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Tinker turns tech with two expos

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Tinker Club was the place to be Aug. 11 through 13. Both the ballroom and northwest grounds were sites of technology events.

Inside, the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association's Oklahoma City chapter hosted the Information Technology Expo and the Combat Communications Steering Group's bi-annual conference Aug. 11 and 12. Outside, the 3rd Combat Communications Group hosted the Combat Communications Tech Expo Aug. 12 and 13.

"The purpose of the expo us to allow base personnel the opportunity to demo and evaluate the latest products and services in the information technology field without having to leave base to do so," Dennis O'Neill, point-of-contact for the AFCEA event. "The idea of having the expo combined with the conference is to allow commanders to see first-hand, the technologies they discuss in briefings and also to provide commanders' with real-world data to ensure their troops get the right equipment for the job."

Col. Thomas Byrge, 3rd Combat Communications Group commander, agreed.

"The idea behind the combat communications tech expo is to showcase the latest and greatest, not only with respect to technology and tactical gear but also with our outstanding Airmen," the colonel said. "Our goal is to get Airmen out here to view what's new for our 'operators' and in return give honest and open feedback to the vendors to help develop relevant and applicable equipment. It's really a win-win situation where we help each other out."

William Schuh, of Ballard Technology, said his company hadn't exhibited at the AFCEA expo before, but he was hopeful he'd peak interest among attendees.

"Our product is really advantageous for cost savings and timeline management," he said. Ballard Technology designs and manufactures avionics databus equipment for commercial and military uses.

Bud Cool, of TKC Global, an exhibitor at the AFCEA expo, said he hoped to discuss contractor opportunities at Tinker. TKC Global is an Alaskan-based company that offers technology solutions, program management and support.

"We've had very positive reactions from customers at every interface," Mr. Cool said, "because every time we restore service faster, it makes everyone happier."

Several spectators said they liked what they saw.

"There's good information," said Clay Zapata of the 38th Engineering Installation Group. He wandered through the AFCEA event. "I came to get up to speed on the latest offerings from vendors because the environment changes so quickly."

Senior Airman Henry Ping, of the 552nd Maintenance Squadron, agreed as he explored the other side, the Combat Communications Tech Expo.

"I came to see what's new and what's changed and everything was just like 'wow,'" he said. L-3 Communications, which manufactures homeland defense products, was one company showing its latest merchandise, or programs of record, at the 3rd Herd's expo.

"We're trying to show new technology that can help reduce the logistics and the amount of stuff they have to fly over in the theater, and also so they can reduce the manpower," said retired Col. James Appleyard of L-3 Communications. Colonel Appleyard is the former 3rd Herd commander.

TMS Cases also showed their wares at the 3rd Herd's expo.

"This is a great opportunity to see clients and the manufacturers of the equipment we protect," said McShan Walker of TMS Cases, which designs and produces custom hard storage and transit containers.