Ramstein becomes tech savvy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lane T. Plummer
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association hosted the 2017 Winter Ramstein Technology Exposition at the Ramstein Officer’s Club, Feb. 8.

 

 More than 60 companies showcased technology at the exhibit which included computers, information technology, communications systems and photography drones.

 

“This expo is here for many reasons,” said Tech. Sgt. Donald Frierson, 86th Communication Squadron NCO-in-charge of client systems. “We want people coming here to be able to see how technological advances can be and are able to help our military today and tomorrow. It’s here to educate people, and it’s also here to get people to nerd out!”

 

Frierson serves as the AFCEA events committee chairman currently and was in charge of coordinating the winter expo.

 

The expo also held “tech talks” with a handful of representatives from some of modern technology’s largest industry leaders.

 

“Leaders in the technology industry often offer a candid, honest approach to the business,” said Staff Sgt. Emy Kern, 603rd Air Communications Squadron. “They provide first-hand experiences and life lessons for those interested in diving into such a large career field. It’s something you can’t get by just research, because these talks offer the human element to it all.”

 

The expo is about more than showing the latest technology being developed around us. According to Frierson, it’s helping some who attend with their career choices.

 

“Some of these companies here are the destination for servicemembers that are exiting or retiring from the military,” Frierson said. “This expo serves as somewhat of a smooth transition for these servicemembers who are looking into the technology career field. It even helps those who’re in high school around the area and are looking into the field as well.”

 

 AFCEA is a non-profit international organization, which seeks to develop networks between people involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by creating a medium for the ethical exchange of information.

 

With the conclusion of the exhibition and the tech talks, AFCEA is confident that Team Ramstein has been left with more knowledge and power that can help day-to-day operations.