Olson to speak at ROTC awards luncheon

  • Published
  • By Sarah E. Loerzel
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Major General Craig Olson, C3I and Networks program executive officer, will address a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Bedford, Massachusetts, April 8 at 11:30 a.m.

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Lexington Concord Chapter and the Association of Old Crows Patriots Roost Chapter team up annually to recognize outstanding cadets and midshipmen from 21 ROTC detachments from the Northeast Region. Together, the chapters award $1,000 scholarships to 42 deserving candidates. AFCEA and AOC also recognize an outstanding cadet or midshipman to receive their organizations' distinguished ROTC awards, which are accompanied by an additional $1,000 scholarship. 
 
Olson's participation in this year's event continues a series of notable speakers in recent years, including former Air Education and Training Commander Gen. Robin Rand; U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Daniel Abel, District 1 commander; and former Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall.

As program executive officer, Olson, who assumed the position in 2012, is responsible for more than 2,200 personnel and acquisition execution of a $10.9 billion portfolio developing, deploying, and sustaining Air Force, joint and coalition cyberspace, networks, cryptologic and data link systems to enable decisive combat operations.

The general graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1982. Prior to serving in his current role, Olson gained vast experience both on the ground and in the air. He is a master navigator with more than 1,900 flying hours in more than 20 different aircraft.

This event provides a unique opportunity for cadets and midshipmen from Defense Department commissioning programs in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to hear directly from an active senior leader as he empowers them to build their own legacy of success as the future officers of the Air Force or Navy.

Online registration is open through April 4 at www.afceaboston.com. Tickets are $15 to $20 for military or government personnel (price dependent upon rank), $35 for industry personnel who are AFCEA members or $45 for non-members.
 
For further information on this event, please call 781-225-1853, or email sarah.loerzel@us.af.mil.