AFCEA hosts tech expo at Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tryphena Mayhugh
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Armed Forces Communications-Electronics Association Chapter 158 and U.S. Forces in Europe and Air Forces in Africa A6 hosted a technology exposition here July 20 to 21, to allow Airmen and civilians to see the latest technologies available.

With almost 70 booths, the expo offered more than 600 attendees displays from companies pertaining to cyber security, satellite communications, secure information technology solutions, encryption devices and software, advanced threat protection and many other IT specialties.

The theme of this year's expo was "Cyber Effects - Leveraging Innovation Technologies Worldwide" and showed demonstrations in the exhibit hall and several presentations for cyber awareness in the "Innovation Theater."

"Information technology has a part in all missions across Ramstein and the Kaiserslautern Military Community area," said Col. Jeffrey Sorrell, AFCEA Chapter 158 president. "Bringing the industry here allows them to show Airmen things that will enhance their mission."

The AFCEA Chapter 158 has hosted the expo for the last 19 years to provide a means for companies to show how their technology can be used to benefit Airmen and civilians on Ramstein.

Sorrell said that AFCEA is the linchpin that creates a relationship between the government and the IT industry by providing a means for the two to come together.

"It gives Airmen ideas they can express to their leadership on how to improve their offices," said Sorrell.  "I encourage Airmen to network with their peers, meet industry partners and attend the educational presentations."

Many of the Airmen who attended the expo were drawn by the chance to see the latest advances different companies have to offer.

"I came today because I'm always interested in learning about the new, cutting-edge technology that is available today," said Staff Sgt. Shimir Bishop, 1st Combat Communications Squadron tactical network operations supervisor. "This expo lets Airmen know there's more technology out there than they may think. It's a real eye opener."

For more information about the expo, visit www.FederalEvents.com, click on "Ramstein Air Base," and choose the "Government/Military" link.