Sunday, June 24, 2012

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 6/26/12:

0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

We'll get the meeting started with roundtable introductions, focusing on any networking needs. Feel free to also bring up any topics of general interest.

0730-0800: SPEAKER/PROGRAM

Joe Almon, Vice President of Investments at Avant-Garde Wealth Management, will speak about investment management. His talk will challenge several popular beliefs about risk and return, and intelligent investing versus conventional wisdom.

Mr. Almon has nearly 24 years of combined professional trading and portfolio management experience, including 13 years as an options market maker on the floors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade.
2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

6/26/12: (this week): Joe Almon - see above.

7/3/12: TBD/Open Forum

7/10/12: Bill Chadick (USMA '73) will talk about Earned Value Management.

7/17/12: Dennis Orr will speak about VetPropulsion, an organization that focuses on the veteran's career search.

3. JOB OPPORTUNITIES - IT Consulting

This item comes to us from Biznet member Larry Aubrecht (USMA '72), with a forwarding assist from Kurt Schlaefer (USAFA '70).

Andrea Michels is Director of Operations at Stategic Resolution Experts, Inc.  She indicates they have many current openings, primarily for IT consulting positions.  The jobs are listed on HireVeterans.com.  To find their openings on that site, do a company search on Strategic Resolution Experts. 

Contact information for Ms. Michels:

Andrea Michels, MBA, ITILv3
Director of Operations
AMichels@sreinc.us
SRE, Inc
SBA 8a/SDB Certified Small Business/Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned 100% Woman-Veteran Owned
Cell: 703-963-2883
Fax: (888) 283-4367
http://www.sreinc.us/


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

Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
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. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however 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, June 17, 2012

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 6/19/12

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 6/19/12:

0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

We'll get the meeting started with roundtable introductions, focusing on any networking needs. Feel free to also bring up any topics of general interest.

0730-0800: SPEAKER/PROGRAM

Biznet member Bob Fretzs (USAFA '71) will talk about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your qualified investment plan (401k, IRA, etc.). Even if you aren't yet close to age 70 1/2, it's not too early to start thinking about how to manage your RMDs. There are even situations when you might need to take RMDs well before that age. Bob will cover these and other considerations for planning and managing RMDs.

Bob is a financial services professional and agent with New York Life.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

6/19/12: (this week): Bob Fretzs - see above.

6/26/12: Joe Almon, Vice President of Investments at Avant-Garde Wealth Management, will speak about investment management. His talk will challenge several popular beliefs about risk and return, and intelligent investing versus conventional wisdom. Mr. Almon has nearly 24 years of combined professional trading and portfolio management experience, including 13 years as an options market maker on the floors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade.

7/3/12: TBD/Open Forum

7/10/12: Bill Chadick (USMA '73) will talk about Earned Value Management.

7/17/12: Dennis Orr will speak about VetPropulsion, an organization that focuses on the veteran's career search.

3. JOB OPPORTUNITY - Solutions-Delivery Project Manager:

Muhammad Khan at Denver-based QMT Solutions writes as follows:

We have a contract position open for a solutions-delivery project manager in Denver. This is a longer-term contract position for an individual who will manage multiple projects for multiple business groups: Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Engineering Technology, and new initiatives. Let me know if you know someone suitable who may be interested.

This item was passed to us via Lindy Blackburn (USMA '69) and Ed Hlopak (USMA '89). If interested in the position, please contact Ed at ed_hlopak@kindermorgan.com and he will put you in touch with Mr. Khan. For more information on QMT Solutions, visit www.qmtsolutions.com.

4. JOB OPPORTUNITIES - General Electric (Denver Area):

Thanks to Bob Fretzs (USAFA '71) for passing along these selected jobs openings, as highlighted by a local job-seekers forum. If interested, apply as indicated on each job listing.

The following jobs can be found at jobs.gecareers.com.

Field Engineering - T4 Launch Job - Denver, CO, United States
Technical Specialist Job - Denver, CO, United States
Quality Leader Job - Denver, CO, United States
Regional Quality Operations Manager– Services Ops Industrial Job - Denver, CO, United States
Control Solutions Quality Leader Job - Longmont, CO, United States
Sourcing Project Buyer - Measurement & Controls Job - Longmont, CO, United States
Technical Service Representative Job - Boulder, CO, United States
Lead Control Systems Engineer Job - Longmont, CO, United States
Engineer- Cyber Asset Protection and HMI Job - Longmont, CO, United States
Lead Product Engineer-Gas Turbine Mechanical Control Systems Job - Longmont, CO, United States

5. BIZNET MEMBER SEEKING ASSISTANCE:

Dave Whalen (USNA '85) has an extensive background in defense industry program management, including current security clearances that are typical for that work. He is seeking a similar position in the Front Range area, due to family situation that requires him to move from the Dallas area to Colorado.

Please see Dave's resume below. If you can offer advice or referrals, please contact him directly at whalenjd@verizon.net.

John David Whalen
17862 Pinon Park Rd, Peyton, CO 80831
Phone: 813.716.1886 (Cell)
Email: whalenjd@verizon.net

QUALIFICATIONS:
Broad operational, technical, and management experience gained over six 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


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

Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
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. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however 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, June 10, 2012

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 6/12/12:

0700-0800: OPEN FORUM

During our Open Forum we discuss topics of general interest and provided assistance with job searches, referrals, and other networking needs.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

6/12/12: (this week): Open Forum - see above.

6/19/12: Bob Fretzs will talk about Required Minimum Distributions from your qualified investment plan. Even if you aren't close to age 70 1/2 yet, it's not too early to start thinking about how to manage your RMDs. There are even situations where you might need to take RMDs well before that age.

6/26/12: Joe Almon, Vice President of Investments at Avant-Garde Wealth Management, will speak about investment management.

7/3/12: TBD/Open Forum

7/10/12: Dr. Bill Chadick will talk about Earned Value Management.

7/17/12: Dennis Orr will speak about VetPropulsion, an organization that focuses on the veteran's career search.


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

Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
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. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however 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

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 6/5/12

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 6/5/12:

0700-0730: INTRODUCTIONS & ASSISTANCE

During our roundtable introductions, you're welcome to tell us a bit about yourself, especially any network needs such as advice, referrals, job search assistance, or general networking. Chances are good that someone in the group can provide information or a referral to someone in the network who can help.

0730-0800: SPEAKER/PROGRAM

David Weaver will speak with us on the topic of franchising and how to find the right opportunity. Mr. Weaver is with FranChoice. He provides personal franchise consultation, to help individuals find the franchise business that is right for their unique needs.

David Weaver's bio: http://www.franchoice.com/corporate/david-weaver

FranChoice web site: http://www.franchoice.com/

Thanks to Kurt Schlaefer (USAFA '70) for arranging this speaker for us.

2. UPCOMING TUESDAY PROGRAMS:

6/5/12: (this week): David Weaver - see above.

6/12/12: TBD/Open Forum.

3. AIR FORCE RESERVE JOB OPPORTUNITY - Executive Officer (Peterson AFB):

Biznet member Nate Cole (USAFA '02) writes as follows:

I wanted to pass along the below job/service opportunity for any Air Force officers who might be on active duty and separating soon, or currently in the IRR, or presently serving in the Reserves. There might be some members looking to get back involved in the Reserves or perhaps already in the Reserves and wishing to get an assignment closer to Colorado. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in continuing service in the Reserves and earning time toward retirement.

The 302d Airlift Wing at Peterson AFB is looking to hire four new execs with prior exec experience. The basics qualifications include: MUST HAVE one year experience as an executive officer at any level and MUST HAVE an in-person interview. Other “Desired quals” include “living in Colorado”, 3 years TOS available (or more) and protocol experience wouldn’t be bad. Rank requirements: could be Lt, Capt, Maj or Lt Col (although Lt Cols could not promote to Col in this position). Interviewees will need to submit a resume, at least their last three OPRs, and will need to schedule an interview on a drill weekend. The work schedule is that of a traditional reservist (one weekend a month and two weeks a year), at a minimum.

If anyone is interested, they need only call MSgt Adam Waldie, the regional Officer Accessions manager, at (303) 901-5056 and he will put them in touch with our unit to set up an interview. Everyone's individual circumstances may be different, but MSgt Waldie can work with each person to either get them transferred to our unit or bring them back on active Reserve status.

Capt Nate Cole, USAFR

4. COMBINED ARMS LIVE FIRE EXERCISE - June 9 (Fort Carson):

Thank to Biznet member David Graves (USMA '97) for passing along this information about the Colorado National Guards's combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) taking place next weekend on Saturday, June 9, 0900-1300.

This CALFEX is open to the general public, with the live fire portion taking place 1100-1130. Live fire weapons will include F-16s, M109-A6 Paladin howitzers, and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

Map, directions, schedule, and other info are found at this link - http://co.ng.mil/News/Pages/120609-calfex.aspx

David adds:

Should be a good event. I'd guess that some Biznet members might be interested in seeing what the Army and Air guard are doing these days. The HIMARS launchers are pretty impressive. We'll also have brigade and batallion level TOCs (tactical operations centers) as well as battery and platoon operations centers. Each will be on static display and available to walk through.

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

Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)
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. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however 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