Sunday, April 22, 2012

Agenda for Tuesday, 4/24/12

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 4/24/12: 0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE We begin with roundtable introductions. Tell us a bit about yourself and any networking needs. Chances are good that someone in the group will be able to offer referrals, advice, job search assistance, or other help with your networking needs. 0730-0800: PROGRAM/SPEAKER BizNet member Shane Schmutz (USMA '01) will talk about a major fundraising event he is organizing to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Veteran's Passport to Hope will occur on October 4, 2012 at Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum, with expected attendance of 500+. From the event's web site: Veteran’s Passport to Hope, will gather distinguished members of the Denver community for a night of great food, entertainment, inspirational words from Wounded Warriors, and much more. All proceeds from this special night will benefit Wounded Warrior Project as the organization opens their Colorado office. For more information, visit www.veteranspassport2hope.org 2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS: 4/24/12 (this week): Shane Schmutz (USMA '01) will talk about Veteran's Passport to Hope (see above). 5/1/12: Tim Spelman from Creative Training Concepts will speak with us about corporate learning strategies. 5/8/12: Paul Vacarrelli will discuss key tips for personal computer maintenance and repair. =================================================== Have a great week. Joe Paniccia (USMA '84) BizNet Coordinator panicciaj@aol.com Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Grads Seeking Assistance

The following two grads are requesting assistance with their job search efforts. Please take a look and reach out to them directly if you can offer advice, referrals, or other assistance.

1. BLAKE SELLERS (USAFA '05) writes as follows:

I was hoping to reach out to the community for a new position. I'm currently with New York Life, but would prefer a job where I get to use my brain more. I have a Series 6, 63, Life, Health, and Long Term Care license; though my ideal job wouldn't utilize those. My BS is in Operations Research, so business consulting/optimization is where my head's at. I'd specifically love to work for Accenture, if anyone may know anyone who works there. Other companies might be Deloitte, IBM, or Hitachi; with a very high preference of staying in Denver. Though I am open to relocating and/or travel.

Please let me know if there's any more information that may be useful. Much obliged for the help.

Blake Sellers
basellers@gmail.com


2. JOHN D. WHALEN (USNA '85) writes as follows:

I am currently employed but relocating to Colorado due to family needs. I am writing to you in the hope you may be able to pass along my resume to fellow alumni or other contacts you may have in the Denver-C-Springs area. I have reviewed your Biznet website but also thought you may be able to provide an additional perspective on my search as unfortunately my network is mostly East Coast. I am seeking new challenges with a company in need of someone with exceptional planning, leadership, and management abilities. Taking command of an operation or project, then guiding it to new performance levels, is my greatest strength. While my background has been focused on the Defense Industry, I am open to other industries and opportunities.

I know that my proven leadership skills and strong commitment to high ethical and professional standards would allow me to make a significant contribution to a new team. In the meantime, please know that I appreciate your time andconsideration and look forward to joining the USNA Colorado Chapter.

Respectfully yours,

John D. Whalen
USNA ‘85
whalenjd@verizon.net

Here is John's resume:

John David Whalen
410 County Rd 2236, Greenville, TX 75402
Phone: 813.716.1886 (Cell)
Email: whalenjd@verizon.net

QUALIFICATIONS:
Broad operational, technical, and management experience gained over five years as a Program Manager for a large defense contractor, L-3 Communications, and a successful twenty-year naval career.
- Demonstrated leadership, program management, decision-making, and teamwork throughout career.
- Highly detailed, proven ability to solve problems and find solutions to improve process efficiencies.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to highly stressful and flexible working conditions.
- Polished communicator when briefing senior leadership or large audiences.
- Earned Value Management certified by L-3.
- Extensive experience gained in both joint and naval operations and planning, including under
wartime conditions.

CLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCI determined eligibility of SCI-DCID 6/4 on 2011 08 31 Army CCF. Currently holding additional Special Access clearances.

EXPERIENCE:
2010-Pres: Program Manager/Senior Principal Systems Engineer, L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Greenville, TX.
Capture/Program Manager for a proprietary aircraft ISR modification program that unseated the incumbent company. Program involves the modification of two aircraft that support worldwide reconnaissance operations. Providing direct management, across multiple functional areas, over the design, manufacturing, installation, integration, test, and sustainment, as well as future business development with the customer, while at an offsite location.

2006-2010: Program Manager, L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Greenville, TX.
Program manager of L-3’s requirement development, design, subcontractor management, systems integration, test, and manufacturing effort that successfully delivered the first development aircraft for a major naval aircraft ISR upgrade. Customer recognized for outstanding leadership skills and in building strong customer relationships.

2005-2006: Independent consultant, funded by the Counter-NarcoTerrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO) for U.S. Central Command, Tampa, FL.
Supported U.S. Central Command planning two large, overseas (Germany and Tajikistan), multi-national/agency conferences attended by senior U.S. and foreign government officials (President, Cabinet Minister and General Officer level) on counter-narcotic proliferation in Central Asia. Developed agenda, keynote speakers, working group deliverables, and logistics with host nation leadership.

2000-2005: Senior Environmental Officer and Current Operations Branch Chief, U.S. Central Command, U. S. Navy, Tampa, FL
Led Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom environmental planning, coordination, and execution efforts for U.S. Central Command’s joint/interagency wartime theater plan for environmental support to and its impact on U.S. and Coalition combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Supported such diverse efforts as the Command's intelligence collection activities, airborne operations, WMD response planning, humanitarian operations, and developed communication requirements for the Command’s wartime information operations plan. Member of the Command’s Joint Intelligence and Operations Center (JIOC) team providing command and control information, as well as daily briefings to the Commander, U.S. Central Command, and his senior staff during wartime operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Focal point for the Command’s force readiness reporting issues requiring routine liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Joint Staff. Led the Command’s operations briefing program, to include presentations of wartime operations briefings to visiting dignitaries.

1998-2000: Officer-in-Charge, Naval Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanographic Detachment, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
Commanded environmental support unit for Naval Air Station Patuxent River and Naval Air Systems Command. Orchestrated the unit’s largest expansion in over 15 years to meet growing airfield and naval air operational test and evaluation requirements. Dual-positioned as an Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE (VX-1) Department Head/P-3 Naval Flight Officer. Directly supported system integration testing of new anti-submarine warfare equipment and tactics, to include worldwide test deployments.

1995-1998: Student, Naval Post-Graduate School.

1993-1995: Fleet Operations Officer, Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic Center, Monterey, CA.
Fleet Operations Officer for the US Navy’s central production site for worldwide, computer-generated environmental data to the Department of Defense as well as Federal, state, and international agencies. Developed new communication methods of delivering environmental data to the Ballistic Missile Submarine Force.

1990-1993: Reconnaissance Officer, Headquarters Naval Forces Europe, London, UK.
In charge of coordination of all naval air and sea reconnaissance efforts for the European and African theaters of operations to support Fleet and National intelligence requirements including Operations Sharp Edge, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Led Command’s current operations briefing program by scheduling and providing daily operations briefs to the Commander, Naval Forces Europe, his staff, and visiting dignitaries.

1987-1990: Naval Flight Officer and Communications Officer, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) Agana, Guam.
Navigator, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Mission Commander of the EP-3E aircraft (crew of 28) flying signal intelligence missions in support of Fleet and National requirements throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

1985-1987: Student, Naval Aviation Training Command, Pensacola, FL.
Naval Flight Officer training to include schools in air navigation and electronic warfare.

EDUCATION:
1998: Master of Science in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography,
Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA
1985: Bachelor of Science in Applied Science - Management
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

Agenda for Tuesday, 4/17/12

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 4/17/12:

0700-0800: OPEN FORUM

During the Open Forum we expand on our normal roundtable introductions, providing an opportunity to talk in more detail about what's new for you or anything we can help with. We also discuss topics of common interest, with particular focus on business trends, veterans' issues, employment opportunities, and service academy news. Grab some coffee and join us Tuesday morning for productive discussion and general networking.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

4/17/12 (this week): Open Forum - see above.

4/24/12: Biznet member Shane Schmutz (USMA '01) will talk about a major event he is organizing to benefit the Wounded Warrior Program. www.veteranspassport2hope.org

5/1/12: Tim Spelman will discuss the importance of a dynamic corporate learning strategy.

5/8/12: Paul Vacarrelli will discuss key tips for personal computer maintenance and repair.

===================================================


Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Save Money and Support Job Placement for our Troops


Save up to 75%.
Go Green Warehouse is a Denver thrift store taking donated, used, recycled, and surplus building materials and reselling them for up to 75% off to benefit veterans.
Click here to learn more
  

Located at 2627 West 6th Avenue, Denver, CO

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Agenda for Tuesday, 4/10/12

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 4/10/12:

0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

We begin with roundtable introductions. Tell us a bit about yourself and any networking needs we might be able to help with. Chances are good that someone in the group will be able to offer referrals, advice, job search assistance, or other help with your networking needs.

0730-0800: PROGRAM/SPEAKER

John Toth, Senior Director for Veterans Programs at Veterans Green Jobs, will talk about the great programs underway to help veterans with employment opportunities in the rapidly growing green sector. www.veteransgreenjobs.org

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

NOTE - Adverse weather last week prevented our speakers from USAFA from making the trip up to Denver. We'll reschedule Chaplain Shawn Menchion for a date in the near future, to talk about the Religious Respect Training Program (RRTP) underway at USAFA.

4/10/12 (this week): John Toth with Veterans Green Jobs (see above).

4/17/12: TBD/Open Forum. If you'd like to invite a speaker (or lead a discussion yourself) on this date or a future Tuesday, just let me know at panicciaj@aol.com.

4/24/12: TBD/Open Forum.

5/1/12: Tim Spelman from Creative Training Concepts will talk with us about the importance of a dynamic organizational learning strategy.

5/8/12: Paul Vacarrelli will discuss key tips for personal computer maintenance and repair.

===================================================


Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Weekly News and Agenda for Tuesday 4/3/12

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 4/3/12:

0700-0715: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

We begin with roundtable introductions. Talk about what's new for you or any networking needs we might be able to help with. Chances are good that someone in the group will be able to offer advice, referrals, job search assistance, or other help with your networking needs.

0715-0800: PROGRAM/SPEAKER

Chaplain (MAJ) Shawn Menchion from USAFA will visit us to give a slide presentation on the Religious Respect Training Program (RRTP) underway at USAFA. Many thanks to Bill Wood (USAFA '68) for arranging this program for us.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

4/3/12 (this week): Chaplain Shawn Menchion, on the USAFA Religious Respect Training Program - see above.

4/10/12: John Toth with Veterans Green Jobs will talk about the programs underway to help veterans with employment opportunities in this rapidly growing industry.

If you'd like to invite a speaker (or lead a discussion yourself) on any future Tuesday morning, just let me know at panicciaj@aol.com.

3. MOAA CAREER FAIR - April 24, 2012:

Thanks to Biznet member Bob Fretzs for passing along the following item from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). NOTE - Even though the event itself is in D.C., those who cannot attend can still submit a resume to be included in the CD that will be provided to prospective employers, as noted below.

Join us for the MOAA Military and Spouse Career Fair, D.C.’s largest military focused career fair, on April 24, 2012 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall D to meet local, national, and international employers.

Be prepared to meet employers (Lockheed Martin, Amazon.com, Chick-fil-A, Inc., Department of the Interior, L-3 MPRI, and others) who support you and your spouse as you prepare for the next stage of your careers.

When: April 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Attendance Is Free!

Who Should Participate?

This event is open to all military servicemembers and government employees - all ranks, active duty, retired, former servicemembers, and Reserve/National Guard servicemembers and their spouses!

Get a Head Start:

Prepare for your future by meeting employers at our Pre-Career Fair Networking Event on Thursday, April 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va. Hear career tips and advice from our expert panel, and have your questions answered. If you plan to attend, please send your RSVP to Amanda Bainton, amandab@moaa.org, with “April Networking Event” in the subject line.

Looking for more information? Contact us today!

Email us at CareerFair@moaa.org, call our office
800-234-MOAA (6622), ext. 137, or visit www.moaa.org/CareerFair.

Not able to attend?

If you are not able to attend, send us a copy of your resume and we will include it in the resume CD that all attending employers will have access to after the fair. Please send it to CareerFair@moaa.org with “Career Fair Resume” in the subject line by Friday, April 20.

===================================================


Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
BizNet Coordinator
panicciaj@aol.com

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. While the Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). Our schedule, roster and other information are posted on the web site at www.academybiznet.org