|
About the Belvoir Chapter
In the spring of 1993, senior leadership of the US Army Information Systems Software Command (USAISSC) and PEO STAMIS conceived the idea of forming a new AFCEA Chapter for the Washington NCR that would focus predominately on Information Technology (IT). They coordinated with AFCEA International who whole heartedly supported this endeavor. They also coordinated with major IT companies in the Northern Virginia area such as EDS, CSC, SRA and PRC, soliciting their assistance and backing of this new Chapter.
In May 1993, the Fort Belvoir Chapter received its official charter. The first Chapter President was Colonel Ray Vaughn, Commander of the USAISSC. Monthly meetings were held at Blackies House of Beef in Springfield, VA. The Chapter interspersed senior military IT executives with senior IT commercial executives as speakers at their monthly meetings during the first year. The Chapter was supported extremely well by both military units and commercial companies. Colonel (Ret) Pete Hedges, CSC, followed Col Vaughn as the Chapter's second president. During his tenure, the Chapter moved its monthly meetings to the Officers Club at Fort Belvoir where they remain today, changed the Chapter's name from "Fort Belvoir" to "Belvoir" which was more in keeping with the regional make-up of the Chapter, instituted a Spring Golf Outing and established a relationship with the Senior High and Middle Schools surrounding Fort Belvoir to provide monetary assistance as well as scholarship support.
The Chapter has continued to grow over its life span but still holds true to its charter to support the Fort Belvoir IT community, and providing many opportunities for networking and education within the industry. |