100M to $150M per year in the current Program Objective Memorandum and involves all efforts directed towards development of material for new or improved Army rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft including Unmanned Aerial Systems. He also serves as the Director of the National Rotorcraft Technology Center and as such represents the Army in the development, approval and execution of programs conducted by the Vertical Lift Consortium and the Vertical Lift Centers of Excellence.

CAREER CHRONOLOGY: • 2006 – Dec 2011: Director, Aviation Engineering Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, AL • 2004 – Jul 2006: Acting Director, Aviation Engineering Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, AL • 2004 – 2004: Branch Chief, Flight Controls, Aeromechanics Division, Aviation Engineering Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, AL • 2003 – 2004: Chief Engineer, RAH-66 Comanche Program, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, AL • 2002 – 2003: Systems Engineer, Comanche Program, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, AL • 1996 – 2002: Professor, University of Tennessee, Tullahoma, TN • 1992 – 1996: Product Manager, US Army Aviation Systems Command, Ft Eustis, VA (Retired from Army after 21 years of service at rank of LTC) • 1989 – 1992: Simulation Engineer, Atlanta, GA • 1986 – 1989: Experimental Test Pilot, US Army Aviation Systems Command, Edwards Air Force Base, CA • 1983 – 1985: Aerospace Engineer, US Army Aviation Systems Command, St. Louis, MO

COLLEGE: • PhD, Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • MS, Aviation Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • MS, Aeronautical Engineering, United States Air Force Institute of Technology • BS, Applied Science and Engineering, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY

SIGNIFICANT TRAINING: • U.S. Army Command and General Staff College • U.S. Navy Test Pilot School • Program Managers Course, Defense Systems Management College

AWARDS AND HONORS: • Master Aviator Badge with 3800 flight hours in 53 types of aircraft

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS: • Army Aviation Association of America • American Helicopter Society • Society of Experimental Test Pilots • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

MR. PATRICK H. MASON, SES Deputy Program Executive Officer Program Executive Office, Aviation

Mr. Mason assumed the duties of Deputy Program Executive Officer for Aviation in May 2017. In this role, he supports the Program Executive Officer in leading the development, integration, testing, acquisition, fielding, sustainment, and modernization for Army Aviation. This includes oversight of an annual appropriation of more than $7 billion and a workforce of approximately 2,500 military, civilian, and contract personnel Previously, Mr. Mason served as Chief of Staff for the Aviation Development Directorate of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center. In this capacity he supported execution of the Army’s $1.2 billion aviation science and technology investment portfolio. Earlier, he was the Director of the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC) and oversaw a 1200 person reimbursable workforce in the execution of developmental testing for aviation, missile, and sensor systems. His success leading RTC’s organizational and business transformation was cited by the U.S. Army Office of Business Transformation as “best in class.” Prior to his arrival at Redstone Arsenal, Mason served as the Project Manager, Technology Applications Program Office, U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. In this position, he directed the life cycle management of Army Special Operations rotary wing aircraft and associated mission systems supporting the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). In 2008, he was one of 8 individuals selected from across DoD to serve as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow. This year long fellowship focused on strategic leadership and organizational dynamics within the private sector. Embedded with United Technologies, Mr. Mason worked with executive business leaders as they conducted profit and loss responsibilities. Other acquisition positionsh ave included: Deputy Program Manager; CH-53K, Director, Flight Test Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center; and Chief, Rapid Prototyping and Integration, U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate. Through these assignments he was involved in the development, rapid prototyping, and science and technology efforts on the AH-64A/D, UH-60A/L/M, MH-60M, CH-47D/F, MH-47G, A/MH-6M, OH-58D, CH-53K, RAH-66, and various other fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In addition, he worked extensively with numerous integrated systems to include aircraft survivability equipment, targeting and sighting systems, and network centric applications essential for interoperability. Mr. Mason’s education includes a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology; a Master of Aeronautical Engineering (With Distinction) from the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (Distinguished Gradate), and the U.S. Army War College. He was selected as the 2013 Army Project Manager of Year for his work with U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation and has received “Best Paper Awards” by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the American Helicopter Society. For his efforts in advancing Army engineering flight test, he was presented the Robert N. Turk Award in 2002. An active member of the community, Mr. Mason is a graduate of the Leadership Huntsville/Madison County flagship program, Class L28, and has served as chair for Public Safety Day. He is also on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Transportation, is a service outreach coordinator, and volunteers with several professional and civic organizations.

Program Executive Office, Aviation 5667 Wood Road Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898 www.army.mil/PEOAviation THOMAS von ESCHENBACH Director, Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate Fort Rucker, Alabama

Colonel Thomas von Eschenbach was commissioned in June 1991 after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University where he was an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. After completing Aviation Officer Basic Course, the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, and Ranger School, he was assigned to 1st Battalion (Attack), 82nd Aviation Regiment at , NC, where he served as HHC XO, Platoon Leader, and Battalion Adjutant. After completion of the Aviation Officer Advanced Course in 1996, he was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry Regiment in Schweinfurt, Germany, where he served as Squadron Assistant S3 and Air Cavalry Troop Commander. After troop command, COL von Eschenbach was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters in Wuerzburg where served as the Division G3 Air. After returning from Germany in 1999, COL von Eschenbach served as a Small Group Leader at the Aviation Captains’ Career Course at Fort Rucker, AL and later took command of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment where he commanded the Aviation Branch Captains’ Career Course (AVC3) and Aviation Advanced Course (AWOAC). As a field grade officer, COL von Eschenbach served as the XO for 1st Battalion (Attack), 82nd Aviation Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later the battalion S3 and 82nd S3. In 2006, COL von Eschenbach was assigned to the US Army Human Resources Command, where he served as Aviation MAJ’s Assignment Officer and later the LTC Assignments/Branch Executive Officer. From 2009-2011, COL von Eschenbach commanded 3rd Squadron, and deployed to Regional Command East in 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the commander of TF Lighthorse based in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. After command, COL von Eschenbach served on the Army Staff in the Army G3 as the Deputy Director for Army Aviation.

COL von Eschenbach is a graduate of the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotary Wing Cours, US Army Ranger Course, US Army Jumpmaster Course, Aviation Officers Advance Course, the Army Command and General Staff College, and National Defense University’s Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/”V” device, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Senior Aviator Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION MAJOR GENERAL WALTER L. DAVIS UNITED STATES ARMY (RETIRED)

Major General Davis joined Cypress International in Alexandria, Virginia on 1 January 2013, after serving more than 33 years in the US Army. He is serving as Vice President for Army Aviation Programs. As such, he is responsible for managing a broad range of consulting agreements supporting Industry vertical lift and unmanned aircraft systems programs, and their high-end technology sensor, electronic warfare, survivability and propulsion systems.

General Davis’ last active duty assignment was as the Deputy Commanding General of United States Army North (Fifth Army), , Texas. Prior to serving at Army North, he served as the Deputy Director/Chief of Staff at the Army Capabilities Integration Center. His succession of duties also includes: Command of the 20th Support Group (CBRNE), U.S. Forces Command; Command of the Joint Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence, Joint Staff; G3, US Army Central (Third Army); and, Director of Army Aviation, G3/5/7, HQDA. He held a myriad of other operational Aviation command and staff positions at all levels from Company to Corps.

Chris VanBuiten Vice President, Sikorsky Innovations Sikorsky

Chris VanBuiten is Vice President of Sikorsky Innovations for Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company and line of business within the Rotary and Mission Systems business area. In this capacity, he runs the group responsible for maturing next generation technologies, processes and products. Current areas of focus include Future Vertical Lift design, high speed S-97 RAIDER™ prototype and Joint Multi-Role DEFIANT™ demonstrator programs, Autonomy and optionally piloted flight demonstrations, as well as a portfolio of advanced rotor, and fleet management technology programs.

Mr. Van Buiten joined Sikorsky in 1989 and has been engaged in the conceptual and preliminary design of Sikorsky products including the Collier Award winning S-92 commercial transport, CH-53K heavy lift helicopter, and UH-60M BLACK HAWK. He has served as Chief of Preliminary Design and Manager of Advanced Design and has led Sikorsky’s Strategic Planning group. He led Sikorsky’s acquisition of the PZL Mielec Aircraft Company in Mielec, Poland. He has also served as a Technical Fellow for Advanced System Design.

Mr. Van Buiten was a Glenn L. Martin Aerospace Scholar at the University of Maryland where he received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace degree in 1989. He received a Master of Science in System Design and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Sloan School of Business in 1999.

Textron Systems Unmanned Systems 124 Industry Lane Hunt Valley, MD 21030Tex

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Wayne Prender Vice President, Applied Technology & Advanced Programs Textron Systems, Unmanned Systems

Wayne Prender is the Vice President for the Applied Technology & Advanced Programs business unit within Textron Systems Unmanned Systems where he is responsible for new and emerging programs such as the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV), Cased Telescoped (CT) weapons and ammunition, and future unmanned aircraft programs. Wayne’s previous assignments within Textron Systems includes serving as the Program Director for development and support for the Small & Medium Endurance UAS (SMEUAS) business unit where he was responsible for engineering, research & development, production, and logistics support of the Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Product. He was also a Project Engineer for several Shadow® 200 Tactical UAS programs. He is experienced in systems-of-systems design, development, integration, transitioning development programs to production, and leading teams through complex programs. Wayne has been with Textron Systems for 12 years.

Prior to joining AAI, Wayne served as the team leader for technology analysis and agreement formation at TRSG in Gaithersburg, MD. In this role, Wayne supported the technology transfer initiatives of US DoD labs such as the US Army Research Lab (ARL) and the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Command (ECBC). Wayne also served honorably in the US Army as a Platoon Leader, Shop Officer, Battalion Intelligence Officer in Iraq where he was awarded the Bronze Star, and Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General of the US Army's 20th Support Command (CBRNE). Wayne holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from St Louis University, and a MS in Technology Management and a MBA from the University of Maryland (UMUC). He is also a graduate of Textron’s Executive Leadership Program at the University of (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School and Senior Executive Leadership Program at Duke University.

Biography

The B oeing Company 929 Long Bridge Drive Arlington, VA 22202 www.boeing.com

Anthony G. Crutchfield

Vice President , Army Systems Defense, Space and Security Government Operations

Anthony “Tony” Crutchfield is Vice President, Army Systems, Defense, Space and Security for Boeing Government Operations in Washington, DC. He brings an operational perspective and serves as the company’s senior Army liaison, informing business division leadership teams of customer perspectives for strategy and technology investment. Crutchfield joined the company in July 2017 after serving in the United States Army for over 34 distinguished years, retiring as a . He commanded units at virtually every echelon of the Army including the ’s Aviation Brigade, and Commanding ’s Aviation Branch at Fort Rucker, Alabama. There he was responsible for training, doctrine, organizational structure, and future technology development for 90,000 aviation and over 4,000 aircraft. He has flown the AH-64 Apache since 1986, leading Army attack helicopter units around the world, in peace and conflict. His last assignment before retiring was as Deputy Commander of the US Pacific Command, the largest Combatant Command in the US Unified Command structure. In that capacity, he was the principal advisor and operational assistant to the commander, directing joint military operations in the Asia Pacific, encompassing 52% of the earth’s surface. Crutchfield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University, a Master of Arts in Business Management from Webster University, and a Master of Science degree from the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Crutchfield has received numerous awards and decorations, notably the Defense Distinguished Service Medal in 2017. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Charles Yeager Leadership Institute/Yeager Scholar’s program at Marshall University. # # # August 2017

MAJOR GENERAL Maria R. Gervais

Deputy Commanding General Combined Arms Center - Training

Major General Maria R. Gervais received her Regular Army commission in 1987 as a

Distinguished Military Graduate of the Lander U.S. Army Combined Arms Center College Reserve Officer Training Corps and Fort Leavenworth program in Greenwood, South Carolina, and was assigned to the Chemical Branch. Her professional military education includes: Chemical Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and U.S. Army War College where she received a Master of Military Strategic Studies. She earned a Master of Arts in Human Resources from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Lander College.

MG Gervais has served in a variety of command and staff assignments at every level including: Brigade Chemical Officer and Headquarters Executive Officer, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, Augsburg, Germany; Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, 11th Chemical Company, Nelligen, Germany; Battalion Chemical Officer, 1st Battalion, 227 Aviation Regiment (ATTACK), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Division NBC Element Director, Division Headquarters and Headquarters’ Company Commander, and Brigade Chemical Officer, 101st Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Joint Chiefs of Staff J5 intern, Pentagon, Policy and Strategy Directorate, Weapons Technology Control Division and Systems Integrator for Smoke and Decon Systems, Headquarters Department of the Army, G3, DAMO-FDB; Executive Officer to the III Corps G3, Fort Hood, Texas; Operations Officer, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 13th Corps Support Command; Logistical Planner and Chief of Operations, 21st Theater Support Command (TSC), Kaiserslautern, Germany; Battalion Commander, 82nd Chemical Battalion and Chief of Staff, United States Army Chemical School and Maneuver Support Center, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Commander, United States Army Environmental Command, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland; Chief of Staff, Iraq Train and Advise Mission (ITAM) Director, Baghdad, Iraq; Division Chief for Full Dimension Protection, HQDA G-8, Pentagon; Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and the 28th Chief of Chemical and the of the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School.

Her awards and decorations include: four Legions of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, seven Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation medals, six Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Southwest Asia Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Joint Staff Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

UNITED STATES ARMY AVIATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FORT RUCKER, ALABAMA

Colonel William A. Ryan III Deputy Commander ______

Colonel Bill Ryan was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in 1994 following graduation from the United States Military Academy. There he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He initially served in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) as an Attack Platoon Leader, Liaison Officer, and Battalion S1 in 2-101 Aviation Regiment (Eagle Warrior). He then served as the Aide-de- Camp to the Commanding General, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence before returning to Fort Campbell and serving as a Brigade S1 and then commanding Alpha Company, 3-101 Aviation Regiment (Eagle Attack).

COL Ryan’s following assignments include serving as the Brigade Plans Officer for the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, an aviation assignment officer at the United States Army Human Resources Command, and as a Battalion S3 and XO for 3-101 Aviation Regiment. He subsequently served as the Aide-de-Camp to the 20th Secretary of the Army, Chief of G3 Aviation at the 101st Airborne Division, and as Deputy Brigade Commander for the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. COL Ryan commanded 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment (Expect No Mercy) from 2011-2013, and then served for 12 months as the Senior Aviation Trainer on the Eagle Team at the National Training Center. His most recent assignment was as the Commander, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, from 2015-2018. COL Ryan assumed duties as the Deputy Commander, US Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE), in June 2018. COL Ryan’s major deployment history includes Operation Enduring Freedom I (2002), X (2010-2011), XII-XIII (2012-2013), Operation Iraqi Freedom I (2003) and V-VII (2005-2006), and Operation Resolute Support and Freedom Sentinel 2017. COL Ryan’s military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Joint Advanced Warfighting School, and service as an Army War College Fellow at Stanford University. He holds two Master’s Degrees, one from the National Defense University in Campaign Planning and National Security Strategy and another in Policy Management from Georgetown University. COL Ryan’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (5 OLC), Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), and Air Medal (numeral 3). He has been awarded the Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Combat Action Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge. He is a Master Army Aviator and a member of the Honorable Order of St. Michael (Silver Award). COL Ryan is married to the former Lorry Sykes of Erin, Tennessee. They have a son, Liam (14), and a daughter, Campbell (11).

COL John M. Ferrell

Colonel Ferrell serves as the Director of Simulation for the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence where he leads the implementation of simulations is support of the Fort Rucker training mission, accredits aviation simulators world-wide and provides subject matter expertise on the development of the next generation of training simulation. He received his commission as an Aviation Officer from the ROTC at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Business Administration. In his most recent assignment, he served as the Deputy Director of the NATO Modelling and Simulation Centre of Excellence in , Italy. Previous assignments include service as an Attack Platoon Leader in 1-2 Aviation (Attack), 2nd Infantry Division; III/V Platoon Leader and Assistant S3 (TREX) in 1-101st Aviation (Attack), 101st Airborne Division; Assistant S3 and S1 in both 6-6 Cavalry and 11th Aviation Regiment, 5th Corps in Germany; Assistant Professor of Military Science (ROTC) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida; Chief of Operations and Simulations/Battle Command Officer for 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, where he deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; and Deputy Science Advisor to the U.S. Southern Command.

He is a graduate of the Aviation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Initial Entry Rotary Wing and AH64 A/D Qualification courses, Airborne School, Air Assault School (DHG), Combined Arms Service Staff School, Simulation Operations Course (FA57 Qualification), Command and General Staff College, and the Joint Combined Warfighting School. Colonel Ferrell holds a Master of Science degree in Global Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College (resident) and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Kansas State University. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with 2 OLC, the Air Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with OLC, the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 OLC, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 OLC, the OIF and OEF Campaign Medals, the Army Aviator Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. CW5 JOSEPH B. ROLAND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER OF THE AVIATION BRANCH

CW5 Joseph Roland is a native of Cape Cod, MA. He enlisted in the USMC in 1986 and completed Basic Training in April 1986 at Parris Island, SC. He attended the U.S. Army WOBC and Helicopter Flight Training at Fort Rucker, AL in 1992. Following UH-60 pilot qualification he was appointed a WO1 in October, 1993.

CW5 Roland’s previous assignments include Army Aviation Standardization Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 (DAMO-AV); Brigade CCWO, 25th CAB, , HI; Brigade Aviation Standardization Officer, 25th CAB; Battalion and Company Aviation Standardization Officer, 2nd BN, 25th CAB; Company Instructor Pilot, 3rd BN, 158th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Giebelstadt, Germany; UH60 Pilot in Command and Flight Lead, 2nd BN, 3rd CAB, , GA; 4th BN, 501st Aviation Regiment, Camp Page, Korea; Combat Aviation Training Brigade, Ft. Hood, TX. CW5 Roland’s combat deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan (2004, 2012); Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, Iraq (2007, 2009); Counter Drug and Narcotics operations in support of the DEA and the Bahamian Drug Enforcement Unit (1996-1999).

CW5 Roland attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and his military education includes WOBC; Aviation WOAC; WOILE; and WOSSE.

CW5 Roland’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (1-OLC); Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star Medal (3-OLC); Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal (Valorous Device, Numeral 6); Army Commendation Medal (Valorous Device, 5- OLC); Army Achievement Medal (5-OLC); Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (3rd Bronze Star); NATO Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (4th Service Star); Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2nd Service Star); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals; Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 6); Korea Service Ribbon; Army Superior Unit Award; Army Presidential Unit Citation; Army Meritorious Unit Citation. CW5 Roland has earned the Army Master Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Department of the Army Staff Badge. He is member of the Order of Saint Michael, and was selected as the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) “Aviation Trainer of the Year.”

CW5 Roland is happily married to the former Kathleen Jude Redding and has three beautiful children Joe, Nicole, Sean, and one granddaughter Symina.

JEFFREY SCHLOESSER Executive Vice President, Strategic Pursuits, Bell, Textron Inc.

Jeffrey Schloesser is the executive vice president of Strategic Pursuits leading Bell's Advanced Vertical Lift Center in the nation’s capital, including a team that provides direct support to the advanced vertical lift business development and government affairs teams.

Jeff is a retired Major General with a distinguished 34-year military career to include Commanding the 101st Airborne Division and Regional Command-East in Afghanistan. He served as the Assistant Division Commander of the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq, Deputy Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center and was the first Director of the War on Terror Planning Office within the Department of Defense following 9/11.

Other key military assignments, include commanding two Army Special Operations Aviation Battalions, serving the U.S. Department of State and two Middle East embassies, one as Chief, Office of Military Cooperation, Kuwait. Prior to military retirement, he was the Director of Army Aviation, leading the U.S. Army’s $6 billion Aviation modernization and transformation plan.

Prior to joining Bell, Jeff was the strategic vice president for Sierra Nevada Corporation. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Kansas. He received a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and served as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University’s JFK School of Government. He attended the Wharton School’s Executive Education Program.

ABOUT BELL Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 80 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were aboard NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of on-demand mobility. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

James E. Rogers Vice President, Army Programs Integration Government Affairs

Mr. Jim Rogers is Vice President, Army Programs Integration, Government Affairs, in Huntsville, AL for Lockheed Martin Corporation. Mr. Rogers is responsible for leading Lockheed Martin’s Army and SOF efforts to meet critical warfighting and defense capability requirements across a broad portfolio of programs. In this capacity his responsibilities include the integration of all related activities and programs in the Lockheed Martin Field offices across the United States, as well as the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill.

Mr. Rogers joined Lockheed Martin in January 2013 after completing 34 years of distinguished service in the United States Army. Previously, Mr. Rogers was the Commanding General for the Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Mr. Rogers is a career Ordnance Officer, having served in tactical, operational, and strategic sustainment roles throughout the world. From August 2008 to August 2010 he served as Commanding General of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Ft Bragg, NC, with a forward headquarters in Kuwait. During this period, he supported the drawdown in Iraq and the simultaneous buildup of equipment and troops in Afghanistan. Mr. Rogers served as the Commanding General Joint Munitions Command at Rock Island, IL, from September 2005 to July 2008, supporting all Services with conventional ammunition throughout the world.

Mr. Rogers holds a Bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Mr. Rogers is also a graduate of the US Army War College.

Mr. Rogers is a native of Brighton, MI. He is married to the former Reba Cypher. They have four children; Jeff, Tom, Matt, and Jessi.

MG Douglas M. Gabram, Commanding General, AMCOM

M ajor General Douglas M. Gabram assumed command of the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command on 18 February 2016. In this capacity, he leads more than 18,000 military and civilians in providing aviation, missile, and test, measurement and diagnostic equipment sustainment support to the Joint Warfighter to enable readiness.

M G Gabram received his commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, in 1984. He recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. He also served as the Deputy Commanding General (Support), 1st Cavalry Division “Americas First Team,” Deputy Commander for the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence, and Chief of Staff 1st Cavalry Division. His Commands include Brigade Command, , 1st Cavalry Division; Battalion Command, 1st Battalion 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); and Company Command, B Company, 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

H is combat deployments include two tours to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom/Resolute Support with the 1st Cavalry Division as the Division Chief of Staff, Deputy Commanding General, and TAAC -South Commander, three tours to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, twice as a Battalion Commander and once as a Brigade Commander, one tour to Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Guard and Macedonia as part of Operation Joint Endeavor, and one tour to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

H e holds a Masters degree from Central Michigan University in Business Administration, and completed a Senior Service College Fellowship at the University of Texas, Austin.

H is decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, seven Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal for Valor, four Air Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Army Achievement Medal. He also has been awarded the Air Assault Badge, and Airborne Badge. He is a Master Aviator with over 2,500 flight hours. He is qualified in the UH-1H, OH-58A/C, AH-1, AH-64A, and the AH-64D Longbow Apache.

M ajor General Gabram and his wife, Lori have been married for 31 years and have two children, Connor and Sarah. Mr. John E. Hall, SES

Deputy to the CASCOM CG

Mr. John E. Hall, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Deputy to the Combined Arms Support Command Commanding General. As such, he is responsible for developing and integrating Army and Joint Sustainment capabilities, concepts and doctrine to enable Unified Land Operations. He oversees training, education and leader development programs for over 180,000 people per year. Mr. Hall was inducted into the Senior Executive Service in April 2008.

Prior to this position, Mr Hall was the President of Army Logistics University for four years. In that capacity, he developed and conducted Logistics Professional Military Education for all Army Military Logistics leaders and trained and educated over 100,000 Logistics, ORSA, and Acquisition leaders from all services. During his tenure at ALU, Mr Hall developed and implemented the Logistics Leader Development Strategy,

Prior to his arrival at ALU, Mr. Hall was the Deputy Director of Logistics Operations (J-3/4), Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA, where he was responsible for coordinating DLA worldwide logistical support. He oversaw supply chain and distribution operations that provided 100 percent of the fuels, subsistence, clothing and textile requirements, medical supplies, and over 83 percent of the repair parts for the Combatant , Military Services, and other DOD/Federal Agencies. Among other achievements, he coordinated the operations and successful DLA support for the U.S. Forces responsible drawdown in Iraq and the effective establishment of DLA support for support to Department of State as the lead federal agency in Iraq.

Prior to this position, Mr Hall was Executive Director for Operations and Sustainment where he was responsible for DLA global operational planning and support. While in that position, Mr Hall deployed to Iraq and established a plan for the Commanding General of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq (MNSTC-I) for the development of an Iraqi national level logistics capability as well as an advise and assist concept plan for MNSTC-I to lead that effort. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Northern Distribution Network that has given USCENTCOM an additional critical resupply route into Afghanistan.

Mr Hall previously served in CASCOM as the Deputy Director of the CSS Battle Lab, Deputy Director of the Training Directorate, and Chief, Quartermaster Training Division in the Training Directorate. He also served in a developmental assignment as the Associate Executive Director for Supportability and Production PM (Brigade Combat Team) at Fort Lee, VA, where he was

responsible for developing and integrating the supportability aspects of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Program.

Mr. Hall served 27 years in U.S. Army logistics units around the world, achieving the rank of Colonel. His final assignment was Deputy Commander of the 3d Corps Support Command during Operation Iraqi Freedom I. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts in Latin American studies from Stanford University, and is a 1999 graduate of the U.S. Army War College. He is married to the former Darlene Santiago. They have 4 children: Richard, Michael, Darlene, and David.

Command Sergeant Major Jason Huff

Command Sergeant Major Jason “Jake” Huff joined the Wyoming on 16 April 1989 from Cheyenne, Wyoming and conducted Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After completing high school in 1990, he attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama and was awarded the Military Occupational Skill of 93P, Aviation Operations . On March 6 1995, he entered the active duty Army.

CSM Huffs’ assignments include Aviation Operations Specialist 1022nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance), Cheyenne, Wyoming; Airfield Operations Noncommissioned Officer, Hunter Army Airfield and Wright Army Airfield, Georgia; Section Sergeant, 542nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance), Camp Page, Korea; Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Aviation Resource Management Survey (ARMS) Team, 8th U.S. Army, USAG Yongsan, Korea; Air NCO and Battalion Operations NCOIC, 1-160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky; G3 Operations NCO, Fort Rucker, Alabama; First Sergeant, A Company, 1-210th Aviation Regiment, Fort Rucker, Alabama; Senior Enlisted Leader, J-35 Operations Planning Division, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; First Sergeant, Headquarters Service Company and E Company, 306th Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation), Fort Hood, Texas; S3 Operations Sergeant Major, 1st Armor Division Combat Aviation Brigade, , Texas; Command Sergeant Major 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras; and the G3 Aviation Directorate SGM, 8th U.S. Army, USAG Yongsan, Korea. CSM Huff currently serves as the Senior Aviation NCO OC/T, National Training Center, FT Irwin, CA.

CSM Huff has deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq for combat operations in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, four times to Iraq for combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom and four times to Afghanistan for combat operations in Operation Enduring Freedom.

CSM Huffs’ military education includes, Basic Leaders Course; Advanced Leaders Course (Honor Graduate); Senior Leaders Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate); U.S Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 64; NTC OC/T Course, SGM Force Management Course, CSM Development Program, BN CSM Pre-Command Course, Instructor Training Course; Aviation Life Support Equipment Course; Special Operations Training Course; Battle Staff NCO Course; Airborne School; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) Wartime Course; SERE Peacetime Government Detainee Course; Department of Defense Hostage course; Joint Firepower Course (Distinguished Honor Graduate); Special Operations Liaison Element course; Joint Special Operations Air Component course; Building Partner-nation Aviation Capacity course; Master Resilience Trainer course. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from Touro University.

CSM Huffs’ awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (3 OLC); Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLC); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal (6 OLC); Joint Service Achievement Medal (2 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC); Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award); National Defense Service Medal (2nd award); South-west Asia Service Medal (3 CS); Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4 CS); Iraq Campaign Medal (5 CS); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Korea Defense Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; NCO Profession Development Ribbon (5th Award); Overseas Ribbon (6th Award); NATO Medal; Liberation of Kuwait Medal; Parachutist Badge; Master Aviation Badge. He is also a recipient of the Order of Saint Michael – Bronze Award.

James R. Myles Major General (U.S. Army Retired)

James R. Myles served more than 36 years in the U.S. Army retiring at the rank of Major General. His final assignment was the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, AL. In his career, Myles served in key command and staff positions throughout the Army, to include Commanding General, U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command; Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver), 1st Cavalry Division; Commander, 17th Aviation Brigade; service on the Joint Staff; and key leadership positions in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

From 2011-2015, Myles held senior leadership positions at DynCorp International culminating as Senior Vice President with P&L responsibility for its aviation portfolio.

As President of Myles Associates, he provides strategic insights, guidance, and assistance to key clients supporting U.S. National Security interests.

Michael Sousa Director Advanced Turboshaft Engines GE Aviation

Mike is currently leading GE Aviation efforts to prepare for the Improved Turbine Engine and Future Vertical Lift programs. He has managed GE and Army cooperative advanced technology programs ranging from components to full engine demonstrators including Joint Technology Advanced Gas Generator (JTAGG) and the Advanced Affordable Turbine (AATE) programs. Mike also worked on commercial engine certifications programs such as the CFE738. His work experience includes mechanical design as well as engineering and program management. He has extensive experience with helicopter power systems including the T700 and T408.

Mike has also worked with aircraft manufacturers on future aircraft and engine requirements. Mike has been responsible for developing multi-generational product plans as well as the technology plans to support turboshaft engines. Mike has worked with the Vertical Lift Consortium and the American Helicopter Society.

Mike has Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, a Master’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Boston College. He also has more than 35 years of experience working in the aircraft engines business.

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