Wert, Hanscom alums reap AFCEA awards

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. --  Steven Wert, Battle Management program executive officer, received the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Engineering at the recent Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association international conference held here, May 14 through 16.

Wert was recognized for his "demonstrated leadership of more than 3,500 Airmen, government civilians and support contractors in the acquisition execution of a $19 billion Five Year Defense Program portfolio including technology transition and Foreign Military Sales programs."

According to the award citation, "there can be few more notable examples of an engineering leader harnessing government and corporate capabilities to support the war fighter."

A number of Hanscom alumni were also honored. Former Electronic Systems Center Executive Director Dr. James Cunningham received the Leadership Award. Irene Biddy was awarded the AFCEA Medal of Merit. Biddy retired from ESC as a Source Selection Officer. Retired Col. Jeffrey Katz, who served as ESC's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance system program director in 2000, received a Medal of Merit; and retired Col. Donald J. "Bud" Vazquez, received a Meritorious Service Award. He was ESC's senior program director for Global Air Traffic Management from 2000 to 2002.

The Lexington-Concord Chapter, which supports and is supported by Hanscom, also received the prestigious Brenda M. Dougherty Diversity Program Award, in part for "connecting with Hanscom Air Force Base's Diversity points of contact, and partnering with them in promoting their themes for national observances."

According to AFCEA Lexington-Concord Chapter President Scott Hardiman, this has been a banner year for recognition.

"We've won 11 International Awards, which is a testament to the superb accomplishments of our members, and reflective of the splendid partnership we share with the Hanscom Air Force Base community," he said.