Reenergizing through “Ships”
After a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Stuttgart Chapter kicked off their reactivation with a luncheon on 16 June 2022 at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. The featured speaker was COL Brent D. Skinner, USA, Defense Information Systems Agency-European Field Office Commander.
COL Skinner reenergized chapter members and attendees as he highlighted his command experience and the need for organizations like AFCEA to allow for collaboration, generate conversations on where industry is headed, and ensure integration of various organizations from the beginning. He explained that this is achievable by adopting three "ships": Relationships, Partnerships, and Friendships. AFCEA allows for everyone to establish much needed relationships across DoD, industry, and NATO partners. Establishing relationships will develop into partnerships and grow into strong and lasting friendships.
The chapter intends to host quarterly luncheons across various venues to accommodate all our organizations, with an ultimate goal of establishing a STEM program in the local schools, providing scholarships for those student that demonstrate promise in the STEM field, and partnering with nearby AFCEA organizations to support the community.