3/7/2026 Co-Hosted by the
Huntsville Air Defense Artillery Association and the
North Alabama Chapter of the U.S. Field Artillery Association
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Esteemed Order of Molly Pitcher
(Huntsville – Redstone Arsenal Chapter of the Air Defense Artillery Association)
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MRS. STACEY T. WOODHOUSE
Mrs. Stacey T. Woodhouse has demonstrated exceptional and sustained service to the Air Defense Artillery community through more than a decade of steadfast support as an Army spouse and as a dedicated volunteer within the Patriot Bros Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Air Defenders and their families. For over five years, Mrs. Woodhouse has quietly and tirelessly contributed more than1,000 volunteer hours to the Patriot Bros Association. Her efforts include assembling care packages for deployed Soldiers, responding to community inquiries, fulfilling gift shop orders, and processing scholarship packets with precision and care. Her behind-the-scenes commitment has directly enabled the organization to award 18scholarships totaling over $100,000 to Air Defenders and their dependents. Her work has strengthened families, reinforced esprit de corps, and expanded opportunities for Soldiers across the branch. Beyond her contributions to the Air Defense community, Mrs. Woodhouse is an active volunteer supporting children with special needs and consistently gives back to both her local community and the broader military family. Her selflessness, compassion, and unwavering dedication embody the spirit and legacy of Molly Pitcher.
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Esteemed Order of Molly Pitcher
(North Alabama Chapter of the U.S. Field Artillery Association)
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MRS. MIRANDA WATSON
Mrs. Watson exemplified the ideals of Molly Pitcher through her tireless and continued support of US Army Field Artillery Soldiers and Civilians.
From June 1999 through March 2001, Mrs. Watson was an invaluable member of the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery (1-37FA) Family Readiness Group (FRG) as she supported both battery and battalion level events in preparation of, during, and following multiple training rotations to the National and Yakima Training Centers. She was crucial in keeping young spouses apprised of the battalion’s activities, helping them navigate the complex issues associated with military life, and generally providing support where it was needed the most.
In a similar vein, Mrs. Watson established a Family Readiness Group for CE/MHE in Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support (PEO CS/CSS) in Warren, Michigan from August 2016 to April 2019. Recognizing how valuable FRGs are to unit morale and readiness, she stood up the organization where none existed before. Over the course of three years, she conducted numerous morale-boosting events for the civilian workforce, immeasurably boosting esprit-de-corps and team cohesion. She left such an impact on the CE/MHE team, that many of the spouses still keep in contact with her regularly to this day.
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Ancient Order of St. Barbara Awardees
(Huntsville – Redstone Arsenal Chapter of the Air Defense Artillery Association)
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COLONEL JOHANNES CASTRO
In recognition of a career defined by exceptional leadership and profound impact on the Air Defense Artillery and Joint Fires communities, Colonel Johannes E. Castro is inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. From command of critical assets to leading enterprise-level modernization, his contributions have been pivotal in advancing the readiness, integration, and lethality of Army Fires. Colonel Castro’s career is a testament to the spirit of Saint Barbara, marked by unwavering integrity and an absolute dedication to protecting our forces and the homeland. As the Chief of Staff, he is responsible for leading the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command through a pivotal transformation. He expertly manages the integration of the newly assigned 32nd and 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Commands (AAMDCs), fundamentally expanding the scope and complexity of the nation’s integrated air and missile defense architecture. His leadership is instrumental in synchronizing the command’s diverse elements, from the 1st Space Brigade’s global space operations to the 100th Missile Defense Brigade’s critical homeland defense mission, while
simultaneously spearheading emerging support to the Golden Dome for America mission
to meet new and evolving threats. Prior to his current role, Colonel Castro distinguished himself as the Commander of the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment (BCD) from June 2023 to June 2025. He expertly led the Army’s largest and only continuously forward-deployed BCD, serving as the senior element integrating land operations with the Joint Force Air Component across the CENTCOM region. He drove significant improvements in mission command systems, airspace and fires coordination processes, and information flow between the Army and the 609th Combined Air Operations Center, enhancing the survivability and lethality of forward-deployed forces. His service as the Chief of Staff for the Missile Defense Agency further highlights his exemplary leadership. In this critical role, he masterfully managed over 9,000 joint military and civilian personnel across 14 global locations. His foresight was instrumental in navigating the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic, where his planning efforts saved thousands of man-hours and safeguarded the workforce, significantly improving post pandemic readiness and morale while streamlining staff operations at no extra cost. From 2019 to 2021, then Lieutenant Colonel Castro served as the G3-Forward, Chief of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Operations, and 10th AAMDC Liaison Officer to the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAF). Serving as the vital link between Army AMD forces and the joint/multinational
environment, he masterfully synchronized IAMD operations across the European theater for USEUCOM, NATO, and the defense of Israel. His expert planning was the driving force behind the success of critical exercises such as Astral Knight, Austere Challenge, and Spartan Shield, ensuring mission accomplishment despite pandemic constraints. As the Commander of Task Force Talon, Jon Castro led the nation’s sole forward stationed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) unit. In this critical strategic role, he masterfully provided continuous ballistic missile defense of Guam, a vital U.S. territory. His leadership was most profoundly demonstrated when he ensured a flawless 24/7 “Ready to Fire” posture during an extended period of heightened North Korean provocation, a direct and successful defense of the homeland. A dedicated developer of leaders throughout his career, Colonel Castro has consistently elevated his units’ technical proficiency and readiness while mentoring officers and NCOs who are now recognized across the Fires enterprise for their joint integration expertise. His credibility and strategic insight have consistently informed senior leader decisions on theater air and missile defense and advanced key relationships with joint and allied partners. Colonel Castro’s exemplary service, profound impact on the joint fires community, and steadfast commitment to the Air Defense Artillery branch make him exceptionally deserving of induction into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. EDMUND COTTON
Mr. Ed Cotton is inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of air defense artillery and missile defense during his combined 46- year distinguished career in the United States Army and the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC). Mr. Cotton has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and dedication, significantly advancing the Army’s air defense artillery and missile defense capabilities. Mr. Cotton has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership within the SMDC Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence. His ability to foster collaboration across organizations and his respected expertise in strategic missile defense have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the Army’s missile defense initiatives. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to excellence that inspires those around him. As a founding member of SMDC’s Force Development and Integration Directorate, Mr. Cotton played a pivotal role in establishing the Missile Defense Division and the TRADOC Systems Manager for National Missile Defense (TSM NMD) in 1999. His contributions laid the groundwork for the organizational structure and capabilities that are essential to the Army’s missile defense strategy. Mr. Cotton has adeptly navigated complex challenges throughout his career, integrating the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Missile Defense System (MDS) elements—Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Forward-based Mode Radar (FBM), and Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)—into Army processes. His innovative approach has resulted in the approval of critical requirements and force structures necessary for the effective operation and sustainment of these systems. Mr. Cotton has led numerous significant initiatives for both SMDC and HQDA, including the development of a JROC-approved National Missile Defense (NMD) Operational Requirements Document. His initiative in creating operating and employment concepts outside the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) has been instrumental in identifying Army requirements essential for the fielding and sustainment of MDA elements. His authorship of the IBCS-C2BMC Integrating Concept and the AN/TPY-2 FBM Planner Employment Concept has profoundly influenced MDA’s fielding plan development. These documents not only shape MDA’s approach to element employment but also enhance collaboration with SMDC and the Army, ensuring that operational needs are met effectively. Mr. Cotton’s innovative concepts have streamlined the development of the theater’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) area air defense plan. This empowerment of theater military planners to be more creative and proactive in employing MDA’s capabilities is a testament to his forward-thinking approach and dedication to enhancing operational effectiveness. Throughout his career, Mr. Cotton has been an invaluable asset to the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, SMDC, and the Army. His extensive knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment to mission success exemplify the values upheld by the Ancient Order of St. Barbara. In conclusion, Mr. Cotton’s exceptional contributions, leadership, and dedication to the air defense artillery and missile defense community make him a deserving candidate for induction into the Ancient Order of St. Barbara. His legacy of excellence serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of military professionals, embodying the spirit of service and commitment that the Order represents.
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MR. JOE HILL
Mr. Joe Hill has demonstrated extraordinary technical leadership and innovation in Army Air Defense systems for over four decades, fundamentally transforming the capability, accessibility, and effectiveness of missile simulation technology. His contributions have directly enhanced warfighter readiness, saved lives in combat operations, and provided critical elements for the foundation of America’s premier air defense capabilities. Since 1982, Mr. Hill has conducted an exemplary career supporting MICOM RDEC, AMRDEC, and AvMC, with technical expertise spanning HAWK, SPARROW, MSAM, PATRIOT, Army IAMD, and Navy Aegis BMD systems. Joe served as technical leader for multiple PATRIOT configurations, including baseline PATRIOT, PAC-2, and PAC-3 systems. With minimal government oversight, he revolutionized PATRIOT simulation capabilities replacing the high costs and limited use of the contractor-owned mainframe simulation with a newly created government-owned version running on early generation personal computers, while adding higher-fidelity kinematics, guidance and control, navigation, radar, and signal processing subsystem models. After rigorous independent validation, the simulation was adopted by the entire PATRIOT community, including the prime contractors, as the official performance evaluation and design tool. Joe also led development of the PATRIOT system end-to-end performance simulation, encompassing target detection through lethality assessment of many-on-many engagements. He developed the real-time digital segment of the PAC-3 hardware-in-the-loop simulation used in the MSS-2 facility and the Virtual Engagement Simulation Tool (VEST) used in operational test environments and laboratories. These combined capabilities have provided the Army with the most comprehensive suite of high-fidelity performance assessment tools in air and missile defense, supporting advanced concepts including “Engage-On-Remote”. His work provided critical flight test support including pre-flight predictions, on-site support, and post-flight mission reconstruction. The missile lethality data produced from these simulations continues to serve as the foundation for mapping defended areas and defining engageability criteria for PATRIOT Fire Units deployed globally. From Desert Shield and Storm through the recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the simulations developed under Joe’s leadership have proved instrumental to mission success. The Lower Tier Project Office utilized system performance data generated by his simulation to enable the 32nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command to deploy, configure, and effectively employ the PATRIOT weapon system. His technical contributions were directly credited with the successful engagement of Iraqi and Iranian missiles threatening Coalition forces in the mid-east, resulting in the preservation of numerous American and friendly nation lives. As Chief Technical Officer at Torch Technologies since 2002, Mr. Hill continues driving innovation in defense simulation technology while leading corporate technology strategies and senior technical staff development. The profound and lasting impact of his work, combined with his proven record of saving lives in combat operations and enabling continued mission success worldwide, makes him exceptionally deserving of recognition through the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara Award.
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COLONEL JAY KAJI
Colonel Jeet “Jay” Kaji serves as the Project Manager in the Next Generation Interceptor project office. He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch over the last 25 years. He has ably led multiple organizations ranging from Platoon Leader to Brigade Air Defense Planner and Battery Commander and is a Distinguished graduate of the Army War College. Colonel Kaji was commissioned into the Air Defense Artillery Branch in 2000. By 2007, he was assigned as the Air Defense Science and Technology Branch Chief; Air and Missile Defense Requirements Officer providing key cutting-edge technologies to the field in support of Air Defense. He followed that with service in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Training with Industry, and served a number of assignments with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) within the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Ground-Based Midcourse Defense organizations. One highlight within MDA was his selection to rapidly field an Army-Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control (AN/TPY-2) radar to a foreign location under very difficult circumstances and a tight schedule during inclement weather months. He excelled in delivering and deploying this capability working with local foreign personnel and interfacing with key logistics and control nodes across multiple time zones. Currently as Project Manager of the Next Generation Interceptor, COL Kaji is developing, testing and delivering the world’s first multi-kill vehicle interceptor to defeat long-range intercontinental ballistic missile threats to the Homeland. Colonel Kaji has served the Army and his country through a multitude of career broadening and increasingly important assignments that all served to advance the capabilities of Air Defense. His efforts have been pivotal to creating positive outcomes for the ADA Branch. Colonel Kaji’s accomplishments make him highly worthy of induction into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. TIMOTHY MCRAE
Over the past 41 consecutive years, Mr. Timothy McRae has made and continues to make significant and lasting contributions to the Air and Missile Defense mission as a member of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Senior Executive Service (SES). Following 30 years as an Army officer and Federal Service civilian, Mr. McRae was selected for the SES in 2016 and was promoted twice, now serving as the senior civilian in the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). In each assignment, Mr. McRae was directly responsible for fielding air and missile defense capabilities to the Warfighter. Since October 2016, in his first assignment as an SES-1, Mr. McRae served as MDA’s Deputy Program Executive for Programs and Integration and simultaneously as the Deputy Program Manager for Assessment and Integration, overseeing a budget of over $5 billion and a workforce of over 4,000 military, civilian and contractor employees. In this dual position, Mr. McRae led some of the most dramatic improvements to the Missile Defense Systems in decades, supervising a portfolio including Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense Project Office, the Targets and Countermeasures Program Office, the Israeli Cooperative Program Office, Missile Defense System Lifecycle Management, and the programs within the Facilities and Deployment Directorate. Mr. McRae’s many improvements provided the Nation and our allies with an improved and more lethal, layered Missile Defense System capability against growing worldwide, adversarial threats. In December 2019, Mr. McRae was promoted to SES-2 and began serving as Program Director, GMD, with a staff of over 800 military members, government civilians, and contractors, and an annual budget over $1 billion. He was responsible for developing, testing, fielding, integrating, and sustaining the Nation’s strategic defense capability to protect the United States against intermediate and long-range ballistic missile attacks. Over 4 ½ years, Mr. McRae envisioned, planned and led many extraordinary changes in the GMD program. These changes included planning, acquisition, and development of the Next Generation Interceptor, as well as transitioning the program from a single legacy contract to a more agile contract structure. In addition, he facilitated the transfer of overall GMD integration responsibility from a prime contractor to the government as Weapon System Integrator. Mr. McRae worked tirelessly with Warfighters in the 100th Missile Defense Brigade and United States Northern Command to deliver, ensuring our nation possesses the Air and Missile Defense capability to defend against potential adversaries. In October 2024, Mr. McRae was promoted to SES-3 and began serving as the Director for MDA’s Strategy, Plans, and Resources, leading an organization of 800 employees to align, justify, acquire, and sustain the financial and human resources to effectively and efficiently accomplish the Agency’s assigned National Defense Strategy functions to defend against Homeland and Regional missile attacks. Mr. McRae’s organization includes all the fiscal planning, programming, and execution efforts for the Agency’s $11-plus billion annual budget, guiding the human resources staff to support 3,000 civil servant and military personnel, in addition to over 7,000 embedded personnel from our Nation’s top Industry, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, and University-Affiliated Research Centers. He expertly leads the coordination and execution of all MDA’s engagements with the DoD, Congressional, and other Strategic Stakeholders. Mr. McRae was responsible for the Agency’s initial task force to plan for and respond to the President’s January 27, 2025, Iron Dome for America Executive Order. He planned and executed the Agency’s highly successful February 2025 Industry Day, hosting representatives from over 300 different companies and conducting 100 1-on-1 sessions, and he led the creation and evolution of the Agency’s briefing describing the future Golden Dome for America (GDA) architecture to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. MDA has been singled out as a key contributor to GDA, and Mr. McRae continues to work with the new GDA Direct Reporting Program Manager to plan for the Agency’s budget, content and scope of its GDA programs, systems integration, and testing responsibilities. Mr. McRae has made extraordinary contributions to the development and fielding of highly advanced and capable missile defense systems which have successfully deterred our adversaries and protected the Homeland from missile attack. His efforts and exceptional leadership in developing a world-class workforce will enable MDA to stay ahead of the advancing threat for decades to come. Mr. McRae’s significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery mission embodied the spirit, integrity, sense of sacrifice, and commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara, and he is most worthy of induction into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. KEVIN PARKER
Mr. Kevin Parker is awarded the Ancient Oder of Saint Barbara in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of missile defense during his distinguished career with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC). Mr. Parker has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and dedication, significantly advancing the Army’s capabilities in ballistic missile defense. From 2002 to 2025, Mr. Parker served in various pivotal roles within USASMDC, culminating in his position as Deputy Director for the Transformation Integration Directorate Army-Golden Dome for America (TID-Army GDA) in the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence in Huntsville, AL. In this capacity, he led integration and implementation of Army requirements and capabilities development for critical elements of the Missile Defense System (MDS), including the AN/TPY-2 Forward-based Mode Radar (FBM), Command and Control, Battle Management, Communications System (C2BMC), and the Ground-based Midcourse Defense System (GMD). Mr. Parker was instrumental in advancing the Army’s missile defense capabilities through his leadership and strategic vision. One example is his establishment of a Colonel-level C2BMC Synchronization Integrated Product Team (SIPT) which facilitated effective communication between the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and SMDC. This forum ensured priorities and resources for C2BMC hardware and software development were synchronized to address critical issues and enhanced operational effectiveness for the Warfighter. Mr. Parker also led AN/TPY-2 Forward-based Mode (FBM) radar software materiel release efforts for multiple software instantiations. He successfully resolved existing conditions related to the AN/TPY-2 FBM CX2.1.0 & x86 Electronics Equipment Unit (EEU) Materiel Release, forcing closure of 17 open conditions over two years. He also spearheaded CX3.0, CX4.0 and CX5.0 Urgent Software and Conditional Software Materiel Releases. Finally, he initiated materiel release activities for CX6.0, a major software and hardware upgrade which introduces a redesigned EEU, the Atlas EEU. Mr. Parker’s materiel release achievements directly contributed to the MDA’s ability to field FBM software that was safe, suitable, and supportable for Army operations. Mr. Parker also led two thorough analyses of the potential transition/transfer of the THAAD Weapons System and AN/TPY-2 FBM radar from MDA to the Army, coordinating with various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Life Cycle Cost Estimate and functional responsibilities. He also led the development of a battalion/battery-focused Operating Concept for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense CONUS Interceptor Site, which outlined critical requirements for facilities, equipment, and manpower. Throughout his career, Mr. Parker has demonstrated a commitment to the professional development of his team. He guided DA-civilian career development, evaluated performance, and developed Individual Development Plans for numerous personnel, ensuring the growth and success of future leaders within the organization. Mr. Parker’s contributions have not only advanced the technical capabilities of the Army but have also fostered collaboration across military branches and agencies. As Mr. Parker transitions into retirement, his legacy of excellence, integrity, and service will continue to inspire those he has worked with and mentored. His unwavering dedication to the missile defense mission and commitment to the Army’s values have made a significant impact on the future of missile defense capabilities. For these reasons, I strongly recommend Mr. Kevin Parker for the Ancient Order of St. Barbara, recognizing not only his outstanding achievements but also his enduring commitment to excellence in service to the U.S. Army and the defense of our nation.
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COLONEL THOMAS PETRINI
Colonel Thomas Petrini is inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of missile defense during his distinguished career with the U.S. Army. COL Petrini has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and dedication, significantly advancing the Army’s capabilities within the air and missile defense community. As the Director of TID AGDA, Tom demonstrated transformational leadership throughout his tenure. Tom inherited the role of Army Capability Manager for Strategic Missile Defense, managing the Army’s equities in the decades-old Missile Defense System. With the release of the Iron Dome for America Executive Order, he seized the opportunity to play an instrumental role in the new evolution of homeland defense. Working through the Army, Joint, and DoW staffs, Tom took on more responsibilities, directed his modest staff to embrace the ambiguity of new mission areas, and became the trusted advisor to the Commanding General for Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Tom led the organization through the transformation from an Army Capability Manager to a Transformation Integration Directorate responsible for the integration of Army systems into the Golden Dome for America weapon system. As the Battalion Commander for 1-62 ADA, Tom Petrini distinguished himself from his peers. He deftly led the battalion through a challenging time at Fort Hood; building air and missile defense readiness, managing the constraints brought about by COVID, and leading through the pervasive Fort Hood, TX climate following the Vanessa Guillen tragedy. With ambiguous guidance, Tom met the readiness requirements for CENTCOM Contingency Readiness Force, leading into a 12-month deployment to Saudi Arabia. While deployed, the battalion conducted air and missile defense missions, operated two ICCs, a deployed THAAD Battery, and a Missile Defense Battery. As a seasoned warfighter, Colonel Petrini understands what operators need and drove his staff to produce. Colonel Petrini’s directorate delivered tangible, game-changing capabilities across the globe. Throughout the Israel and Iran missile fight, his team’s flawless execution of a rapid software fielding to the USCENTCOM theater provided the unit with a decisive edge against emerging threats. He revolutionized tactical responsiveness by driving the development of the AN/TPY-2 Rapid Response Tool (RRT), a capability that delivers critical, real-world data in mere hours—a process that previously took days. Deeply committed to Soldier development, he also directed the fielding of the first-ever virtual trainer for the AN/TPY-2 radar, establishing an enduring FBM training capability for the force. Prior to his current role, Colonel Petrini led the front office staff of the DoW’s largest test program office, where he displayed unmatched agility, intelligence, and judgment. A master communicator, he has consistently leveraged his interpersonal skills to influence across echelons and with more senior leaders. Innovative and adaptive, he has a proven track record of developing executable solutions to our most complex problems and building top-notch teams that succeed in the most arduous conditions. His continuous focus on self-development and his dedication to mentoring subordinates are building the next generation of leaders for the Air Defense Artillery branch. Colonel Tom Petrini’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the Air Defense Artillery and space and missile defense community, posturing it for success for years to come. He embodies the highest standards of integrity, moral character, and professional competence, and has served the Air Defense Artillery with selfless distinction. His contributions stand out in the eyes of his seniors, subordinates, and peers, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.
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COLONEL LOREN TODD
Formed at a critical time in our Nation’s history, the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) rapidly develops experimental prototypes of strategic importance to meet Combatant Commander’s warfighting needs. To operate successfully and deliver on time, the RCCTO needed an organizational structure containing personnel with unique skillsets to deliver the requirements set by our Nation’s leaders. This innovative approach is indicative of the outside the box problem solving approach that COL Todd routinely demonstrates in all his endeavors. COL Todd currently serves as the Project Manager for the Directed Energy (DE) Indirect Fires Protection Capability (FPC) Project Office. He has oversight of an Air Defense Artillery (ADA) modernization portfolio that includes the IFPC High Energy Laser 300kW-class laser weapons system, and the IFPC High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM). His superior leadership and acquisition acumen enabled the Army to leverage and integrate current DE technologies into existing Army platforms. This resulted in the rapid delivery of prototypes with residual combat capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ (COCOM) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System requirements. COL Todd masterfully architected and executed a plan to deliver IFPC-HPM prototypes for operational testing as part of existing Air Defense assets. RCCTO deployed two IFPC-HPM prototypes. Solders from the 1-51 ADA Battalion, and support personnel to both location for operational assessments.
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MR. WILLIAM TRAINER
Mr. William J. Trainer has devoted more than 50 years of service to our Nation – encompassing a distinguished career rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army and followed by exemplary service as a Government Civilian, all accomplished within the field of Air and Missile Defense. Throughout his career, Mr. Trainer has consistently demonstrated a mastery of Air Defense systems, evidenced by his proven track record in expertly managing every phase of a weapon system’s lifecycle, from initial design and development through contracting, production, training, deployment, and long-term maintenance. During his 26-year Army career, culminating as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4), Mr. Trainer consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise in Air Defense Artillery. Strategically assigned to maintenance and training of critical systems – including SHORAD, HAWK, Chaparral, Firefinder, and Sentinel radars – he rapidly became the preeminent subject matter expert, earning the respect of superiors, peers, and subordinates. Currently serving as the Division Chief, NASAMS, within the Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) Project Office, Mr. Trainer’s leadership is directly impacting a critical international conflict. He spearheaded the rapid delivery of nine NASAMS Fire Units to a partner nation, including two systems fielded in just four months; highlighting his exceptional ability to provide vital capabilities to our allies when they need them most. In over half a century of service, Mr. Trainer has attained a record of dedication, commitment, and achievement to the U.S. Army and its Air Defense Branch that very few can match. He is uniquely qualified, distinctly deserving, and truly worthy of being recognized for such an outstanding career by induction into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.
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RADM DOUGLAS WILLIAMS
Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (RADM) Douglas L. Williams serves as the Director for Test at the Missile Defense Agency. He has distinguished himself through his contributions to national defense and the United States (U.S.) Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Branch. RADM Williams has demonstrated exemplary leadership, extraordinary initiative, and overall excellence in directing testing efforts of the integrated missile defense system. His responsibilities have required close collaboration with Combatant Commanders worldwide and all military services. Remarkably, RADM Williams assumed this position as a frocked 0-6 and has excelled in leading the Test Directorate. Additionally, he served with distinction as the Acting Director of the Missile Defense Agency for five months during a period marked by significant global challenges, particularly in the Middle East and Red Sea. As Director for Test, RADM Williams oversees all aspects of planning, designing, and executing Missile Defense System flight, ground, and cyber testing, as well as wargames and exercises that directly support the fielding of capabilities to the Warfighter. He manages a budget of $1.2 billion and leads a workforce of more than 1,000 military personnel, government civilians, and contractors. His efforts have resulted in numerous, successful missile intercept tests across the Pacific, including the Flight Test Experiment Aegis Weapon System-02 mission that demonstrated the defense of Guam. He also has overseen dozens of wargames and exercises, providing critical operational insights to Combatant Commanders, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense operators, U.S. Navy Aegis missile defense forces, and allied partners worldwide. With 30 years of military service, RADM Williams has built a distinguished career since his commissioning in 1995. His service has included multiple deployments at sea, program management leadership in the National Capital Region, and even a joint deployment with the U.S. Army in the Hom of Africa. Throughout his career, RADM Williams has made significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making him exceptionally deserving of induction into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara
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Honorable Order of St. Barbara Awardees
(Huntsville – Redstone Arsenal Chapter of the Air Defense Artillery Association)
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MR. CHARLES ACKER
Mr. Charles Acker is inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. As a software engineer in the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), his technical expertise in the field of Air Defense and Missile are unparalleled. He has contributed significantly to expanding the material capability of Air and Missile Defense systems that ensures the protection of our warfighters forward deployed and our U.S homeland. Mr. Acker distinguished himself through outstanding technical expertise and unwavering commitment while serving as the Project Lead and Software Lead for the Mobile Mission Launcher (MML). His diligent oversight of contractor performance, encompassing technical direction, cost estimation, and contract package submission, was instrumental in maintaining program momentum. Mr. Acker’s leadership was pivotal in guiding a cross-functional team of 40 professionals – software developers, FPGA developers, system engineers, and software testers – through a successful Engineering Demonstration of the IFPC Inc 2-I ACAT1C program. This demonstration showcased the MML’s seamless integration with Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Command and Control (C2), Sentinel Radar, and its capability to effectively employ multiple interceptors, including the AIM-9x and Hellfire Longbow. Demonstrating exceptional adaptability, Mr. Acker led his team through the integration and successful firing of the Hellfire Longbow interceptor, despite a late requirement addition just months prior to the demonstration. His proactive approach extended to the design, development, and maintenance of critical simulation and prototyping tools, ensuring a robust and demonstrable system. Mr. Acker’s meticulous attention to detail was evident in his contributions to the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), software safety analysis (Functional Hazard Analysis), and the preparation and delivery of a comprehensive Critical Design Review (CDR). As the Subject Matter Expert for the MML system, his insights ensured a capable and reliable system operating with remarkable efficiency – utilizing less than 5% of available computing power. Mr. Acker’s dedication, technical acumen, and leadership were critical to the success of the IFPC Inc 2-I program. His contributions directly enhance the protection of our forces and demonstrate a commitment to excellence worthy of the highest recognition. Mr. Acker’s contributions also extends to the Fires community at large. Mr. Charles Acker has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and technical mastery as the sole software subject matter expert and software manager for the critical Army Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) effort. He expertly managed the software development across multiple contracts and a team of hundreds of developers, assuming full responsibility for the software’s safety, effectiveness, and performance throughout ground tests, flight tests, and eventual fielding. His proactive approach to scope, schedule, and reporting has been instrumental in maintaining program momentum and ensuring successful execution. Furthermore, Mr. Acker’s strategic vision and collaborative spirit have significantly advanced the LRHW program’s capabilities. He defined a groundbreaking end-to-end verification strategy for the LRHW kill chain, bridging gaps across Army, Navy, FFRDCs, and industrial partners. His leadership in roadmap discussions, coupled with clear communication to leadership up to the 3-star level, has balanced risk reduction with an accelerated flight test pace. Mr. Acker’s contributions extend to defining software reporting guidance, guiding system performance characterization, and establishing robust systems engineering processes, all while ensuring stringent safety standards and meticulous configuration management – ultimately ensuring a reliable and effective hypersonic weapon system. In his current assignment, Mr. Charles Acker’s technical leadership is spear heading the way for the development of the Guam Defense System (GDS) Joint Integrated Battle Manager (JIBM). This new initiative will significantly impact the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense (JIAMD) enterprise and will innovate how IAMD operations are conducted for years to come.
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MR. RAZAK ARUNAOGUN
Mr. Razak Arunaogun serves as the Ground Systems Development Chief Engineer in the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States (U.S.) Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. Mr. Arunaogun has demonstrated leadership, mentorship, initiative, and overall excellence in working with MDA, as well as multiple stakeholders in developing the various components of the Ground System that defend the U.S. from our adversaries. Mr. Arunaogun has performed this critical function for 9 years and supported 8 successful MDA flight tests and 25 ground tests contributing to the improvement of the system and security of our Nation.As the Ground System Development Chief Engineer, Mr. Arunaogun makes critical contributions that guides this vital, multi-billion-dollar program from concept through deployment, meticulously overseeing every stage, including design reviews, integration, test campaigns, and launch. His expertise is essential in integrating requirements foundational to the missile defense architecture, including fire control, ground support, the communication network, and interceptor communications. Mr. Arunaogun’s proactive identification and resolution of technical risks across design, manufacturing, and operations are paramount in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of this defense system. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he forges strong collaborative relationships with the 100th Missile Defense Brigade and 49th Missile Defense Battalion, integrating their feedback into future software builds for the program. Mr. Arunaogun’s steadfast dedication and expertise are directly responsible for enhancing the Nation’s ability to defend against ballistic missile threats. Mr. Arunaogun has more than 20 years of U.S. Government service. He joined the civil service after honorably completing his tour of duty in the Army. Throughout his career, Mr. Arunaogun’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch and national missile defense, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. SAMANTHA BARBA
Ms. Smantha M. Barba serves as the Training Test Director in the Directorate of Flight Test at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). She has distinguished herself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. Her performance as Training Test Director for Flight Test Experiment Aegis Weapon System (FEM)-02 has exemplified the high standards required for critical flight test operations. Her technical expertise and strategic approach to training development have made her an invaluable asset to MDA’s missile defense mission. Ms. Barba’s ability to synthesize complex technical information into effective training scenarios has been critical to the mission success of FEM-02, demonstrating both technical mastery and instructional leadership. As Training Test Director for multiple flight tests, Ms. Barba has spearheaded the development and implementation of comprehensive training and certification plans, complete with clear and measurable evaluation criteria. She has delivered engaging classroom instruction covering essential communication protocols, best practices, mission documentation, and error prevention strategies. Illustrating her exceptional analytical skills, Ms. Barba has conducted comprehensive reviews and syntheses of complex flight test documentation, including mission execution team working groups, test objective memos, and detailed test plans. Notably, she has created realistic and effective off-nominal scenarios, requiring months of detailed planning and technical analysis, successfully integrating knowledge from diverse technical sources to develop comprehensive training scenarios that enhance mission readiness. Ms. Barba consistently delivers high-quality results and demonstrates exceptional technical competency and leadership in her role as Training Test Director. Throughout her career, Ms. Barba’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making her highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. EILEEN BEARDSLEY
Ms. Eileen Beardsley serves as the Product Manager for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Fire Control and Communications (GFC/C) in the Ground System Development at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). She has distinguished herself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. Ms. Beardsley has demonstrated leadership, exceptional foresight and overall excellence in planning and working with MDA, as well as multiple stakeholders in the development and acquisition to support Next Generation Missile Defense efforts and updates to the existing equipment used in protecting the United States (U.S.). Ms. Beardsley passionately strives daily to deliver these critical warfighting capabilities to our Nation’s Air Defenders. Ms. Beardsley is a highly accomplished GFC/C Product Manager with a proven track record of strategically managing a $2 billion portfolio while fostering key relationships within the Air Defense community. Her expertise ensures critical Warfighter support for the 100th Missile Defense Brigade’s mission. Notably, her prior leadership as Life Cycle Safety Lead for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) significantly contributed to air defense capabilities through cohesive system-of-systems engineering. Ms. Beardsley’s focus on life-cycle management within approved cost, performance, and schedule parameters ensures fully supportable systems meeting stringent reliability, availability, and maintainability standards. Her contributions and leadership experience extends to prior roles as Assistant Program Manager for JAGM and Deputy Director for Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions, demonstrating consistent leadership performance across diverse portfolios. Ms. Beardsley has more than 20 years of U.S. Government service. She joined the civil service as an Army Material Command Fellow at Red River Army Depot. She has spent the majority of her career leading multiple programs at Program Executive Office Missiles and Space. Throughout her career, her accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making her highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. ____________________________________________________________________________________
MR. DENNIS G. BEELER
CW4 (Retired) Dennis G. Beeler is inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara in recognition of his distinguished service and enduring contributions to the Air Defense Community. From 1963 to 1983, CW4 Beeler served with honor in multiple strategic assignments, including West Germany, Fort Bliss (TX), Homestead Air Base (FL), the Reagan Test Center in Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), and Redstone Arsenal (AL). His career culminated as a Nike Missile Assembly Technician (221B0) within the PATRIOT Project Office at the U.S. Army Missile Command, where he played a critical role in safeguarding national security during the Cold War. His mission centered on ensuring the readiness, reliability, and safety of the NIKE Hercules missile systems—advanced surface-to-air weapons designed to intercept and neutralize hostile aircraft and ballistic threats. Through his technical expertise, steadfast dedication, and commitment to excellence, CW4 Beeler significantly strengthened the integrity and effectiveness of our nation’s air defense capabilities. Following his retirement, CW4 Beeler joined CAS, Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama on August 1, 1983, serving as Logistics Assistant Chief supporting PATRIOT logistics and program management, later advancing to a CAS Manager where he expanded support to MEADS, the Fort Bliss Field Office, the Program Evaluation Division, and the Acquisition Management Division. His technical expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication to mission success earned him numerous letters of appreciation and left a lasting impact on U.S. air defense capabilities. CW4 Beeler retired from CAS in August 2013, closing a legacy of service marked by innovation, integrity, and excellence.
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MR. JOHN P. BOCKMAN
Mr. John P. Bockman has made significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery Branch during his eight years of service as a Program Integrator and Lead contractor tester within the Conter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Offices, where he supports all levels of integration activities for the newly established C-UAS batteries and electronic warfare programs. Program Executive Office Missiles and Space personally recognized Mr. Bockman for outstanding performance. Mr. Bocman’s support of Air Defense Artillery has been exemplary and is most worthy of recognition by award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. His career has embodied the spirit, dignity, sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.
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MR. JAMES BODENHAMER
CPT James (Jim) Bodenhamer entered military service in June, 1968 upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point and commissioning as an Artillery Officer. Following Air Defense Officers’ Basic Course at Ft. Bliss, Texas, Jim was assigned as a Radar Platoon Leader in C Battery, 5-1 ADA Group (Nike Hercules) in Malibu California. He was next assigned as XO, B Battery, 5-1 ADA in Chattsworth California. Shortly after arriving at his first assignment in California, the Artillery Branch split into two branches and since he was currently in an Air Defense Artillery assignment, ADA would be his official branch. In late 1969, he was notified of deployment to Vietnam as a Duster battery commander. He was first sent to Ft. Bliss, Texas for Duster training, then his unit deployed to Vietnam to the Saigon/Long Binh/Duster Compound in III Corps area. During his year deployed there, Jim lead Duster Convoy escort missions to and from Cambodia to return captured materiel from operations there as well as served in the 1st Infantry Division HQ BN on Long Binh as a BN S2, and BN S3 Battle Captain. On completion of his year in Vietnam, Jim was directly assigned as the Battery Commander of C Battery, 2-1 ADA (Nike Hercules), in Quirnheim West Germany from June 1971 to June 1973. On completion of Battery Command and his service obligation, he resigned his commission and returned to Kansas City, Missouri where he began his second career working for Phillips Petroleum Company where he was employed until retirement in 2001. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Point and a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Missouri, Kansas City, and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Kansas. His military education includes the Air Defense Officers Basic Course, Nike Hercules Course, Electronic Warfare Course, and Air Defense Artillery Auto Weapons Course (Vietnam Duster Operations). His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/DVC. Jim is married to the former Julia Moore of Pleasant Valley, Missouri. They have two children, son COL Jon (Gailo) Bodenhamer (USMA 2000) and daughter Juliana (LTC Adrian) Biggerstaff (both USMA 2005) and six grandchildren, Ashley (19), Corinn (15), Dylan (15), Owen (12), AJ (11), and Everett (9).
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DR. HENRIK BORGSTROM
Dr. Henrik Borgstrom has distinguished himself as an outstanding contributor to the Fires Community for nearly 10- years. In his current role as the AV Vice President of Counter UAS RF Programs, Henrik is responsible for incremental product changes to all efforts related to obsolescence, increased capability, cost reduction initiatives, technology protection, expanded threat sets and other incremental changes. Prior to serving in his current capacity, Henrik has a distinguished history of contributions to the Fires Community that includes co-founding Citadel Defense Co in 2016, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer responsible for the Titan product line that included algorithms, system engineering, RF design, embedded programming, and transition to manufacturing to meet the growing demands of the Warfighter to defend themselves from the ever growing UAS threat. He also served as VP of CUAS RF, at BlueHalo, a division of 40+ employees that came to comprise a growing family of CUAS systems beyond Titan to include the Titan SkyView product. These products are and will continue to safe the lives of our service members as well as our coalition partner. Henrik has made a significant and lasting impact on the Fires Branch. He has earned numerous Special Recognition, Excellence and Achievement Awards and has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, moral character, and professional competence. He is most deserving of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. MICHAEL BUTLER
As the Mission Operations Division Chief for the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (RTS), Mr. Michael Butler championed hundreds of flight test missions that had a direct impact to the Department of Defense. His test missions have led to the modernization of Patriot, THAAD, Aegis, Ground Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) and other air defense systems, as well as the continued development and modernization of new and existing missile systems, including the Air Force Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), Army Long Range Hypersonic Weapon, Navy Conventional Prompt Strike, and the venerable Minuteman 3 and Trident weapons systems. Over the last 26 years, Mike has supported an average of 7 major test missions a year, executing almost $400 million in test funding, without failing the customer. From cradle to grave, the RTS Mission Operations team works directly with our customers to provide exactly what they need, which sometimes takes multiple years from beginning to end. Looking into the future, his team is supporting the Minuteman 3 replacement and the GMD Next Generation Interceptor. In 2012, he and his team conducted Flight Test Integrated (FTI) -01, the largest, most complex missile defense flight test ever attempted, resulting in the simultaneous engagement of five ballistic missile and cruise missile targets. This test stressed the performance of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, THAAD, and Patriot in an integrated air and ballistic missile defense architecture to great success, including THAADs first successful intercept of a medium range ballistic target. The immense coordination effort for this test, including air, sea, and land launched targets and interceptors from seven different sites, while capturing data with test instrumentation on every item is a feat that has not since been replicated, and was largely possible due to Mike’s leadership and expertise. More recently, after the island of Roi-Namur, part of Kwajalein Atoll, was inundated by a roque wave event in January 2024 that put many of our large sensors out of commission and made the island mostly uninhabitable, he and his team fought tirelessly to continue providing support to the RTS customer. RTS successfully completed a flight test (ARRW ATF-4) that was critical to hypersonic weapon development within weeks of this event, while recovery efforts were still underway. These tests would not have been possible in a timeline acceptable to the customer without Mike’s brilliant leadership and tenacity. Over his 38-year career as an engineer, Mike has supported various positions within the Space and Missile community, including the Space and Missile Defense Command Test and Evaluation Office, Ground Based Radar (GBR) Project Office, THAAD, SMDC Technical Center, RTS Safety Office, and currently serves as the RTS Mission Operations Division Chief. Mike’s long standing personal devotion to successful mission support has become a cornerstone of RTS.
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COLONEL JAMES CALDWELL
Colonel James Caldwell serves as the Senior Materiel Leader in the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Directorate, Sensors Program Office. He has distinguished himself with
outstanding contributions to national defense and also benefited the United States (U.S.) Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. He has demonstrated leadership, extraordinary initiative and overall excellence in planning and successfully delivering cutting edge capability for Missile Defense on the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Army-Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model (AN/TPY-6), and Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) radars. As Senior Materiel Leader, Colonel Caldwell ensures the radars provide needed capabilities for the Warfighter to counter the increased threat vector and provides strategic direction for meeting schedule and cost constraints. He led the team in successfully upgrading capabilities on LRDR, AN/TPY-6, and SBX radars using agile, modular techniques. On LRDR, he spearheaded a strategy to test a software capability upgrade innovatively and accelerate fielding by almost a year. On AN/TPY-6, he led the engineering team’s successful testing of the radar on the island of Guam in less than 2 years from program initiation, which is three times faster than standard acquisition timelines, to benefit the Department of the Army’s Defense of Guam program. Additionally, on SBX, he implemented a capability upgrade for improving discrimination against threats directly in support of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade. With this discrimination improvement, the 100th Missile Defense Brigade can conserve Ground Based Interceptors by better differentiating threats from decoys. Colonel Caldwell has more than 23 years of U.S. Government active-duty military service in the Air Force. He has served in the Headquarters Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and Air Force Research Laboratory before joining the Missile Defense Agency. Throughout his career, Colonel Caldwell’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. FRANKLIN M. CALDWELL, SR.
Mr. Franklin “Frank” M. Caldwell, Sr. serves as the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Mission Director for special projects, Formidable Shield (FS), and Glory Trip flight tests, demonstrating outstanding contributions to national defense, the United States Army Air and Missile Defense Commands, Air Defense Artillery (ADA), and Missile Defense Battery branches. He also serves as the MDA Directorate of Flight Test Site Lead at Schriever Space Force Base (SFB), managing the daily operations of the flight test execution facilities within the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center located on Schriever SFB, Colorado.
Throughout his career, Mr. Caldwell has been instrumental in key missile defense initiatives and has consistently supported the Warfighter. He spearheaded the highly successful FS 2025 live-fire mission, a complex 17-day exercise involving 11 nations and numerous land,
air, and sea assets, alongside 97 target packages, culminating in the successful intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile with an Standard Missile-3 IA interceptor. Prior integral roles throughout Mr. Caldwell’s tenure include serving as the MDA Liaison Officer to the United States European Command, focusing on European missile defense, coordinating the rapid deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense batteries to Israel and Romania, and meeting critical Department of Defense objectives and North Atlantic Treaty Organization requirements. Mr. Caldwell leverages over 30 years of air and missile defense expertise, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership. His work as the MDA System Mission Manager, and ultimately as the Mission Director, for the integration and operational validation testing of the Army-Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance-2 radars deployed across multiple theaters has been crucial. His accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, and his embodiment of MDA’s core values of integrity, professionalism, and dedication makes him most worthy of recognition in the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. LAURA CASHON
Performing as the Acting Product Director for the U.S. Army’s Land-based Phalanx Weapon System, Ms. Laura Cashon has demonstrated the finest leadership qualities and exemplary technical prowess in guiding an organization that is tasked with providing vital, real-time force protection capabilities to U.S. forces deployed in the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Under her vigilance, Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) has remained postured around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to provide critical Air Defense capabilities against an evolving array of threats. Serving as a genuine testament to Ms. Cashon’s ability to take on and fulfill the most rigorous tasks, she directed the LPWS team in completing the rapid deployment and Initial Operational Capability of an LPWS on a floating pier situated along the Gaza Strip, where it served as a guardian in support of the Defense Department’s Joint Logistics, Over-the-Shore capability for providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. This “first-of-a-kind” emplacement of an LPWS “off-shore” required maximum initiative, flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness to meet both the rapid timeline for implementation, as well as the uniquely challenging operational requirements. The success of that mission was accomplished in the most proficient manner, at “the speed of need” for the Warfighter. Ms. Cashon is an all-star performer within the United States Army’s Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) Project Office who continues to shine with the brightest intensity. Having compiled an outstanding record of success in successive positions of increasing responsibility in government service, her most recent accomplishments in fulfilling challenging leadership assignments in SHIELD’s LPWS Product Office have truly distinguished her as worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. ____________________________________________________________________________________
MR. JEFF CONQUEST
Mr. Jeff Conquest’s leadership and exceptional technical competence have been the catalyst underpinning advancements in the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system for nearly three decades. His efforts and leadership have directly and significantly contributed to enabling the US Army warfighter to successfully conduct their missile defense mission to defend and protect US civilians, interests, and international partners globally. Jeff’s expertise in countering advanced and evolving ballistic missile threats through development of Battle Planning and real-time Battle Management/Command & Control concepts, logic, and algorithms has been instrumental in enhancing the THAAD Weapon System, allowing the warfighter to effectively plan and prosecute their mission. Jeff’s tireless efforts have resulted in numerous improvements to the system, including a recent solution for an end user requested enhancement that was deployed to theater in a record two weeks. His dedication to the program has also positioned it for the first “over the air” update, where software updates were deployed directly to deployed units. Jeff’s commitment to the warfighter is evident in his 24/7 availability and direct engagement with deployed troops, who rely on him for expertise and support. Throughout his nearly 30-year career on the THAAD program, Jeff has demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for the mission, consistently delivering high-level performance and outcomes. His intellect, energy, and thought leadership have been invaluable to the program, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the air and missile defense community. Jeff’s selfless dedication to the nation and the THAAD program makes him a worthy candidate for membership in the Order of Saint Barbara.
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CAPTAIN ANNELIESE J. CORTESE SCHAEFERS
CPT Anneliese J. Cortese Schaefers distinguished career as an Air Defense Artillery Noncommissioned Officer demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence, technical proficiency, and selfless service – qualities deeply representative of the Order’s values. CPT Schaefers began her distinguished career in the Air Defense Artillery in April 2011, quickly establishing herself as a highly capable and dedicated Air Defender. Her early assignment at Charlie Battery, 1-1 ADA, Japan, provided a strong foundation in tactical operations, culminating in the unit’s recognition with a Joint Meritorious Unit Award. During her time with Bravo 2-43 ADA, CPT Schaefers (then SGT) consistently exceeded expectations in key leadership roles. As the Battery Trainer, her meticulous preparation and instruction were instrumental to the unit’s successful deployment in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel (October 2014 – October 2015). Notably, she proactively addressed a critical need within the unit by founding a Female Battery Mentorship program, providing essential guidance on unique challenges faced by women in field environments, demonstrating exceptional initiative and concern for Soldier welfare. Her achievement of 100% mission success for FY14 as Battery Retention NCOIC further underscores her dedication to unit readiness and Soldier retention within the Air Defense community. Selected as an instructor at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Grafenwoehr, Germany, CPT Schaefers continued to exemplify leadership and dedication. Her selection as Instructor of the Year (FY17) and her success in meeting 100% of academy retention objectives demonstrates her commitment to developing the next generation of Army leaders. Furthermore, her active involvement in the Sergeant Morales Club, serving as Secretary, highlights her dedication to professional development and mentorship. Throughout her career as an NCO, CPT Schaefers consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating a profound commitment to the Air Defense Artillery Branch. Her technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to Soldier welfare have had a lasting positive impact on the units she served and the Soldiers she mentored. While now serving as Director of Operations and Integration for the Army Capability Manager for Space and High Altitude (ACM SHA), CPT Schaefers continues to leverage her Air Defense Artillery experience to enhance future Army capabilities. CPT Schaefers has quickly become a key contributor to the Space and Missile Defense Command’s Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) requirement determination team. CPT Schaefers has worked to develop the next tier of requirements that will provide Soldiers with a NAVWAR Situational Awareness capability, this capability will be the first of its kind and will revolutionize the Army’s ability to sense, detect, and to distribute NAVWAR information on an Army common operational platform. This initiative supports the Army’s electromagnetic non – lethal and lethal targeting convergence in support of the multidomain operations targeting process and serves as vanguard capability in directed support of the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Army Transformation Initiative, deliver critical warfighting capabilities. I wholeheartedly recommend CPT Anneliese J. Cortese Schaefers for induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Her exemplary service, technical proficiency, and unwavering commitment to the
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MR. JAMES T. DENNEY, III
Mr. James “Ty” T. Denney, III, serves as the System Mission Manager in the Flight Test Directorate for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. As the System Mission Manager, he has led Government Integrated Event Test Teams through 15 missile defense flight test events to include complex MDA flight tests, partner flight tests, and an allied international flight test. He has demonstrated leadership and overall excellence in planning while working with multiple MDA program offices to include Ground based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Aegis-based Defense, and Defense of Guam. Mr. Denney has performed this critical function for almost six years and supported key MDA flight test missions, including Flight Test GMD Weapon System-12, Japan Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-07, and Flight Test Experiment Aegis Weapon System-02 – achieving all tests with outstanding mission success. Mr. Denney previously worked for 16 years at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake as the Rocket Sled Test Engineer, leading Department of Defense (DoD) test teams in multiple types of test events with multi-DoD agency stakeholders, Other Government Agencies, and DoD prime contractors. Expertly coordinating the test planning, range resource assets, range instrumentation, and range infrastructure needs, Mr. Denney ensured successful completion of a large variety of tests in support of multiple weapon system program offices. With more than 20 years of civil service, Mr. Denney joined the United States Government after graduating with an engineering degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Throughout his career, his accomplishments have highlighted significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making Mr. Denney highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. CHRISTI DOLBEER
Ms. Christi Dolbeer’s many years of service to the Nation as a Government Civilian have been exemplary and is a model of selfless service. As an Engineer in the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), her technical expertise in the field of Missile propulsion is unparalleled. She has contributed significantly to the Air Defense Artillery’s modernization over the past 3 decades in numerous challenging assignments to include support to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot Missile Systems. Ms. Dolbeer’s expertise and support in missile propulsion and propellant chemistry has been essential to upgrades to the air defense systems fielded today and leading future developments. Not only has she worked developmental chemistry activities improving technology for all future missile systems, Ms. Dolbeer has been an essential teammate supporting the THAAD Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) development, and the Patriot missile Attitude Control Motor (ACM) development, leading to significant cost savings to the Army. Currently, Ms. Dolbeer’s is serving as the Director of the Technology Development Directorate within DEVCOM AvMC. In this role, Ms. Dolbeer provides technical leadership over the teams that are developing future air defense weapons and radar systems. She has also provided significant mentoring to numerous scientists and engineers that will continue the critical work of advance propulsion leaving a legacy beyond her career in the Army’s future modernization.
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MR. MARK C. DORN
Mr. Mark C. Dorn has served as a General Engineer in the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Test and Evaluation Division at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) from 2010 through 2021. He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. His diverse experience includes roles such as Ground Test Element Lead, Program Integration Support Engineer, and a key member of the Range Interface Engineering Support Team, Flight Test Execution Team, and Logistics Team. He also served as the THAAD Ground Component Manufacturing Test Liaison. Mr. Dorn has demonstrated leadership, extraordinary initiative, and overall excellence in planning and working with the THAAD program office as well as coordinating with multiple stakeholders in preparation for both ground and flight test missions. Furthermore, his expertise and leadership have been instrumental in the incremental development and delivery of the THAAD Weapon System to the Warfighter. Over the past 11 years, Mr. Dorn has supported approximately a dozen MDA test missions with timely engineering evaluations and test intercepts, consistently achieving outstanding mission success. As Range Integration Engineer at Pacific Spaceport Complex, Alaska (PSCA), Mr. Dorn defined the requirements for range modifications and site improvements essential for flight test execution. By effectively coordinating with local range management and contractor personnel to resolve contract issues, he ensured on-time and within-budget testing. His efforts resulted in a fully functional THAAD support site at PSCA, enabling future test events. Mr. Dorn has more than 15 years of United States Government service. He joined the civil service after working in the automotive industry. Throughout his career, Mr. Dorn’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. MARY O. DRAYTON
Ms. Mary O. Drayton has made valuable contributions to the artillery profession, demonstrating steadfast devotion and exemplifying the highest standards of integrity, service, and commitment. She invariably goes above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission, readiness, and esprit de corps of the artillery branch. She leads with precision, purpose, and passion, earning the admiration of peers and subordinates alike. She demonstrates exceptional technical proficiency, tactical acumen, excellence, integrity, and deep understanding of the traditions and responsibilities that define our profession. Ms. Drayton serves as Director of the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) for the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA), AL. Five divisions manage critical functions for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) and the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO M&S). She also served as Director of ACC-RSA’s Mission Support Directorate, overseeing work by the Strategic Services and Category Management (SSCM) Division on the Expedited Professional and Engineering Support Services (EXPRESS) program. Since 2002, EXPRESS has obligated over $24.5B supporting field artillery and air defense systems to ensure weapon effectiveness and lethality. Ms. Drayton’s extraordinary dedication to mission success, mentorship, and selfless support to the Warfighter make her a truly deserving candidate for this honor. It is with great pride and full confidence that I recommend Ms. Drayton – who represents the very best of our artillery heritage – for induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. SUSAN GLAESER
Ms. Susan Glaeser is Northrop Grumman’s Program Director for Production, Engineering and Fielding for the U.S. Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). Over a distinguished 17-year career in the Defense Industry, Ms. Glaeser has served in multiple roles where her leadership and management made significant and long-term contributions to the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Branch and the defense of the Nation. In critical roles at both Northrop Grumman and the Raytheon Corporation, Ms. Glaeser managed the successful development, manufacturing, and fielding of both the PATRIOT and IBCS Air Defense systems. At Raytheon, Ms. Glaeser served as a Deputy Program Manager and later as an Assistant Director responsible for the production and delivery of PATRIOT systems to Poland for the WISLA Medium Range Air Defense program. Ms. Glaeser’s leadership and program management was critical to the successful fielding of PATRIOT to Poland and the country’s declaration of Initial Operational Capability in 2024. Ms. Glaeser joined Northrop Grumman in 2024 where she holds responsibility for the production, fielding, and sustainment of the IBCS program. During her tenure, she has made a significant impact on the program toward ensuring the successful on time delivery of IBCS Major Equipment Items (MEI) acquired in Low-Rate Initial Production. These on-time deliveries have enabled the program to achieve First Unit Equipped fielding to 3-43 ADA Regt at Fort Bliss, TX, execution of a Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOTE), and hit critical milestones for IBCS deployment to EUCOM and INDOPACOM in support of the Chief of Staff of the Army’s 2024 accelerated deployment decision. While successfully delivering and fielding LRIP MEI production, Ms. Glaeser has set the near-term future of the program through development of an innovative contracting strategy which combined 2024 and 2025 Full Rate Production delivery orders aligning configurations and delivering procurement cost efficiencies to the Army. Ms. Glaeser’s many significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery strongly merits recognition with the award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. DAWN C. GOLIGHTLY
Ms. Dawn C. Golightly has distinguished herself as an outstanding contributor to the Air Defense Artillery for over 26 years and represents the kind of member within the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara that past, present and future members will be most proud. Dawn currently serves as Lockheed Martin’s Vice President for Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense (UTIAMD) Programs, which includes the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System, as well as the Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) portion of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. Ms. Golightly’s responsibilities include establishing strategy and execution oversight for the full product life cycle of the THAAD Weapon System, system development, capability advancement and integration, production execution, system fielding and post-production support to US and allied warfighters. Ms. Dawn Golightly holds an Undergraduate Degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University. She has a long and distinguished history of contributions to the Air Defense Artillery with a relentless focus on the Air Defense Artillery mission and our Soldiers. In addition to her work on the THAAD program, Dawn served as the Director and Technical Assistant to the Lockheed Martin MFC Executive Vice President. She was the THAAD Global Supply Chain Director responsible for leading the strategy and execution of all subcontract management and materials acquisition for the THAAD program. Ms. Golightly has served on numerous other key Lockheed Martin programs including Miniature Kill Vehicle (MKV), Non-Line of Site Launch System (NLOS-LS), Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) and PAC-3 MSE. Dawn’s leadership in driving technical excellence, execution and innovation using collaborative teams within the U.S. Government, industry and our allies has produced effective change for the Air Defense Artillery and has strategically positioned our Air Defense Artillery forces and enterprise to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threat environment. Her work directly led to THAAD’s recent successful combat operations in the CENTCOM AOR. Dawn has made significant and lasting impacts on the Air Defense Artillery and is most deserving of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. CARRIE F. GOSSET
Ms. Carrie F. Gossett has made significant contributions to the Air defense Artillery Branch during her thirty years of service as a Program Analyst within the former Air and Missile Defense Command and Control Systems (AMDCCS), Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Offices, where she supports budget planning/execution activities for the C-UYAS and Sense and Warn programs. Program Executive Office Missiles and Space personally recognized Ms. Gosset for outstanding performance. Ms. Gossett’s support of Air Defense Artillery has been exemplary and is most worthy of recognition by award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Her career has embodied the spirit, dignity, sense of sacrifice, and commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.
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DR. JEFFREY HART
Dr. Jeffrey “J.B.” Hart serves as the Deputy Project Manager (DPM) in the Mobile Land-Based Sensors Program Office (TBS) of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Dr. Hart is supremely qualified to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara award. He has demonstrated selfless service, professional excellence, and unquestionable integrity during his 30 years of military and civilian service to the Nation, the United States (U.S.) Army, Air Defense Artillery, and Air and Missile Defense. As a civilian employee, Dr. Hart distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as the DPM of TBS from June 2020 to present. His superior leadership led to unprecedented warfighting capability advancements and mission support accomplishments within the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) Radar Program, which contributed tremendously to Army Air and Missile Defense. As the TBS DPM, Dr. Hart expertly aided two U.S. Army Centrally Selected Project Managers in making decisions that led all facets of AN/TPY-2 Radar development, production, operations, and sustainment missions for Forward-Based Mode (FBM) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) radars. Key highlights of his tenure include: assisted in the delivery of THAAD Joint Emergent Operational Needs Statement capabilities to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; directly responsible for ensuring the sustainment of 13 AN/TPY-2 Radar systems; led the project team in negotiations for an end-of-year AN/TPY-2 Radar spares procurement resulting in $55.4 million of additional spares capability for the Warfighter; instrumental in the strategic relocation of a FBM AN/TPY-2 Radar; established and enabled cross-functional teams to drive sustainment and modernization of the AN/TPY-2 Radar Program, including the organic depot transition and key system upgrades; as well as provided Subject Matter Expertise support for the first-ever successful combat engagements of the THAAD Weapon System executed by our United Arab Emirates Foreign Military Sales partners. In short, Dr. Hart’s skilled leadership, professionalism, ceaseless determination, as well as his focus on cost, schedule, performance, and risk mitigation have been key to advancing the U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense mission. Dr. Hart is an Army Competitive Development Group/Army Acquisition Fellowship Alumnus and an Army and Department of Defense Acquisition Corps Member. He is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certified Level III in Program Management and DAWIA Level II in Contracting as well as Level I trained in International Affairs. Dr. Hart is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff Officer’s Course. He earned a Master of Management from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Development from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
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MS. ALANA HENLEY
Ms. Alana Henley distinguished career in the U.S. Defense Industry has made long term contributions to protect the United States, its deployed forces, and allies against the full spectrum of evolving and emerging missile threats. During her over 20-year career in the Defense Industry, Ms. Henley has successfully performed multiple roles leading industry research, development, and acquisition of air and missile defense capabilities. In her current role as Northrop Grumman Engineering Director of Missile Defense Solutions Business Unit in Huntsville, Alabama, Ms. Henley supports the Missile Defense Agency’s mission of developing, testing, and deploying a layered Missile Defense System. With over 1,300 engineers across numerous states the Engineering Directorate is responsible for delivering missile defense capabilities across the entire kill chain to include the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Weapon System, and the Ballistic Missile Defense System Overhead Persistent Infrared Architecture. These programs are protecting our homeland and forward deployed forces 24/7. Previously, Ms. Henley served as the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) Deputy Program Director. During her time on the program, IBCS successfully completed Limited User Test, four Flight Tests, and Milestone C Decision. In parallel to her technical contributions, Alana is actively engaged in the community. She served as Executive Sponsor for the Huntsville chapter of Northrop Grumman’s Women’s International Network (NGWIN) and has supported the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University engineering cohorts. Ms. Henley’s leadership over several major programs within the Air and Missile Defense enterprise has been exemplary and is most worthy of recognition by award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Her career has embodied the spirit, dignity, and sense of commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.
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MR. STEVEN C. JONES
Commander (Ret.) Steven C. Jones serves as the European Combatant Command Mission Director and Deputy Division Chief in the Wargames and Exercises Directorate at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. Mr. Jones has served the United States Navy, the United States Government, and our Nation with absolute distinction and unwavering commitment to our Service Members and civilian workforce. From July 2021 to present, Mr. Jones expertly led, planned, integrated, and executed support for MDA Combatant Command wargames and exercises. His efforts, encompassing Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, Ground-based Midcourse Defense, Aegis, and Patriot weapon systems, directly enabled Warfighters to effectively validate tactics, techniques, and procedures for employing and maintaining current missile defense systems and developing future capabilities. Mr. Jones’ leadership ensured timely and accurate modeling and simulation support, significantly improving simulation accuracy and reducing wargame execution time. His directorate supported no less than eight Operations Plans across five Areas of Responsibility and countless certifications of weapon system crews, command decision authorities, and senior Combatant Command leadership, contributing to consistently high certification pass rates and enhanced operational readiness across the force. Under his tenure, the Warfighter was fully prepared to defend the United States homeland and its allied forces abroad. The accomplishments of Mr. Jones highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch spanning more than a 20-year career of selfless service, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. DWIGHT L. KENON
Mr. Dwight L. Kenon is inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara based on the tremendous contributions he has made to Army Air and Missile Defense throughout his 30+ years of Civilian Service. He has been instrumental in the development, fielding, and delivery of capability to Army ADA units, equipping them for defending critical, strategic assets. As an example of these contributions, he provided leadership in the planning, development, and initial stages of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor program resulting in the approval of the program’s capability development document, which will lead to significant increases in capability to United States Army and allied air defenders. Mr. Kenon’s civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and master’s degrees in information management and project management. He is also Army-certified in acquisition logistics and program management. He has attended multiple engineering and leadership courses. Mr. Kenon has dedicated his career to the betterment of Army ADA, and he has been effective in accomplishing that goal, making him worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara. ____________________________________________________________________________________
DR. KEITH W. LANE
Dr. Keith W. Lane’s contributions to the Air and Missile Defense Community over his 45-year career have been instrumental in the success of his programs, the defense of our nation and allies and the Air Defense Artillery. He has been a true leader in advancing the state of the art in Command and Control (C2) / Fire Control Systems at the strategic and tactical levels. He has shared his knowledge with generations of engineers, developers, and warfighters to strengthen the community and establish a foundation for system evolution. Dr. Lane holds a B.S., M.S., and PhD in Mathematics from Auburn University. With over 20 years’ experience in Air Defense, he developed the architecture approach for a net-centric battle command system for the system-of-systems Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) concept. He served as the Chief Architect of the IAMD Battle Command System (IBCS), which was selected as winner of the 2012 DoD Industry Defense Enterprise Architecture Achievement Award. Prior to his work on IAMD, his contributions to National Missile Defense spanned 20+ years. He served as the Chief Architect of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Fire Control and Communication System. ____________________________________________________________________________________
MR. CHRISTOPHER LONG
Mr. Christopher Long serves as the Director of Logistics for the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications Program Office. His contributions to the Air Defense Artillery over his 15 years of Department of Defense civil service vastly improved United States Army Air Defense missions across the battlefield. He led the fielding of an A-2 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in 2011. Mr. Long is the joint transportation lead for the Kyogamisaki Communications Site deployment for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), synchronizing delivery of assets for the initial Forward-Base Mode (FBM) site deployment. He skillfully led his team with site preparation, fielding and sustainment of survivable Satellite Communications infrastructure at four Army-Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance (AN/TPY-2) FBM sites. Additionally, his leadership was instrumental in the sustainment of ten Ballistic Missile Defense System Tactical Interface Nodes in two Combatant Commands, enabling resilient peer-to-peer sharing of Link-16 missile tracks Aegis, THAAD, and PATRIOT. Mr. Long led his team in coordinating the Guam Defense System Command Center Operations Floor requirements, design and layout concept with stakeholders from United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), 94th AAMDC, Pacific Air Forces Integrate Air and Missile Defense, and Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space, leading to an approved Warfighter design — successfully delivering on INDOPACOM’s No. 1 priority. Mr. Long is a 1987 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Before joining MDA, Mr. Long served in the Air Force for 23 years as a Logistics Readiness Officer. His assignments included Air Force Special Operations Command, the Air Staff, and Joint Staff and the Commander of the Executive Coordinating Agency at the United States Embassy in Muscat, Oman. His operational duties included the deployed Director of Logistics, Joint Special Operations Task Force 2, Brindisi, Italy, during Operations Provide Promise/Deny Flight and the Director/Deputy Director of Logistics Plans for the Combined Forces Air Component Commander during Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom, respectively. He was selected as the 2002 Air Force Logistics Senior Manager of the Year.
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MR. PATRICK LUNSFORD
U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major (CSM-R) Patrick Lunsford is inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. His contributions to the Air Defense Artillery over the last 31 years of dedication to defeating short-range air and missile threats have been vital to his successes throughout his military and civilian career. CSM-R Patrick Lunsford graduated from Trident University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). He holds his Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt, and General Airframe and Power Plant License. During his 26 years of active duty, CSM-R Lunsford has served in various roles. These have included Flight Troop Squad Leader, AVIM Maintenance Squad Leader, Air Cavalry Flight Troop Platoon Sergeant, Air Cavalry Flight Troop First Sergeant, Aviation Maintenance Troop First Sergeant, Army Recruiter, SPO Sergeant Major, and Battalion Command Sergeant Major. Command Sergeant Major (CSM-R) Lunsford’s assignments and tours include: 2nd Infantry Division in Korea; three tours with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; a tour with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; a tour with the Jackson, Mississippi Recruiting Battalion; a tour with V Corps USAREUR in Giebelstadt, Germany; two tours with the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) at Fort Riley, Kansas; deployments to Southwest Asia (Saudi Arabia and Iraq) for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm; two tours supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; and various other operational tours. Upon his retirement in April 2016, he held various roles supporting the Army Air and Missile Defense and Army Aviation within the Program Executive Office – Missiles and Space (PEO-MS). Configuration Management Analyst (CMA), supporting the PATRIOT Ground Support Equipment (PGSE) team at the Integrated Fires Mission Command (IFMC) Project Office and Lower Tier Interceptors (LTI) Product Office. Senior Aviation Analyst, providing on-site support as a Senior Aviation maintenance subject matter expert focusing on Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability (RAM) to reduce maintenance burden, decrease the size of the Combat Aviation Brigade footprint, lower aircraft ownership costs, and enhance the availability and reliability of the U.S. Army’s rotary wing fleet. Aviation and Logistics Program Advisor, offering expert guidance and support to the Royal Saudi Land Force Aviation Command (RSLFAC) on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of aviation equipment and logistics solutions. Assists in developing and implementing the logistics component of RSLFAC’s Security Assistance programs. CSM-R Lunsford currently plays a key role in the SHIELD Configuration Management Team. He excels at managing Class 1 Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) and monitoring multiple commodities for LTI and the IFMC project offices, supporting the processing of urgent documents. His review of contract requirements, special provisions, and terms and conditions ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, contributing significantly to the success of the SHIELD Project Office. He handles approximately 200 ECPs annually, helping ensure the programs deliver advanced systems that meet warfighter needs. He has been recognized for his organized, systematic approach to documenting, reviewing, and implementing changes to product design, processes, and documentation throughout the missile lifecycle, maintaining consistency, traceability, and quality. CSM-R Lunsford received special recognition from his U.S. government customer for his exceptional work on the new GEM-T Foreign Military Sales case and his coordination with the Foreign Military Sales Partner. He was praised by his customer for providing outstanding support while acting as the liaison between the Lower Tier Project Office and Raytheon on matters related to ECP approvals, helping ensure the timely processing and acceptance of variations. Additionally, he was commended by his government customers for taking the initiative to compile a list of approved ECPs that had not been released to partner countries for a 10-month period. This repository helped the USG correct the oversight.
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MS. STEPHANIE I. MACDONALD
Ms. Stephanie I. MacDonald is inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara based on the tremendous contributions she has made to Army Air and Missile Defense over the past 15 years. She has been instrumental in the development, fielding, and delivery of capability to Army ADA units, equipping them for defending critical, strategic assets. As an example of these contributions, she provided leadership in her career field in the development and fielding of multiple air and missile defense sensors, providing significant increases in capability to United States Army and allied air defenders. Ms. MacDonald’s civilian education includes an Associate of Science degree from Salt Lake Community College. She is also Army-certified in multiple security-related areas. She has attended multiple functional and leadership courses. Ms. MacDonald has distinguished herself in her chosen career field by being one who finds solutions – not just pointing out problems. She is determined to find a way to “yes” for the benefit of the ADA soldier and their mission. So, it’s not just what she has done in her career that sets her apart, it’s how she has done it. Ms. MacDonald’s biography (Encl) details the specifics of her career and the impacts on Army Air and Missile Defense. It is clear she has dedicated her career to the betterment of Army ADA, and she has been effective in accomplishing that goal, making her worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara. ____________________________________________________________________________________
MS. STEFANIE L. MCCRARY
Ms. Stefanie L. McCrary is inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara based on the tremendous contributions she has made to Army Air and Missile Defense throughout the past 20 years. She has been instrumental in the development, fielding, and delivery of capability to Army ADA units, equipping them for defending critical, strategic assets. As an example of these contributions, she provided leadership in the development, production, and fielding of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, providing significant increases in capability to United States Army and allied air defenders. Ms. McCrary’s civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University. She is also Army-certified in program management and information technology. She has attended multiple acquisition and leadership courses. It is clear Ms. McCrary has dedicated her career to the betterment of Army ADA, and she has been effective in accomplishing that goal, making her worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara. ____________________________________________________________________________________
MR. PAUL MCSHERRY
Mr. Paul McSherry is recognized for his over twenty years of technical and leadership contributions to Northrop Grumman’s air and missile defense programs portfolio for the U.S. Army. His technical contributions include serving as an electrical engineer supporting the design and integration of the Air and Missile Defense Planning and Control System (AMDPCS) for the 94th Army and Air Missile Defense Command. Mr. McSherry’s work included support for the electrical design required to support numerous rigid wall shelter systems and the electrical layout for several soft wall systems ensuring adequate power and distributed load to support the numerous systems employed at the AAMDC level. Mr. McSherry served as the lead systems engineer for the Air Defense and Airspace Management (ADAM) Cell variant of the Command Post Platform (CPP) family of shelters, a system that was urgently fielded to provide air defenders a planning and control capability that was identified as an immediate need to support then ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. McSherry served as the Network Engineering Team Manager for the Counter – Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) program, and later as the Chief Engineer for the C-RAM and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) family of programs, systems that were designed and fielded to provide situational awareness, warnings, and protection to deployed air defenders and other servicemembers abroad. Mr. McSherry has served as the AMDPCS Tactical Support (ATS) Program manager and was selected for and currently leads the Tactical Ground Equipment Business Area Manager overseeing a team of over three hundred technical and administrative professionals including engineers, field representatives, training specialists, and logisticians. This dynamic team provides support to deployed Air and Missile Defense soldiers deployed to three dozen sites around the world. This support includes the deployment, operation, and maintenance of the Base Operational NEtworkS (BONES) backbone that enables sensors and effectors to operate as a system of systems when communicating with the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) system. In addition to this support, Mr. McSherry’s Business Area has the responsibility to provide a Counter UAS capability to three Baltic nations as part of the Building Partner Capacity effort led by the United States Government. Mr. McSherry’s technical expertise and his leadership of these critical programs within the Air and Missile Defense mission area have been exemplary and embody the spirit and sense of commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara and merits recognition through the award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRISTOPHER P. MITCHELL
LTC Christopher P. Mitchum serves as the U.S. Army’s Product Manager, Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2). LTC Mitchum has performed with distinction inleading this Acquisition Category 1 program totaling over $4.8B. This accomplished Field Artilleryman has excelled in leading a multi-functional team of military, government, and contractor personnel that is rapidly advancing the research, development, testing, evaluation, and rapid prototyping of a system that provides a critical capability within the Air and Missile Défense (AMD) portfolio. LTC Mitchum has led the IFPC Inc 2 team, along with strong support from the Warfighter, in executing an impressive acquisition strategy that has leveraged unique Congressional authorities by adopting a Middle Tier of Acquisition, rapid prototyping approach. Under LTC Mitchum’s leadership, the combined Government and Industry product team will have delivered up to 16 planned weapon system prototypes to the U.S. Army within only three years of contract award. His exemplary service as the IFPC Inc 2 Product Manager is ensuring that IFPC Inc 2will emerge as a cornerstone system complimenting SGT STOUT and PATRIOT, and establish itself as a crucial component to restoring robust ground-based AMD capabilities to protect Army formations. LTC Mitchum’s exemplifies the ideals of the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space in striving to providing capabilities that support “Any Warfighter, Anywhere, All the time!” This highly dedicated and distinguished Field Artillery officer has compiled an outstanding record of service and commitment to the U.S. Army and the Air Defense Branch that eminently qualifies him as worthy of recognition as an inductee into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL STEVEN D. MOEBES
LTC Steven D. Moebes serves as the U.S. Army’s Product Manager, Lower Tier Interceptors, and has excelled in leading the total life cycle management of all variants of the PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles and multiple launcher configurations, including PAC-3 MSE, which is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) totaling over $6.0B. His leadership of a diverse team of military, government, and contractor personnel has ensured that these critical fires capabilities were executed within cost, schedule, and performance requirements and, more importantly, delivered to U.S. Army and Allied Air Defenders for successful employment in a multitude of critical military operations around the globe. LTC Moebes has served with distinction in other varying assignments within the Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space since 2016, to include as an Assistant Project Manager for PAC-3 and as Executive Officer to the Program Executive Officer. He has demonstrated superior performance in executing all assigned responsibilities and has contributed immeasurably to synergizing the planning, integration, and execution of vital Air Defense program activities across the PEO Missiles & Space, Fires Center of Excellence, Headquarters Department of the Army, Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition Logistics and Technology, Office of the Secretary of Defense, as well as with Warfighters throughout the world. This highly dedicated and distinguished Ordnance Corps officer has compiled an outstanding record of service and commitment to the U.S. Army and the Air Defense Branch that makes him truly worthy and deserving of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. JENNIFER S. MONTGOMERY
Ms. Jennifer S. Montgomery currently serves as the Technical Integrator for the Guam Defense System (GOS), and the Golden Dome of America, along with other efforts in the Integrated Fires Directorate (IFD), Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS). In her previous post, she was highly effective as the Lead Systems Engineer for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) – Gold program office, the flagship program of Missile Defense Agency (MDA). She led a team of ten engineers responsible for establishing all NGI-Gold Systems Engineering efforts while adhering to the very highest standards of engineering rigor. Ms. Montgomery is key in the implementation, modernization and efficiency of mission data for complex, integrated offensive and defensive fires systems. She is instrumental in executing a modernization strategy for IFD architecture, fostering consensus among PEO MS Project Offices and successfully advocating for the agreed upon architecture within the Joint Program Office and MDA to support the GOS. This effort will result in the first complete implementation of the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) system of this scale, and it is designed to be adaptable for future applications, including the Golden Dome program. These modernization efforts are significantly important to U.S. interests and will likely enhance the defense capabilities of allied partners, contributing to a more robust, layered defense. As the Lead Systems Engineer for the Next Generation Interceptor-Gold program office, Ms. Montgomery was highly effective in coordinating the component level system engineering (SE) efforts with the element level SE group. The SE efforts included identifying qualified SE personnel for the newly established office; maturing Digital Engineering processes; planning for milestone reviews leveraging Digital Engineering methodology; and ensuring consistent requirement interpretation across the MDA portfolio. Ms. Montgomery consistently and successfully fostered open communication and teamwork within the systems engineering organization. For the past three years, Ms. Montgomery has led the development of System of Systems (SoS) capabilities with the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, directly supporting the GOS AIAMD SoS instantiation. Her systems engineering responsibilities encompass requirements management, interface control, analysis, modeling & simulation, technical integration, and digital engineering. This sustained collaboration across the PEO and with external stakeholders has established Ms. Montgomery as a recognized technical authority on systems engineering, both within and beyond the organization. Jennifer consistently displays the highest standard of integrity and moral character while remaining selflessly committed to our country’s warriors.
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MR. COLE MOODY
Over a 15-year distinguished career in the Defense Industry, Mr. Cole Moody has made long term contributions to protect the United States, its deployed forces, and allies against the full spectrum of evolving and emerging missile threats. In his current role as Northrop Grumman Technology Fellow for the Missile Defense Solutions Business Unit in Huntsville, Alabama, Mr. Moody is defining next generation missile defense architectures to contribute to current and future missile defense systems like Golden Dome for America. Cole is responsible for developing innovative missile defeat technologies and concepts to enable the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) mission of developing, testing, and deploying a layered Missile Defense System. He also continues to support the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) mission, serving as a senior subject matter expert and defining capabilities to address new and emerging threats. Previously, Mr. Moody served as the Chief Engineer for the GMD Ground Systems, where he was responsible for delivering new capabilities to MDA and USNORTHCOM. With a laser focus on the critical homeland defense mission, he led the technical team to deliver new fire control capabilities to maximize the performance of the existing interceptor fleet and deploy critical launch and communication system upgrades ensure continued weapon system availability to the Warfighter. Cole’s experience in Air and Missile Defense (AMD) began on the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), where he worked as a Communications Systems Engineer designing the network backbone for the Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN). Mr. Moody’s leadership over several major programs within the AMD enterprise has been exemplary and is most worthy of recognition by award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. His career has embodied the spirit, dignity, and sense of commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.
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MS. JENNY NILES
Ms. Jenny Niles currently serves as the Deputy Project Manager for the Directed Energy (DE) Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Project Office. She has oversight of an Air Defense Artillery (ADA) modernization portfolio that includes the IFPC High Energy Lader 300kW-class laser weapons system, and the IFPC High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM). Her superior leadership and acquisition acumen enabled the Army to leverage and integrate current DE technologies into existing Army platform. This resulted in the rapid delivery of prototypes with residual combat capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ (COCOM) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Requirements. Ms. Niles personally led a small team of professional that coordinated with multiple COCOMSs, Component Commands, and the U.S. State Department to effectively deploy IFPC-HPM platforms to two geographically disparate COLCOMs for operational testing as part of existing Air Defense assets. She also worked tirelessly to deploy Soldiers from the 1-61 ADA Battalion and support personnel to both location for operational assessments.
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MR. JAMES M. OTTEN
Mr. James M. Otten serves as the Lead Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) in the Flight Test Directorate. He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and the United States Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. Mr. Otten has been a driving force in advancing MDA’s mission through his leadership, technical expertise, and operational excellence. As an Interoperability Test Director, key Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence planner, and now as Lead MDA JICO, he has led the successful execution of over 140 flight tests involving the United States, partner nations, and allied systems, resulting in more than 100 intercepts and over 120 tracking exercises. His contributions have directly enhanced the capability and credibility of the global missile defense architecture by seamlessly integrating space-based sensors, radar systems, and command and control assets with firing units. Through his deep operational insight and unmatched attention to detail, Mr. Otten has been instrumental in delivering a layered, interoperable missile defense system to the Warfighter. As MDA Flight Test Execution Lead, Mr. Otten’s most enduring contribution lies in his exceptional ability to recruit, train, and mentor strong teams that consistently achieve success in leading and executing complex flight tests. With an immense dedication to developing individuals’ potential, he has meticulously trained government civilians, contractors, and interns in critical areas. His focus on integrity, service, and excellence has transformed individuals into confident, mission-ready leaders, making him a force multiplier for national defense. Mr. Otten’s legacy is empowering individuals and cohesive teams that safeguard our Nation and its allies. With over 40 years of civil service, Mr. Otten joined MDA after retiring from the United States Navy as a leading air defense expert and JICO. He logged over 785 live air intercepts and integrated air defense operations during Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom. His accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. TIM A. PALMER
Mr. Tim Palmer began his career at MICOM in 1982 as a full-time contract researcher working in the SSDD Directorate in building 5400. During his 43 year career in the Army Air Defense community, he supported MICOM, AMCOM, and now AvMC developing and running simulations, supporting ground and flight tests, designing and building hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, and performing analysis on many Army missile programs and related systems including Stinger, TOW, Hellfire, Javelin, HAWK, Chaparral, Avenger, Pershing II, PATRIOT PAC-2 and PAC-3, ATACMS, THAAD, and A/IAMD, and some that never made it to the field including BATT, ADATS, FOG-M, MEADS, and SLAMRAAM. Tim worked alongside Army, Navy, and industry to develop and use the Virtual Engagement Simulation Tool (VEST) “sim-over-live” capability, which is now a standard concept used for many missile programs. Perhaps his greatest achievement came with his role in helping to develop and integrate the data architecture, simulations, non-tactical data link, and visualization for the Army Mountain Top Experiment, a pioneering test that proved beyond-line-of-sight missile defense was feasible by networking sensors and weapons across platforms, paving the way for more advanced integrated air and missile defense systems and serving as a foundational step for modern theater missile defense architectures and cooperative engagement systems. In 2021, he proposed applying AI/ML to close a critical gap in air defense threat typing; this concept was subsequently matured by others and is being integrated into modern tactical air defense systems. Tim continues to innovate and push the limits of what’s possible in Army Air Defense, most recently working on integrating AI/ML into R&D activities and working with a brilliant team of people on concepts for getting the best system possible for our warfighters and nation in the President’s Golden Dome initiative. Tim has worked for Torch Technologies for the past decade, serving as Chief Engineer for the System Analysis and Simulation Group, where he continues to support Army Air Defense and our nations warfighters by conducting research and development and by mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
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MR. DOUGLAS H. PATTERSON JR.
Mr. Douglas H. Patterson, Jr. Lower Tier Interceptors (LTI) Acquisition Branch Chief within the Short & Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) Project Office, is inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Mr. Patterson has held various roles within the Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA), the Lower Tier, and SHIELD Project Offices since 2016. During his tenure, he has planned, developed, and managed acquisition strategies, planning, and completion of contract requirements packages for the Lower Tier Interceptors (LTI) Product Office. Mr. Patterson oversees 161 active contracts valued at $26.433B, including complex U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) actions for PAC-3/PATRIOT production, PAC-3 Missile Support Center (P3MSC), field support, obsolescence mitigation, and development efforts. His leadership enabled ~$695M in PATRIOT and PAC-3 production contracts, utilizing Ukraine Special Assistance Initiative (USAI) funding to replenish U.S. missile inventory, positively impacting combat operations. Mr. Patterson’s leadership facilitated the FMS FY21/22/23 PAC-3 MSE Missile Reprioritization action, directed by senior U.S. leadership in late FY24. He played a key role in accelerating contract awards to deliver critical munitions to Ukraine. He also led the first U.S. PATRIOT Launching Station production contract in decades, replenishing U.S. inventory. His support has been vital to the establishment of the first ever PAC-3 MSE multiyear contract and current munition acceleration efforts impacting PAC-3 MSE. His agile contracting environment has been instrumental in SHIELD’s rapid fielding and sustainment of PATRIOT assets, meeting critical operational needs. Mr. Patterson is a consummate professional Army civilian and is committed to excellence in everything that he does. He has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character throughout his career and is extremely worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHAD E. RABURN
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Chad Raburn previously served as the Assistant Product Manager – Ground Systems in the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Program Office, helping to ensure that our Homeland Defense was ready to defend the Nation against ballistic missile threats. As the Army’s board select Product Manager for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Interceptor in MDA since April 2023, his personal leadership of his team of military officers, Government civilians, and contractor professionals has significantly contributed to the development, fielding, and sustainment of enhanced ballistic missile defense capabilities for the Air and Missile Defense Warfighter. Leveraging technical, programmatic and acquisition expertise, LTC Raburn managed the recovery of interceptor production due to nonavailability of several significant interceptor components that stymied the Program’s interceptor deliveries. As a result of his leadership, he and his team have stabilized THAAD Missile deliveries, and have recovered schedule, within budget, in a dynamic and highly competitive resource environment. In total, LTC Raburn’s team has delivered over 940 THAAD Interceptors to date for the United States Army’s THAAD Batteries, as well as the Program’s two Foreign Military Sales Cases with the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The unprecedented and historic number of United States THAAD combat engagements in the United States Central Command during the Defense of Israel in 2024-2025 validates that he and his team enforce a disciplined and rigorous process that delivers high-quality, reliable missiles that the Warfighter can count on. The contributions of LTC Raburn’s team to the Defense of Israel played a significant role in garnering that country’s vocal gratitude from its Warfighters for United States participation in its defense. LTC Raburn is the consummate team player. He has effectively partnered with the THAAD Prime Contractor to maintain affordability on interceptor redesign efforts, supporting the development of improved Layered Homeland Defense capability against evolving adversarial threats. L TC Raburn has also been instrumental in helping the THAAD Program shape the path to enable future THAAD Interceptor production to increase the Army’s future capacity for THAAD missile defense to unparalleled levels. He is supporting ongoing THAAD Production Quantities Acceleration meetings with all of the major THAAD Interceptor supply chain vendors in response to guidance from the Office of Secretary of Defense’s initiative to quickly ramp up munitions levels. LTC Raburn also supports the THAAD Project Office’s efforts to prepare to respond to Golden Dome program requirements. LTC Raburn’s contributions to the Air and Missile Defense community will serve the Nation and the Army for years, and are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service. LTC Raburn’s exceptionally-meritorious service and accomplishments in support of missile defense are worthy of consideration for induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MS. SONYA B. READ
Ms. Sonya B. Read serves as the Lead Engineer in the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Directorate, Sensors Program Office. She has distinguished herself with outstanding contributions to national defense and also benefited the United States (U.S.) Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. Ms. Read has demonstrated leadership, extraordinary initiative and overall excellence in planning and successfully delivering cutting edge capability for Missile Defense on the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Army-Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model (AN/TPY-6), and Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) radars. As Lead Engineer, Ms. Read ensures the radars meet needed requirements for the Warfighter to counter the increased threat vector and provides strategic direction for the verification and validation of capabilities in Missile Defense System testing. She led the team in successfully upgrading capabilities on LRDR, AN/TPY-6, and SBX radars using agile, modular techniques. On LRDR, she implemented a plan to innovatively test a software capability upgrade and accelerate fielding by almost a year. On AN/TPY-6, she led the engineering team to successfully test the radar on the island of Guam in less than 2 years from program initiation, which is three times faster than standard acquisition timelines. Additionally, on SBX, she spearheaded a capability upgrade for improving discrimination against threats directly in support of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade. Ms. Read has more than 30 years of U.S. Government service. She served in the Army as a civilian before joining the Missile Defense Agency. Throughout her career, Ms. Read’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making her highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. RYAN REESER
Mr. Ryan Reeser has distinguished himself as an outstanding contributor to the Fires Community for over 20 years. In his current role as the AV Director of Directed Engineer and Kinetic programs to include: Next Generation CUAS Missile (NGCM), Indirect Fire Protect Capability Increment 2 (IFPC2I), Laser Diagnostics Suite (LIDS) and Missile Airframe Simulation Testbed-MANPADS (MAST-M) Evolutionary Development, Ryan is responsible for all incremental product changes to all of those efforts related to program management, obsolescence, increased capability, cost reduction initiatives, technology protection, expanded target sets and other incremental changes. Prior to serving in this capacity, Ryan has a long, distinguished history of contributions to the Fires Community that includes: Chief Engineer for Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) and Standard Missile 3 (SM3) for Raytheon; lead for overall program strategy and execution for technology development and integration efforts supporting Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Hypersonic; and provided operations support to MDA Targets, THAAD, Next Generation Interceptor, and Glide Phase Interceptor while employed by Lockheed Martin. Ryan has made a significant and lasting impact on the Fires Branch. He has earned numerous Special Recognition, Excellence and Achievement Awards and has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, moral character, and professional competence. He is most deserving of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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COLONEL WILLIAM A. REKER
Colonel William (Bill) Reker serves as the Project Manager for the Mobile Land-Based Sensors Program Office of the Missile Defense Agency. COL Reker is supremely qualified to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara award. He has demonstrated selfless service, professional excellence, and unquestionable integrity during his 26 years of military service to the Nation, the United States Army, Air Defense Artillery, and Air and Missile Defense. COL Reker distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as the as the United States (U.S.) Army Centrally Selected Project Manager for the Mobile Land-Based Sensors Program Office from June 2023 to present. COL Reker’s superior leadership led to unprecedented warfighting capability advancements and mission support accomplishments within the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) Radar Program, which contributed tremendously to Army Air and Missile Defense. COL Reker expertly led all facets of AN/TPY-2 Radar development, production, operations, and sustainment missions for Forward-Based Mode (FBM) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Radars. Key highlights of his tenure as Project Manager include: continuously preserving the Warfighter’s confidence in the AN/TPY-2 Radars by providing daily world-class operational and sustainment support to United States Northern Command, United States Space Command, United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), and United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM); direct warfighting support to forward deployed THAAD and FBM AN/TPY-2 radars; conducted the first-ever “Extended Maintenance” of the AN/TPY-2 Radar for the USINDOPACOM; led significant warfighting capability enhancements in radar software to track advanced threats and provide Rapid Real-World responses; conducted upgrades to the system’s architecture to quickly process increasing amounts of radar data; conducted the first-ever “Hot Swap” of an Electronics Equipment Unit in the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility; led his team to DD-250 the first THAAD Foreign Military Sales Kingdom of Saudi Arabia AN/TPY-2 Antenna Electronics Unit (AEU) ahead of schedule and under budget; as well as secured $300 million of funding to establish an AEU refurbishment program that is critical to extending the life of the low-density, high OPTEMPO AN/TPY-2 Radar fleet. In short, COL Reker has expertly managed this $1.7 billion Acquisition Category 1D critical component of the multi-service Missile Defense System. He is a system expert and coordinates with the user communities, Agency leadership, Combatant Command; foreign nations, industry partners, service partners, and all other stakeholders to include Army Capability Manager (ACM) for the Army Air and Missile Defense Command; ACM Strategic Missile Defense, as well as U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. COL Reker’s skilled leadership and ceaseless determination have been key to advancing the U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense mission. COL Reker is a senior member of the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps and earned a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University. He also holds a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Campbell University, North Carolina, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, Florida. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course, Intermediate Level Education, the Army Acquisition Basic Course, the Army Force Management Course, and the Army Space Cadre Basic Course.
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MR. JAMES L. ROGERS
Mr. James (Lee) Rogers is inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara for his outstanding performance and exceptional achievement in providing the technical oversight that ensured the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Program delivered combat proven, high-quality interceptors to the Warfighter. Mr. Rogers is a seasoned Department of Defense professional with over 18 years of technical and programmatic experience in the THAAD Interceptor Product Office of the THAAD Program in the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). He has consistently demonstrated superior competence, insightful technical judgment, and exceptional management skills in projects directly benefiting the Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Warfighter and community. Transitioning from the automotive industry, he entered civil service in May 2007, with his first assignment in the THAAD Project Office as a Quality Engineer. Since, he has served in successive critical positions of increasing responsibility within the THAAD Interceptor Product Office, including Propulsion and Boost Motor Lead, and is currently the Chief Engineer for the THAAD Project Office’s Interceptor. Mr. Rogers has been an active contributor to the tactical THAAD Interceptor from its late development days, through qualification, production, operational testing, fielding and subsequent tactical service. He has overseen improvements to the interceptor, including obsolescence mitigation, as well as software upgrades to ensure that the Army’s fleet of interceptors are relevant in keeping up with the evolving threat. In addition, he and his team conducted nine major technical evaluations on interceptor production contracts, leveraging decades of industry and government experience for the Government to award reasonably-priced, executable procurement contracts for over 1,200 interceptors. This includes interceptors purchased for the two THAAD Foreign Military Sales Cases with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His engineering and quality acumen was a critical factor in the interceptor production configuration’s 100 percent success in all 17 flight tests. Mr. Rogers’ influence on THAAD Interceptor capability is evident in the first tactical engagements successfully executed in 2022, by the UAE, then more recently and prolifically in the Defense of Israel in 2024-2025, eliciting that country’s gratitude for United States participation in its defense. Mr. Rogers is a trusted advisor to Senior Leaders across MDA and is relied upon for his candid expertise in advising senior Army Air and Missile Defense Command and Combatant Command staffs about the THAAD Interceptor. Throughout his career, his accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. RICHARD D. ROGERS
Mr. Richard Rogers serves as the Director (Acting), Command and Control Operations and Training within the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) Program. Over ten years of distinguished Department of Defense civil service, he has made substantial contributions to U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery, significantly enhancing mission effectiveness across the battlefield. Mr. Rogers leads a global enterprise encompassing 25 locations and 18 time zones. He recently spearheaded the successful deployment and integration of seven Ballistic Missile Defense System Tactical Interface Nodes within two Combatant Commands, enabling resilient, peer-to-peer Link-16 track data sharing for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and PATRIOT air and missile defense assets in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR). This achievement directly supported the success of Air Defense Artillery Soldiers and our Israeli allies during the 12-Day War. Further demonstrating his commitment to strengthening allied partnerships, Mr. Rogers approved the establishment of the Persistent Training/Exercise Network with Host Nation Israel in 2025, providing a dynamic environment for Joint and Coalition training, reinforcing the Warfighter’s ability to “Train-As-You-Fight.” Additionally, he authorized a C2BMC update that integrated a strategic sensor, enhancing missile defense coverage within the U.S. European Command AOR. Mr. Rogers retired from U.S. Air Force service in March 2015, after 23 years of dedicated service. Prior to his retirement, he was assigned to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in 2011, bringing a wealth of experience in space and missile operations to the Agency. Before joining MDA, Mr. Rogers served as a professional military education instructor at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL, where he directly contributed to the development of future Air Force leaders by teaching at both Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. Throughout his career, Mr. Rogers specialized in space and missile operations, holding a variety of operational crew and staff assignments at all levels. As a space-based missile warning officer, he was responsible for providing timely and accurate tactical warning data derived from Overhead Persistent Infrared sensors to Warfighter’s and combatant commands worldwide, directly supporting global security operations.
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MS. PAMELA R. RUSSELL
Ms. Pamela R. Russell is the Acting Division Chief, for the Air and Missile Defense System (AMDS) team here at the Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal providing direct support to the Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space. Ms. Russell’s leadership has rendered necessary business advice to assist the program offices with providing services and supplies to the warfighters to combat today’s emerging threats to the United States and its allies. Ms. Russell demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and leadership within the Department of Defense as one of the top contracting professionals. She maintains close coordination with Army leadership, Futures Command, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), DASA(P), DASA(DEC), industry and other organizations. She has been supporting missile defense programs for over five years. Ms. Russell currently has in her portfolio: Stinger, National to Advanced Surface to Air Missile (NASAMS), Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC), and Maneuver Short Range Air Defense system. All these products in her contractual portfolio are an important U.S. Army warfighter requirement to meet mission support. Ms. Rusell is responsible for leading her team through the execution of multiple contract actions to support the Air and Missile Defense team, which is a part of the Army’s strategic mission portfolio that compliments existing and programmed land-based rockets/munitions, artillery, and missile capabilities. Extraordinary contributions Ms. Russell has in her portfolio are (1) National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) , which is a highly adaptable combat-proven medium-range air defense solution; 2) Indirect Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2), a mobile, ground-based weapon system capable of countering unmanned aerial vehicle and cruise missile threats; 3) Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS), a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea; 4) Stinger Missile, a lightweight, self-contained air defense system that can be rapidly deployed by ground troops; 5) SGT STOUT (formerly known as MSHORAD Inc 1), provides lethal, mobile and survivable air defense against an array of aerial threats; 6) Avenger, a lightweight, highly mobile, easily transportable surface-to-air missile fire unit with eight Stinger missiles in two missile pods acquiring, identifying, tracking and engaging targets (low-flying helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft) from a stationary or moving position; 7) Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), a network-enabled, Modular Open System Approach Command and Control system to adapt and integrate multi-domain sensors and weapons onto an Integrated Fire Control Network; and 8) other missile integration and communication capabilities. All of these products in her contractual portfolio are an important U.S. Army warfighter requirement to meet mission support. Ms. Russell leads and manages 43 contract professionals in the AMDS Division, supporting complex high-visibility weapon systems in the Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) and Integrated Fires Mission Command (IFMC) portfolio within Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO M&S). Through her leadership, there have been 368 contract actions executed to date for Fiscal Year 2025, with a total obligation value of $3.13B. Ms. Russell’s portfolio includes 7 systems, two of which are Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and three of which are ACAT III, supporting U.S. military operations and Foreign Military Sales.
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MAJOR CHRISTOPHER J. SAAGER
MAJ Christopher J. Saager currently serves as the Product Manager for the Indirect Fires Protection Capability High Powered Microwave (IFPC-HPM) weapons system. He manages an Air Defense Artillery (ADA) modernization portfolio that includes the IFPC High Energy Laser 300kW-class laser weapons system, and the IFPC-HPM. During his previous assignment as the DE IFPC Deputy Project Manager, his performance was nothing short of spectacular as he focused the team on delivering the IFPC-HPM prototype platforms, developing New Equipment Training and New Equipment Fielding, as well as executing an Engineering Developmental Testing (EDT). While successfully planning, coordinating, and managing all the events leading up to the EDT, MAJ Saager was also coordinating two separate Structured Assessments to be conducted outside the U.S. Thanks to MAJ Saager and the incredible efforts of the small IFPC-HPM staff team, they successfully deployed two separate prototype platforms, Soldiers form the 1-51 ADA Battalion, field service representatives, and support personnel to two geographically disparate Combatant Commands.
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DR. BENJAMIN J. SCHMID
Dr. Benjamin J. Schmid currently serves as the Project Manager for the Directed Energy (DE) Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Project Office. He has oversight of an Air Defense Artillery (ADA) modernization portfolio that includes the IFPC High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) 300kW-class laser weapons system, and the IFPC High Power Microwave under the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). His tireless work ethic has proven to be a tremendous asset for RCCTO as he has successfully led his IFPC-HEL team and their industry partner through the many issues that arose during the IFPC-HEL’s manufacturing and prototyping effort for the IFPC-HEL project. Dr. Schmid and his team dedicated their efforts to delivering an effective high energy laser weapons system to the U.S. Army, and more importantly, delivering a DE capability to our Soldiers.
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MR. ERNEST SMITH III
Mr. Ernest Smith III has made tremendous contributions to Army Air and Missile Defense throughout the last 20 years. He has been instrumental in the development, fielding, and delivery of capability to Army ADA units, equipping them for defending critical, strategic assets. As an example of these contributions, he provided significant leadership in the planning and executing the first Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor Radar-supported missile flight test. Demonstration of this capability was a momentous step in providing a substantial increase in capability to United States Army and allied air defenders. Mr. Smith’s civilian education includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He is also Army-certified in test and evaluation, engineering, and technical management. He has attended multiple engineering and leadership courses. Mr. Smith’s biography (Encl) details the specifics of his career and the impacts on Army Air and Missile Defense. It is clear that he has dedicated his career to the betterment of Army ADA, and he has been effective in accomplishing that goal, making him worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara.
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MR. JEFFREY C. SULLIVAN
As an Army Commissioned Officer and Government Civilian, Mr. Jeffrey C. Sullivan has for years demonstrated steadfast devotion to the Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery communities, exemplifying the highest standards of integrity, service, and commitment. He consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission, readiness, and esprit de corps of the artillery branch. He leads with precision, purpose, and passion, earning the admiration of peers and subordinates alike. He demonstrates exceptional technical proficiency, tactical acumen, excellence, integrity, and deep understanding of the traditions and responsibilities that define our profession. Mr. Sullivan serves as Director for Space, Missile Defense and Special Programs (SMD&SP) for the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA). His directorate manages nearly $2.2B in annual obligations in support of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC), with five divisions spanning secure environment missions, as well as missile operations. He also served as Chief of the Strategic Services and Category Management (SSCM) Division in ACC-RSA’s Mission Support Directorate. There, he oversaw the Expedited Professional and Engineering Support Services (EXPRESS) program which, since 2002, has obligated over $24.5B to support field artillery and air defense systems, in order to ensure weapon effectiveness and lethality. His extraordinary dedication to mission success, mentorship, and selfless support to the Warfighter make him a truly deserving candidate for this honor. It is with great pride and full confidence that I recommend Mr. Sullivan – who represents the very best of our artillery heritage – for induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. TRACY E. TYNAN
Mr. Tracy E. Tynan is inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara in recognition of his sustained and exceptional contributions to the Air and Missile Defense mission. Currently serving as the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Director for Acquisition, Mr. Tynan has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and technical expertise throughout a distinguished career dedicated to protecting the Nation against ballistic missile threats. Selected for the Senior Executive Service in 2016, his recent tenure as Director for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Program delivered critical capabilities supporting the Homeland Defense Mission, ensuring the United States (U.S.) maintains a robust strategic defense posture against long-range ballistic missile threats during their midcourse phase of flight. As Program Director for the Ground Sensors Directorate, Mr. Tynan oversaw a $1.8 billion portfolio, including the strategically deployed Army-Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model (AN/TPY-2) radar systems with U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery units and the successful delivery of the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR). LRDR serves as the backbone of MDA’s layered defense strategy to protect the U.S. homeland from ballistic missile attack and will keep pace with evolving ballistic missile threats and increase the effectiveness of ground-based interceptors. Throughout his career spanning over 38 years of dedicated government service, Mr. Tynan has consistently championed innovation and delivered tangible results. As the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell Director, he expertly managed a $1.7 billion portfolio of Joint Urgent Operational Needs, directly enabling U.S. Army units in the United States Central Command to conduct critical air defense missions. His leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to providing the Warfighter with cutting-edge capabilities exemplify the spirit of Saint Barbara. Mr. Tynan’s significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery Branch make him exceptionally worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. JOEL G. VELEZ
Mr. Joel G. Velez is a seasoned Department of Defense Civil Servant with over 17 years of experience in Foreign Military Sales (FMS), with 12 of these involved in critical missile defense programs. His extensive background encompasses key roles such as: FMS Program Manager, Program Integrator, and Logistics Chief for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Program; FMS Branch Chief, Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space (STORM Project Office); Chief, Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS) Branch; and Senior Field Office Manager/Team Lead for International Programs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. His career achievements include managing engagements with 62 countries, 14 weapon systems, and over 300 FMS cases, totaling more than $18.5 billion. THAAD Foreign Military Sales cases provide significant benefits to the United States Army’s THAAD units. FMS cases help identify obsolescence issues and contribute cost sharing and additional funding to develop solutions which are flowed into improvements in the production of United States THAAD equipment. FMS provides meaningful work that helps keep United States production lines online. FMS THAAD units in theater solidify coalition relationships and provide additional Ballistic Missile Defense capability, which potentially mitigates the need to deploy scarce United States units to defend the Nation’s interests. Mr. Velez’s direct contributions to providing this strategic missile defense capability to a key United States ally significantly strengthens both the UAE’s national defense and the overall security posture of the United States Central Command region. Mr. Velez’s responsibilities demand holistic program management, including critical case development and coordination to ensure “Total Package” fielding for coalition partners. He expertly applies knowledge of program management, logistics integration, strategic acquisition, FMS contracting, and policy to formulate and execute centralized management for complex FMS systems. Mr. Velez serves as a trusted advisor to General Officers and Senior Executive Service Officers across the Missile Defense Agency, PEO Missiles & Space, United States Army Security Assistance Command and United States Army Aviation and Missile Command SAMD. Crucially, he bridges Combatant Command priorities with the broader Security Assistance Enterprise, optimizing procurement and delivery strategies for international customers. His efforts directly contribute to the United States National Defense Strategy by “building partner capacity, strengthening alliances, and attracting new partners.” Throughout his career, Mr. Velez’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery Branch, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MR. GUTHRE WALLACE
Over the past 15 years, Mr. Guthre Wallace made significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery Branch, while serving as the Product Engineer for numerous critical programs within PD C-RAM (Land-Based Phalanx Weapons System (LPWS)), and PdM C-UAS. Most notably under Mr. Wallace’s technical leadership, the Coyote missile was quickly developed and delivered to the Warfighter, achieving more than 200 successful intercepts of enemy Group 3 UAS – ensuring our Soldiers stay protected. Mr. Guthre Wallace’s support of Air Defense Artillery has been exemplary and is most worthy of recognition by award of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Mr. Wallace’s career has embodied the spirit, dignity, sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.
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MS. STEPHANIE T. WARNES
Ms. Stephanie T. Warnes serves as the Deputy Program Manager on the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) in the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Directorate, Sensors Program Office. She has distinguished herself with outstanding contributions to national defense and also benefited the United States (U.S.) Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. She has demonstrated leadership, extraordinary initiative and overall excellence in planning and successfully delivering cutting-edge capability directly in support of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade. As Deputy Program Manager, Ms. Warnes ensures the radar delivers needed requirements for the Warfighter to counter the increased threat vector and provides strategic direction for the team to stay within cost and schedule. She led the team in successfully upgrading capabilities on SBX, which is a one-of-a-kind mobile radar currently deployed in the Pacific Ocean, using agile, modular techniques. Ms. Warnes spearheaded a capability upgrade for improving discrimination against threats directly in support of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade, which allows the Nation to conserve Ground Based Interceptors by differentiating threats from decoys. Throughout her career, Ms. Warnes’ accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making her highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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MAJOR QUINTON D. WATKINS
MAJ Quinton D. Watkins has more than 20 years of service to the Nation as a member of our Armed Services, in multiple branches of the military. As an Army Acquisition Officer, Quinton is on the cutting edge of developing, acquiring, fielding, and sustaining systems, equipment, and services critical to our Nation’s Warfighters. As an Acquisition Officer, for the past 5 years, Quinton is a valuable asset to the Fires community, performing duties at the Pentagon as a Department of the Army Systems Coordinator (DASC) for the Fires Directorate, and Assistant Product Manager (APM) for multiple project offices inside PEO Missiles and Space. Quinton delivers critical capability to the Warfighter at the speed of relevance. MAJ Watkins plays a critical role in delivering the Army’s most lethal technologies to the Fires community. As an APM for the Integrated Battle Command Systems (IBCS), Quinton modernized and improved Army air and missile defense capabilities into one network-centric architecture. As an APM for Mid-Range Fires System, one of the Army’s top modernization priorities for Long Range Precision Fires, Quinton delivered four launchers and a battery operations center to D Battery, 5-3 Field Artillery Battalion, on time and within budget. As an APM for the Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wireless-guided (TOW) Missile, Quinton led efforts to restart TOW production after a four-year break, delivering vital missiles to the Taiwanese military, ensuring regional security critical to our Indo-Pacific partners’ interests. MAJ Watkins now serves as the Assistant Product Manager for the Guam Defense System Joint Program Office, where he is rapidly developing and deploying a comprehensive, 360-degree air and missile defense system for the strategically vital Pacific and homeland territory of Guam.
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MS. CANDACE H. WELCH
Ms. Candace H. Welch has made significant contributions to the Air Defense Artillery Branch during her twenty-five years of service as a Program Analyst with the former Air and Missile Defense Command and Control Systems (AMDCCS), Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Project Offices, where she supports cost estimating and budget planning / execution activities for the C-UDAS and Sense and Warn programs. Program Executive Office Missiles and Space personally recognized Ms. Welch for outstanding performance. Ms. Welch’s support of Air Defense Artillery has been exemplary and is most worthy of recognition by award of the Honorable Orde of Saint Barbara. Her career has embodied the spirit, dignity, sense of sacrifice, and commitment epitomized by Saint Barbara.
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MR. ROBERT J. WERKA
Mr. Robert J. Werka serves as the South-East Radar Program Manager and the Deputy Program Manager for the entire Sensors Program Office in the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Directorate. He has distinguished himself with outstanding contributions to national defense and also benefited the United States (U.S) Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) branch. He has demonstrated leadership, extraordinary initiative and overall excellence in planning and successfully delivering cutting edge capability for Missile Defense on the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Army-Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model (AN/TPY-6), and South-East Radar. Mr. Werka ensures the radars provide needed capabilities for the Warfighter to counter the increased threat vector and provides strategic direction for meeting schedule and cost constraints. He led the team in successfully upgrading capabilities on LRDR and AN/TPY-6 radars while also initiating the South-East Radar program. On LRDR, he identified the root cause for electric cooling water pump motor anomalies and crafted a plan for increasing reliability to meet operational availability requirements. On AN/TPY-6, he led the test team to successfully demonstrate the radar’s capabilities on the island of Guam in less than 2 years from program initiation, which is three times faster than standard acquisition timelines, to benefit the Department of the Army’s Defense of Guam program. Additionally, on the South-East Radar, he implemented a plan to align the radar with the Army’s limited area defense Missile Defense coverage for a seamless protection strategy. Mr. Werka has 28 years of combined U.S. Government civilian and Industry service supporting numerous Army programs and Missile Defense Agency programs. Throughout his career, Mr. Werka’s accomplishments highlight significant contributions to the ADA Branch, making him highly worthy of induction into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
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Ancient Order of St. Barbara Awardees
(North Alabama Chapter of the U.S. Field Artillery Association)
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Major General, Retired, Patrick W. Burden
Major General, Retired, Patrick Burden was assessed into the Field Artillery and his assignments included Fire Support Officer, Platoon Leader, and Assistant Operations officer for 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Division in Germany, including deployment to Saudi Arabia for OPERATION DESERT STORM. Later, he served with 3rd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Lewis, Washington as the Brigade Counter Fire Officer and later Commander of B Battery.
MG (Ret) Burden was later assessed into the Army Acquisition Corps and served with distinction in various assignments. This included initial assignments as the Assistant Project Manager for Command and Control, the Commanche Simulation at Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, AL, and APM for Information Warfare at Fort Meade, MD. He was subsequently selected for Product Manager (PdM) of the Global Transportation Network Program for the United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, IL. He was selected for PdM of the Joint-Automatic Identification Technology program at Program Executive Office, Enterprise Information Systems in Alexandria, VA and Iraq supporting OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Additional assignments include Director of Integration with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) and later selection as Project Manager for the General Fund Enterprise Business System with PEO Enterprise Information Systems in Alexandria, VA.
At the executive level, he later returned fully into the Field Artillery community serving as the Deputy Program Executive Officer for Ammunition and the Senior Commander at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. He provided direct leadership in advancing several high visibility Field Artillery initiatives, most notably the next generation extended range ammunition efforts for the M777A2, M119A3, and Paladin M190A6/A7 modernization. He led the replacement effort for the 155mm M549A1 Rocket Assisted Projectile (RAP) with the development of the XM1113. Additionally, he led the effort within Picatinny Arsenal and in conjunction with Watervliet Arsenal to advance chrome plating for M109-series howitzer tubes. This process significantly extended barrel life and eased maintenance by reducing residue build up. His oversight and leadership extended to the M109A7 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) for chassis and fire control modernization through the improvement of compatibility with higher energy 155mm rounds and digital fire control upgrades.
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Sergeant First Class, Retired, James P. Elliott
Sergeant First Class, Retired, James P. Elliott has contributed immeasurably to the Field Artillery community over a professional career spanning more than 24 years as a Field Artillery Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer and 15 years as a Department of the Army Civilian; providing technical expertise in support of the Field Artillery’s rocket and missile programs and the development and fielding of precise, long-range, and lethal fire support to the current and future force.
Prior to becoming a Department of the Army civilian, SFC(Ret) Elliott served 24 years as a 13M HIMARS/MLRS Crew Member and Non-Commissioned Officer. His highlighted assignments include Senior MLRS Capabilities and Development NCO and MLRS Master Gunner supporting the Fires Center of Excellence Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major. Additionally, he served as the Platoon Sergeant for 1-33 FA in Bamburg, Germany and Bayji, Iraq. He additionally served throughout multiple MLRS units in Germany, Fort Sill, and South Korea. His career commendations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf and two bronze oak leaf clusters. Since retiring from the Army in 2010, SFC(Ret) Elliott became a Department of the Army Civilian and has been assigned to the Strategic and Operational Missiles Project Office (STORM) within Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO M&S). This includes a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 as the Program Integrator for the Field Artillery Launchers Product Office.
In his current assignment as Project Office Integrator, he is a direct advisor to the STORM O6/GS-15 Project Manager, advising on personnel matters, programmatic issues for both platforms and all munitions, and recommending resourcing, policy, and procedural decisions. He played an integral role in the shipment, fielding, training, and logistics support of HIMARS launchers to Ukraine. His expertise was essential to operations there, providing technical expertise directly to the crew members and battery and battalion leadership, including multiple trips to the Area of Responsibility to address issues in person. During this effort, he provided regular updates and recommendations directly to the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Army. His actions resulted in specific recognition from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology), the Deputy of Acquisitions and Systems Management, and Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space.
SFC(Ret) Elliott’s was previously assigned as Assistant Product Manager supporting HIMARS production, fielding, training, and sustainment. Through his extensive background as a Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer, combined with his experience in program management, he led several agile software development efforts to include a joint service HIMARS Maritime Precision Strike capability for Special Operations Command (SOCOM), requiring prompt understanding of unique requirements with SOCOM leadership and shortened timelines to achieve initial capabilities to support maritime special operations forces. Additionally, he led the development of the Universal Fire Control System Software version 8.0. This effort, supporting both United States Army and United States Marine Corps HIMARS and MLRS units was the first time ever the Department of Defense developed and fielded organic software on a major defense acquisition weapons program.
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Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Joey R. Smith
Lieutenant Colonel (USA, Retired) Joey R. Smith has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and a lifetime commitment to the Field Artillery (FA) branch, spanning thirty-one years as an FA Officer and Senior Program Analyst – notably supporting a two-star Science and Technology (S&T) Center and three-star Program Acquisition Executive (PAE); Since 2018, LTC(Ret) Smith supported the O6 Project Manager, Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles (PM STORM) – a Centrally Selected O-6 position, as the Senior Program Analyst for the $1B+ GMLRS production program. He managed annual and on-time delivery of rockets – including a critical period during the COVID-19 National Emergency from 2020 through 2022 that placed a significant strain on the GMLRS global supply chain. He was instrumental in the development of the “ramp-up” strategy to increase GMLRS production from 6,000 rockets per year to 10,006 in 2019, and in 2023 to above 14,000, to support the war in Ukraine, US consumption, and Allied Forces munition requirements. He continues to provide valued recommendations and support to the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Missiles and Space to prepare for congressional testimony and engagements with Assistant and Under-Secretaries of the Department of War and the Department of the Army
Following retirement from the Army in 2016, LTC(Ret) Smith joined the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) supporting the Fires Capability Area Lead for FA Systems. From 2016 to 2018, his Artilleryman experience ensured the AvMC’s newly developed International Strategic Missile Strategy met future U.S. capability requirements as well as our European and Asian partners as well. While working in AvMC he was instrumental in the advocacy and demonstration of the Tail-Controlled GMLRS (TCG) Science and Technology effort. The TCG S&T effort paved the path and transitioned the technology to the Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles (STORM) Project Office (PO) for the ERG program which extended the range of the GMLRS system.
Prior to his retirement, LTC(Ret) Smith served as the S&T and Senior Acquisition Advisor for the Fires Center of Excellence as well as the Chief of Cannons for the TRADOC Capability Manager (TCM) Brigade Combat Team (BCT)-Fires. As the TCM BCT-Fires Chief of Cannons, Joey led the development of the Cannon modernization strategy which eventually initiated the Extended Range Canon Artillery (ERCA) program and the development of the Mobile Howitzer Requirement to replace the aging 155mm Towed System in favor of a more mobile and lethal system to support medium and light BCTs. As the Senior Acquisition Advisor, he led a multi-functional team to synchronize major FA and Air Defense Artillery S&T initiatives. He also collaborated with various agencies on Fort Sill to execute and support precursor experimentation exercises that would eventually become an annual Maneuver and Fires Integration Experiments. Lastly, he represented the Fires Center of Excellence and the Army during multinational engagements with requirement developers from both Europe and the United Kingdom to ensure consistency of requirements, experimentation, and specifications enabling consistency and interchangeability during multi-lateral operations.
LTC(Ret) Smith additionally held Army Acquisition positions supporting the FA and Air Defense Artillery at the Fires Capabilities and Development Integration Directorate (CDID) to include Assistant Program Manager for the Ballistic Missile Defense System. Here, he led multifunctional teams of government and industry experts to improve software for the Theater High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) Planner Link-16 capabilities and developed / demonstrated a THAAD Command Post. He also served as the Combat Developments Staff Officer responsible for the requirements development process for the Knight Fire Support Vehicle Program, the Dismounted Optical System, the Land Warrior System and the Fires Support Sensor System (FS3) – all demonstrated and/or fielded – making the King of Battle a more lethal capability for the Combatant Commander.
LTC (Ret) Smith’s awards include: Bronze Star (2OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 BS), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Afghanistan Service Medal w/2 x Campaign Star, NATO Medal (1 BS), Senior Parachutist Badge, Honorable Order of Saint Barbara
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Honorable Order of St. Barbara Awardees
(North Alabama Chapter of the U.S. Field Artillery Association)
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Mr. David J. Best
Mr. David J. Best currently serves as a Senior Electrical Engineer for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) Integration Project Office under the Program Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires. In this role, and his prior support to the Fires enterprise, Mr. Best has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, stewardship, and commitment to the Field Artillery branch. Mr. Best’s lifetime of support to the fires enterprise began in North Dakota during the early 1970s as a member of the US Air Force’s Strategic Air Command, when he was a Combat Targeting Team Chief Instructor for the Minuteman, ground-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, as a technology manager and program engineer for a variety of sensor systems and military communications systems critical to the kill-chain, Mr. Best, was a primary technical resource for new initiatives and reverse engineering that solved numerous difficult technical problems. It was his extreme technical acumen that identified him as critical to the creation of the team that would solve one of the Army’s most difficult Fires technical challenges, the development and integration of the country’s first operational land-based hypersonic missile system. Recruited as a member of the Army Hypersonics Program Office at its inception in 2019, as the Principle Electrical Engineer for LRHW, Mr. Best shoulders tremendous responsibility and is delivering for the Artillery and the Army, allowing the United States to keep pace with our adversaries in the race for Hypersonics.
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Ms. Amanda Blevins
Ms. Amanda Blevins is the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Deputy Product Manager for the Army’s MRC Product Office, one of the Army’s top modernization priorities within the long-range precision fires portfolio, under the Program Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires. Ms. Blevins is a consummate professional who has advanced the Field Artillery portfolio of capabilities by providing expertise and support to Artillerymen in various positions. Ms. Blevins has provided senior-level leadership in the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) as the MRC Business Chief, and later the RCCTO Director personally selected her to serve as the Business Director for the Guam Defense System Joint Project Office. In these roles, she was instrumental in shaping budget strategies, managing acquisition planning, and aligning resources with operational requirements. Her leadership in business management and acquisition execution enabled the rapid transition of the MRC program from RCCTO to PEO Missiles and Space, ensuring continuity in the delivery of this high-priority capability. In her current role, Ms. Blevins oversees the Mid- Range Capability (MRC) program and its personnel, one of the Army’s top modernization priorities within the long-range precision fires portfolio. She has distinguished herself through exceptional leadership, guiding the program through critical test events, production milestones, and fielding activities that directly enhance the Army’s strategic deterrence.
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Ms. Jennifer E. Corley
Ms. Jennifer E. Corley serves as Pricing Branch Chief for the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA), where she heads up a team of geographically dispersed cost and price analysts at the Army’s largest contracting center. She leads cost and price efforts for all phases of procurement. Her team negotiates fair and reasonable prices for major weapon systems, valued at billions of dollars, while reducing procurement acquisition lead time, in order to place essential capability and lethality in the hands of the Warfighter as quickly as possible. Over the past several years, Ms. Corley has capably supported large missile and aviation programs, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This includes multiple awards to support current operations throughout the globe and to support Department of War priorities for the Field Artillery formation.
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Ms. Adam B. Creel
Mr. Adam B. Creel currently serves as the Lead Engineer for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) Transporter Erecter Launcher (TEL) under the Program Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires. In this role, and in his prior support to the Fires enterprise, Mr. Creel has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, stewardship, and commitment to the Field Artillery branch. During Mr. Creel’s 15+ years support to the Department of Defense, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the Fires community, the Field Artillery/ Air Defense Artillery and its Soldiers. Mr. Creel’s long experience in the Missiles and Space community and his connection to integrated fires naturally led him to a position with the Army’s signature strategic fires modernization initiative, the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). Here he took on a position of critical responsibility as the TEL Lead Engineer in which he not only oversaw the development, test, evaluation, refinement and modernization of novel ground support equipment which resulted in the first ever successful hypersonic test shot from a tactical ground platform, but was key and influential in assisting Fort Sill CDID requirements developers and the Army Capability Manager in defining the requirements for the weapon system. He was further critical in assisting the fires community in developing the system’s concept of employment (CONEMP) based on his extensive understanding of the engineering aspects of the RCCTO developed prototype. Today, he continues to serve in this role, selflessly devoting himself to making the system better and has championed a variety of modernization initiatives intended to increase the transportability (Maritime Lo/Lo), reliability (redesigning the systems hydraulic pumps), and reduce the footprint, complexity and cost of the platform through a Launcher Electronic Module (LEM) optimization effort. Adam’s work was, and is, instrumental in the fielding of this system and the ability of the United States to keep pace in the global race for hypersonic warfighting technology.
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Major Mackenzie “Max” P. Eason
Major Mackenzie “Max” Eason has had an outstanding career, characterized by exceptional leadership, integrity, and a commitment to advancing the U.S. Army Field Artillery Branch. Major Eason served as the Assistant Product Manager in the Precision Guided Rockets and Missiles (PGMR) Product Office for the Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles (STORM) Project Office, Program Executive Office Missiles and Space since August 2024. His key achievements include leading the Extended Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System program, where his proactive leadership accelerated the qualification schedule enabling a Milestone C decision, and Initial Operational Capability to the warfighter in FY26. Additionally, Major Eason spearheaded the initiation of the Joint Reduced Range Rocket Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Prototyping pathway, securing authorization and $58.5M in funding for Phase I competitive prototyping to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities. His leadership and program management expertise were critical in advancing these critical rocket and missile programs. Before joining STORM, Major Eason served as a professor at the United States Military Academy (USMA) and taught courses on Just War Theory and Responsible Al He also served as a platoon trainer for cadets during their mandatory summer training. Prior to USMA, Major Eason served for 12 years as an infantry officer in airborne and Stryker formations.
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Ms. Paula Hartley
Ms. Paula Hartley’s career spans more than 35 years with Lockheed Martin, where she has held a series of increasingly demanding technical and leadership roles. Ms. Hartley served as the vice president of MFC’s Enterprise Performance including Information Technology and Transformation. There, she drove program execution through pro-active and collaborative program partnership, laid the foundation for digital and business transformation, and ensured 100% mission success across Missile and Fire Control’s $12B portfolio, ensuring the best capability to the Field Artillery community.
Paula J. Hartley is general manager and vice president of the multi-billion-dollar Tactical Missiles business for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. In this role, she leads the corporation’s execution, strategy, growth and global deployment of Precision Fires and Close Combat Systems.
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Mr. David K. Hogan
Mr. David Hogan serves as the Chief of the Stockpile Reliability, Surveillance Test, and Analysis Branch within the Aviation and Missile Center. In this role, he and his team provide significant contributions to Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, and Close Combat Rockets and Missiles by conducting the laboratory analysis that makes key determinations about the propulsion system used throughout the Army. He has also provided significant mentoring to subsequent generations of scientists and engineers that will leave a legacy beyond his career in the Army’s future modernization.
As an Engineer in the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), his technical expertise in the field of Rockets and Missiles propulsion is unparalleled. He has contributed significantly to the Field Artillery’s modernization over the past four decades in numerous challenging assignments to include supporting the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), M26 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). His expertise in missile propulsion and failure analysis has been essential to maintaining the pace of operations for Field Artillery Rockets and Missiles. Mr. Hogan has been an essential teammate supporting almost all investigations into both operational and production issues with ATACMS, MLRS, GMLRS, and PrSM for decades. His ingenuity and attention to detail has led to the discovery of root cause issues on multiple investigations. David has also provided significant mentoring to subsequent generations of scientists and engineers that will leave a legacy beyond his career in the Army’s future modernization.
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Mr. Bradley D. Johnson
Mr. Bradley Johnson currently serves as the Chief Engineer for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) Project Office under the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space (PEO MS). Mr. Johnson efforts in support of joint and army fire support and the Artillery branch span his nearly 20-year career as a government civilian. Since his time as a young engineer, Bradley worked his way up through PEO MS and the Army’s Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC).
Mr Johnson served in numerous positions of increasing scope and responsibility. Wthin the Hypersonic Project office, he began as the Product Director for the first Hypersonic Transporter Erector Launcher fielded by the Army, Bradley subsequently became the Chief Engineer for all Ground Support Equipment and ultimately the Chief Engineer for the entire project office. His responsibilities in this role were enlarged to include all Army elements of the Joint Flight Test Campaign, and the development of the joint missile itself which required extensive coordination with the Army’s Navy partners as the design agent. Through Mr. Johnson’s extensive efforts, over many years, the project office was able to field the first weapon system of its kind to the Army and significantly improved the military’s ability to deter its adversaries through strategic long range precision fires.
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Dr. Robert R. Little
Dr. Robert Little’s many years of service to the Nation as a Government Civilian have been exemplary and is a model of self-less service. Dr. Little serves as the Chief of the Propulsion Engineering Division within AvMC. In this role, Dr. Little provides technical leadership over a team that is making significant contributions to Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, and Close Combat Rockets and Missiles in the propulsion field.
As an Engineer in the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), his technical expertise in the field of Rockets and Missiles propulsion is unparalleled. He has contributed significantly to the Field Artillery’s modernization over the past four decades in numerous challenging assignments to include supporting the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), M26 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 1
Dr. Little’s expertise in missile propulsion and failure analysis is unquestioned in the Field Artillery Rocket and Missile community. He is the unquestioned expert on these topics and has been the key teammate leading almost all investigations into both operational and production issues with ATACMS, MLRS, GMLRS, and PrSM for decades.
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Major Jeffrey D. Mainwaring
Major Jeffrey Mainwaring leads the production and modernization for the ground support equipment of the Army’s first strategic long-range hypersonic capability, which is one of the highest priorities in the long-range precision fires portfolio. Leading a cross-functional, interdisciplinary team organized under a Mid-Tier of Acquisition – Rapid Prototyping pathway, Jeff has accelerated the delivery of technical insertions which enhance the capability of the weapon system to meet the objective requirements of the Warfighter, including the need for maritime transport and distributed Command and Control. His efforts to synchronize and coordinate a vast array of stakeholders from the Strategic COCOM-level to the tactical operational level, across the institutional Army, and into the defense industrial base highlights his exceptional skills in program management which has ensured that there is organizational alignment between the Army’s rapidly evolving requirements and unity of effort necessary to fulfill them.
MAJ Mainwaring has supported Field Artillerymen and Fire Supporters in the field and at echelons above where the product is being delivered in both Training and Exercises helping to mold and synchronize all aspects of the novel hypersonic kill chain across three Combatant Commands (STRATCOM, INDOPACOM, EUCOM) based on his unique understanding of the system. While not mandated by his explicit role, this work is implicit and required to deliver not only a product but a capability to the warfighter. In so doing, he is expanding the knowledge of the joint fire support community and assisting them in charting a new course through doctrine, organizational design, training and policy consideration.
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Ms. Marian Metvieer
Ms. Metivier is currently a Program Management Senior Manager for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. In this role, she leads the corporation’s execution, strategy, growth and global deployment of the Precision Strike Missile Increment 2.
Ms. Metivier’s career spans more than 20 years with Lockheed Martin, where she has held a series of increasingly demanding technical and leadership roles. Ms. Metivier was the Senior Manager for HIMARS Production, where she managed the production of 135 HIMARS launchers. Ms. Metivier previously served as the Senior Manager for the M270 After Market Enterprise, supporting 462 launchers throughout the US Army and USMC. She managed 26 Field Service Representatives and coordinated directly concerning depot level repairs.
Prior to that, Ms. Metivier served as the lead for Life Cycle Contractor Support Performance Based Logistics to align with the first fielding of HIMARS in 2005. She established the sustainment concept that provided outstanding service to the warfighter during combat operations, achieving a fleet wide operational readiness rate of 99% ensuring the best capability to the Field Artillery community.
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Mr. Lee P. Mimms
Mr. Mimms currently serves as a Senior Systems Engineer for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) Project Office under the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space (PEO MS). In this role, and his prior support to the Fires enterprise, Mr. Mimms has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, stewardship, and commitment to the Field Artillery branch.
Mr. Mimm’s career supporting the fires enterprise began in 1989 when he was hired as a Software Analyst for the Extended Air Defense Test Bed. He would later support the development of the THAAD weapon system as a Senior Software Engineer where he was the technical lead for the initial THAAD missile simulation and worked to integrate the THAAD Integrated Avionics Processor in the Hardware Integration Test Lab. In 1996, he would change systems again working on the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) Battle Management Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (BMC4I) capability helping to integrate the missile and radar segments through an early Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). In addition to working in simulations, he was also responsible for assisting in developing the requirements for the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and took on a significant leadership role coordinating the activities of over 70 other engineers. In 2005, he leveraged this experience to assist Lockheed Martin as part of the team that established the baseline architecture and requirements for what would become the Integrated Battle Command System (IBC
Following his involvement in the nascent IBCS program, in 2006, Mr. Mimm’s began working on hypersonics. This research and development work, under the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) Office preceded the establishment of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Program Office, which would eventually field the system, by 12 years. As his company’s Deputy Program Manager of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW), he oversaw the first successful flight test of a Hypersonic Glide Body and assisted the government in the development of their C3 HWIL testbed which supported verification and validation efforts as well as flight test support. Mr Mimms support to fielding a fully functional weapon system carried over to the Army Hypersonics Program Office (AHPO) upon its establishment in 2019, where he has been working as a Principal Systems Engineer ever since providing invaluable subject matter expertise to leadership based on his nearly two decades of experience in the field.
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Mr. Gary J. Minor
Mr. Gary Minor is the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Lead Systems Engineer for the Army’s MRC Product Office under the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space (PEO MS). Mr. Minor has been instrumental to the Army’s Mid-Range Capability (MRC) program. As the acting Lead Systems Engineer, he led the integration of mature Navy strike systems, including AWS and Tomahawk, onto a mobile Army platform delivering the Army’s first post Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty long-range mobile strike capability in record time. He continued to guide the development of the MRC program as it adds new capabilities such as the Maritime Strike Tomahawk, wireless and Beyond Line-of-Sight Communications, and efforts to increase the survivability, mobility, and effectiveness of the system on the battlefield. His efforts have significantly advanced the Army’s long-range precision fires mission, directly supporting INDOPACOM and joint operations planning, and ensuring warfighters are equipped with a rapidly deployable and highly capable strike system.
Mr. Minor established his engineering expertise in the Department of Defense supporting the Surface Navy on advanced 5-inch projectile and gun system programs, laying a technical foundation in precision fires that would define his 30+ year career in the Fires community. As a technical warrant holder for aspects of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) baseline, Gary was depended on to uphold rigor in the development process while also pursuing flexible solutions to meet the demands of operational schedules. His early exposure to the integration of multiple weapons systems into the AWS have made him an indispensable player as the Army has embraced these new capabilities in the MRC program.
Gary also served as a senior technical advisor at Missile Defense Agency, driving end-to-end systems engineering for ballistic and hypersonic missile defense programs. He played a pivotal role in developing and integrating homeland and regional defense architectures, including key capabilities for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Europe, advancing radar, interceptor, and command-and-control systems that now protect both the U.S. homeland and allied nations. His leadership extended to guiding multi-national engineering teams, shaping acquisition strategies, and advising senior executives and flag officers to enable critical decision-making at the highest levels.
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Mr. Chad E. Patterson
Mr. Chad Patterson’s many years of service to the Nation as both a contractor and Government Civilian has been exemplary and is a model of self-less service. As an Engineer in PM STORM and later the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), his technical expertise in the field of Rockets and Missiles is unparalleled. He has contributed significantly to the Field Artillery’s modernization over the past two decades in numerous challenging assignments to include supporting the Extended Range GMLRS Missile, Long Range Maneuverable Fires (LRMF) Science and Technology (S&T) effort supporting PrSM Increment 4, Modular Payloads S&T project supporting PrSM Increment 3, the Direct Support Fires Technology (DSFT) rockets S&T project, and the Autonomous Multi-domain Launcher (AML) S&T demonstration effort.
Mr. Patterson currently serves as the Deputy Fires Capability Area Lead (CAL) responsible for 6.3 integrated capability demonstration S&T projects that support the Field Artillery Rocket and Missile Formations. As the deputy, he is also a key S&T advisor representing AvMC to the Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) Cross Functional Team (CFT) and Army Futures Command Joint Modernization Command and is responsible for advising the One-Star Directors on the direction and prioritization of Rocket and Missile S&T supporting the PrSM program, as well as the Experimentation and Study Staffs across the Long Range Precision fires community of interest. In this capacity, he supports over 100 military, civilian, and contractor personnel in the Missile and Rocket modernization enterprise with and in the absence of the CAL.
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Mr. John Perry
Mr. John Perry began his basic Army training at Ft. Dix in early 1970, and later that year was sent to the Ordnance Missile and Munitions Center and School (OMMCS), at Redstone Arsenal, to become a Pershing Missile Guidance and Control Repairman. In 1971, he was assigned to the 4/41st Field Artillery, 56th Brigade, Schwabisch Gmund, West Germany, to be responsible for maintaining the intricate Pershing Missile guidance and control systems, and other ground support equipment for the four Pershing firing batteries. During his three-year German tenure, the battalion was ordered to raise their alert status to the highest “Red Alert” level at least three times. Due to his solid work ethic, extreme attention to detail, and expert system knowledge, in every heightened alert posture, each missile’s guidance and control system for which John was responsible was determined to be fully operational and prepared for combat.
Mr. Perry’s substantial technical knowledge and consummate experience attained in a forward theater was instrumental in his reassignment back to Redstone Arsenal as an OMMCS missile system instructor. SSG Perry expertly and ardently taught Basic and Advanced Electronics, Basic Radar, and other missile systems’ classes to U.S. Army and allied nation students for the next three years. While assigned to the Huntsville area, SSG Perry resolutely attended the University of Alabama-Huntsville to complete a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.
John has continuously exercised his strong magnanimity principles by constantly recognizing and addressing desperately needed help, and care for literally thousands of deployed service men and women, and their families through the aftermath of 9/11, the second Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. He personally presented Blue Star Banners to National Guard and Reserve deployed soldiers’ families. In 2006, CSM Perry and his spouse became Family Readiness Group (FRG) leaders, responsible for North Alabama families’ care of units’ soldiers while they were deployed to Afghanistan. CSM Perry built a network of relationships with the Alabama National Guard and the Redstone Arsenal garrison in support of all units deploying to and returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. John diligently planned and flawlessly executed unit Welcome Home and Yellow Ribbon events. CSM Perry chaired the “Operation Christmas Bear Program” and the “Needy Soldier Program” for Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers and their families. John unselfishly, “on his own,” continued coordinating these events for several years until Operation Enduring Freedom deployments were over, when the units returned during 2007-2009.
Mr. Perry has been actively participating, and in may cases leading numerous veterans’ organizations for over 20 years. These organizations include the Association of the United States Army (Vice President for Army Reserve Affairs}, the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organization and Coalition (NAVFOC) (President, Vice President, and Board Member), Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial (Board of Directors Member), 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Lecture (Committee Chairman), “The Wall That Heals” (Vietnam Wall replica) visit to Huntsville (Committee Chairman and organizer), Honoring Veterans Legacy organization (Board Member), City of Huntsville Veterans Day Parade (Committee Chaiman), American Legion Post 229 (Vice Commander), Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 106 (Board of Directors Member), and the Redstone Arsenal Sergeants Major Association (President).
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Mr. Cheston T. Powers
Mr. Cheston Powers is the Chief of Strategic Operations and New Business for International Programs Directorate for the Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles (STORM) Project Office. From July 2017 to June 2021, Mr. Powers supported STORM Logistics Directorate through fielding, training, equipping, and sustaining the global Warfighter.
Mr. Powers’ outstanding career is characterized by exceptional leadership, integrity, and a commitment to advancing the U.S. Army Field Artillery within the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space. Since July 2021, Cheston has managed the development and execution of ten active foreign military sales cases with a STORM line value of $2.3B and five countries. Additionally, Mr. Powers plays a vital role in building partner relationships, most recently supporting the delivery and employment of urgent software updates to more than 70 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in three partner nations protecting critical U.S. Government information. The relationships and trust developed over the years with the partner nations proved paramount to mission success.
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Dr. Jeremy R. Rice
Dr. Jeremy R. Rice is serving as the Associate Director for Propulsion and Structures within AvMC. In this role, Dr. Rice provides technical leadership over a team that is conducting significant contributions to Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, and Close Combat Rockets and Missiles by conducting the laboratory analysis that makes key determinations about the propulsion system used throughout the Army He has also provided significant mentoring to subsequent generations of scientists and engineers that will leave a legacy beyond his career in the Army’s future modernization.
Dr. Jeremy R. Rice’s expertise in missile propulsion and failure analysis has been essential to maintaining the pace of operations and propulsion for Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery Rockets and Missiles. Dr. Rice has been the expert within the Army on the structural analysis of rocket motors to ensure that they work within all Army tactical environments. As an Engineer in the Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC), his technical expertise in the field of Rockets and Missiles propulsion is unparalleled. He has contributed significantly to the Field Artillery’s modernization over the past four decades in numerous challenging assignments to include supporting the Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) missile, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), the Extended Range Propulsion (ERP) Science and Technology (S&T) project, and the Long Range Maneuverable Fires (LRMF) S&T project supporting PrSM Increment 4.
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Mr. Samuel M. Rockhold
Mr. Samuel Rockhold is a Lead Price/Cost Analyst for the Army Contracting Command at the Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) in support of Program Executive Offices (PEO) Missiles and Space (M&S). In this role he serves as the Army Subject Matter Expert in pricing, representing the Army on numerous munitions DPCAP level actions including both sole source and best value procurements. These programs include the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) with Extended Range (ER) capabilities, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Army Tactical Missile (ATACMS), and Joint Assault Ground Missile (JAGM). He has led several pricing initiatives, that include training the workforce on pricing multiple plot points, determining the proper geometry for incentive type contracts, and determining the viability and use of commercial pricing programs during the cost evaluation process.
Mr. Rockhold has more than 18 years of experience in the contracting price/cost field. Among his prior assignments are serving as a Price/Cost Analyst for both the Army Contracting Command at the Rock Island Arsenal (ACC-RI) and the Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA). At ACC-RI, he supported multiple small arms programs such as the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), the M-4 Carbine and the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). At ACC-DTA he supported multiple Ground Combat Systems (GCS) programs such as the Armored Multiple Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), the Abrams M1A2 SEP, and Paladin Integrated Management (PIM). During his extended time at ACC-RSA, he also supported various programs under the PEO-Aviation umbrella that includes being part of the team that awarded the first ever Apache AH-64E multiyear.
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Ms. Cynthia J. Spruill
Ms. Cynthia Spruill serves as Chief of the Strategic & Operational Rockets and Missiles (STORM) Munitions Branch for the Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA). Each year, her team executes approximately 250 contract actions, valued from $3B to $4B, in support of a strategic mission portfolio that compliments existing and programmed land-based rockets / munitions, artillery, and missile capabilities. Ms. Spruill is well known throughout the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Missiles & Space (M&S) as one of the top contracting professionals in the acquisition community. Notably, she oversaw the creation of contract requirements to increase annual production capacity from 10K to 14K for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and up to 400 missiles per year for the engineering and manufacturing phase of Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in support of the Field Artillery mission.
She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to advance the mission, readiness, and esprit de corps of the artillery branch. She leads with precision, purpose, and passion, earning the admiration of peers and subordinates alike. She demonstrates outstanding technical expertise, excellence, integrity, and deep understanding of the traditions and responsibilities that define our profession.
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LtCol (Ret) Karl J. Stoetzer
LtCol (Ret) Karl J. Stoetzer serves as the Strategy and Business Development Principal for the Tactical Missiles business area within Lockheed Martin. In this role, he has coordinated first time events such as HIMARS aboard a US Navy ship to launch new Sea Capability with GMLRS, authored white papers on F-35/HIMARS integration, C2 message transition requirements and coordinated Rocket Artillery participation in Valiant Shield 2020/22, Northern Edge & Talisman Sabre 2021. He also facilitated corporate strategic initiatives that benefited the Fires Community by investing Lockheed Martin Internal Research and Development (IRAD) funding for such efforts as GMLRS AW, MFOM pod cart, missile range extension and sensor concepts.
While in the US Marine Corps, LtCol (Ret) Stoetzer served at Marine Corps Systems Command as Cost Analyst. Prior to Systems Command, he was Director of Safety and Standardization, Operations / Standardizations Officer, Flight Leader and Instructor Pilot for the TH-57. Before attending Officer Candidate School, LtCol (Ret) Stoetzer was a Bulk Fuel Specialist / M-60 Gunner in 6th Engineer Battalion, USMC.
LtCol (Ret) Stoetzer’s accomplishments include: 2000 Marine Corps Mishap Free Flight Hour Award, 1000 Bell Helicopter Mishap Free Flight Hour Award, Association Naval Aviation Instructor of the Year, Certified Program Management Level III DAWIA, Certified Project Management Professional, Certified Defense Financial Manager, Member American Society Military Comptrollers, 7564 CH-53D Helicopter Aircraft Commander (multiple qualifications), 8852, Defense Systems Analyst, 8058 Acquisition Manager
LtCol (Ret) continued service to the Nation through a decorated career has been a model of strong moral character and unassailable integrity. His technical and tactical expertise and business acumen are unparalleled. He has contributed significantly to the promotion of the Field Artillery in numerous challenging developments within his portfolio to include, M142 HIMARS, M270-Series Launchers, ATACMS, Guided MLRS (GMLRS) Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS), Reduced Rance Practice Rockets (RRPR) and Joint Reduced Range Rockets (JR3).
LtCol (Ret) Stoetzer’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment.
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Mr. Brian I. Ziegenbein
Mr. Ziegenbein is the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Test Lead for the Army’s MRC Product Office under the Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space (PEO MS) He has held multiple positions of leadership and support in the Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar, Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS), Mid-Range Capability (MRC), and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons (LRHW) programs, and Task Force Strategic Integrated Kinetic Effects (STRIKE) making a significant positive impact on these branches and helping usher in these new fires platforms currently in use and strategically shaping operations and politics worldwide.
Brian served as the CUAS Test Lead for the C-RAM Project Office, later known as the Integrated Fires/Rapid Capabilities Office (IFRCO), responsible for planning, budgeting, and organizing CUAS testing at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) and other ranges and vendor facilities in support of a Joint Urgent Operational Needs Statement (JUONS). He was instrumental in the development and testing of multiple electronic warfare and kinetic CUAS defeat capabilities including the Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS), Dronebuster, Drone Defender, and Coyote. He previously served as the Test Officer in charge of counterfire missions for C-RAM at the YPG, overseeing the firing of thousands of artillery and mortar projectiles used to test and advance the C-RAM Land-based Phalanx Weapon System’s intercept capability
As the MRC Test Lead, Mr. Ziegenbein skillfully led a team of test engineers to advance one of the Army’s highest-priority modernization efforts. In this role, he worked tirelessly across multiple services, organizations, and ranges to help coordinate the first flight testing of the Navy’s SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles by the Army with the MRC system. Additionally, he and his team participated in several Joint Test Events with partner organizations, expanding the MRC program’s understanding of launch effects of these Navy munitions on the MRC payload deployment system. Through his diligent leadership and oversight the program was able to successfully demonstrate the system’s capability on time achieving critical milestones on the path to achieving First Unit of Issue to the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, who is currently employing the system in Philippines.
Following the success of the MRC program, Mr. Ziegenbein was selected by RCCTO leadership to serve as the Mission Director for the Army’s first successful hypersonic weapon flight test. Brian quickly assimilated with the LRHW test team and assumed his role as Mission Director coordinating with the Kennedy Space Flight Test Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. He confidently planned and executed multiple readiness reviews with senior Army and Navy leaders and led mission day activities and rehearsals contributing to the first successful flight test of the Army’s LRHW system. His excellence as a test leader directly contributed to this strategic capability being in the hands of Warfighters today in the Indo-Pacific theater of operations. As a result of his multiple successes, Brian has been selected by the RCCTO and Task Force STRIKE leadership to support and lead the Tomahawk flight testing associated with the Common-Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher – Heavy, the Army’s newest contribution to the Fires portfolio.
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