I took over as the Communications Chairman and Editor/Designer for the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association (AFPAAA). I'm producing a quarterly newsletter -- News and Notes -- for the association.

I began serving as the public relations officer for American Legion Post 284, Colonial Heights, VA, in June 2020. As part of my duties, I design and edit a monthly 22 page newsletter -- News and Views -- for the Post membership. In 2021, the newsletter was selected as the best in the American Legion produced by a Post with more than 750 members.

Editor in Chief and designer of the bimonthly newsletter -- BUFF Bulletin -- for the B-52 Stratofortress Association. (I was the founding editor of the newsletter when the association was first formed, but took a break of several years due to professional work committments. I assumed the editorship again upon the death of the editor who succeeded me.)

Responsible for the production of customer-driven education materials such as handbooks, brochures, booklets, newsletters, flyers, and briefings as a support contractor to the TRICARE Beneficiary Publications Office in the Beneficiary Education and Support Division of the Defense Health Agency Headquarters in Falls Church, VA, -- the central hub for military medicine administration worldwide, processing care for America's fighting men and women, their family members, and dependents.Also assisted in management of an electronic warehousing and inventory distribution system providing for the distribution of more than 325 published TRICARE products to DoD beneficiaries.Specifically, responsible for:- Drafting copy for assigned products and updating existing products as needed.- Assisting editors with incorporating and documenting feedback- Reviewing and editing assigned products to ensure adherence to TBPO and industry quality standards as well as TRICARE policy- Reviewing products for proper grammar, style, and punctuation.

Directed the public affairs program of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, with the responsibility for planning, designing, and executing a program for informing and educating the general and specialized publics about the agency's programs, activities, and services. Served as the senior strategic public affairs communications planner and was directly responsible to the DTRA Director for developing strategic public affairs programs and campaigns that leveraged all available communications conduits and emerging technologies to most effectively communicate the DTRA story. Established and maintained effective working relationships with members of the news media, specialized groups interested in the agency's programs and field offices. Responded to information requests from the news media and specialized and general publics on the agency's programs in written and oral form, often requiring detailed explanations of negative comments made on the agency's activities or performance in a particular situation; directed the Agency's media training program for senior leadership. Developed master messages of agency positions and rationale as they relate to DTRA, the Department of Defense, and national policies for particular audiences for use by senior leaders, and for inclusion in communications campaigns. Ensured that these messages saturated pertinent DTRA Public Affairs networks. Reviewed Department of Defense and Agency policies, guidance and directives; assessed the impact of messages on policy (and the reverse); and, ensured message compatibility with DoD positions. Publisher of the agency's quarterly employee communications magazine, The Shield. Contracting Officer's Representative for three contracts worth a total of $1.6 million annually; Agency's Initial Denial Authority and Public Liaison for DTRA's FOIA program; Agency Senior Official for Privacy; and responsible for the security and policy review of DoD information for public release.

Responsible for day-to-day management of the employee communications (internal information), media relations (external communications), and outreach efforts for this federal government agency. Provided direct supervision to four personnel - - a GS-12 magazine editor, a GS-13 media relations specialist, a GS-13 marketing specialist, and a GS-9 management analyst. Responsible for planning, creating, designing, maintaining, overseeing and disseminating communications products to both the worldwide internal DCMA audience and the Agency's customers and interested publics. Analyzed and recommended specific communications strategies, plans, programs, and themes for integration into public affairs products and media opportunities. Evaluated communications problems and advised and recommended specific remedies to counteract or neutralize these problems. Served as publisher of the Agency's quarterly employee communications vehicle - - Communicator. Planned and executed strategies for the integration of Internet-based communications services into the Agency's internal and external communications programs. Supervised Agency marketing efforts to increase awareness of DCMA and its mission and objectives. Recognized with annual cash performance award, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and management of nine employees performing Congressional affairs, media relations, employee communications, graphics support, and community outreach for this Department of Defense Agency. Responsible for integration of performance-based management systems into division operations Managed an annual budget exceeding $1 million, including a public affairs support contract approximating $600,000. Provided communications guidance and counsel to the Acting Director of DCMA and the members of the senior leadership team of senior executive service civilians who managed day-to-day operations of the agency. Published a quarterly, 44-page, four-color employee communications magazine -- Communicator. Established and maintained effective relationships with Members of Congress and their staffs, with Congressional committees, particularly the Defense authorization and appropriation committees of the House and Senate, and agents of the Congressional Research Service. Obtained and evaluated information and feedback from Members of Congress and their staffs in order to predict likely Congressional responses to Agency management and policy initiatives, and provided these analyses for the use of the Agency's senior leadership. Scheduled, orchestrated, and participated in face-to-face meetings involving Agency officials, Members of Congress, and Congressional committee personnel. Applied knowledge of Committee and Subcommittee membership and interests in readying Agency executives to testify before Congressional panels. Reviewed, edited, and recommended changes to, and ensured the timely submission of written testimony to the cognizant Committees/Subcommittees. Responsible for planning, creating, managing, maintaining, and supervising the dissemination of public affairs products for communicating with both the worldwide internal Agency audience, and a worldwide base of DCMA customers and interested publics.

Responsible for day-to-day management of the employee communications (internal information), media relations (external communications), and outreach efforts for this federal government agency. Provided direct supervision to four personnel -- a GS-12 magazine editor, a GS-13 media relations specialist, a GS-13 marketing specialist, and a GS-9 management analyst. Responsible for planning, creating, designing, maintaining, overseeing and disseminating communications products to both the worldwide internal DCMA audience and the Agency's customers and interested publics. Analyzed and recommended specific communications strategies, plans, programs, and themes for integration into public affairs products and media opportunities. Evaluated communications problems and advised and recommended specific remedies to counteract or neutralize these problems. Served as publisher of the Agency's quarterly employee communication -- Communicator. Planned and executed strategies for the integration of Internet-based communications services into the Agency's internal and external communications programs. Supervised Agency marketing efforts to increase awareness of DCMA and its mission and objectives. Recognized with annual cash performance award for CY 2006.

Served as an Assistant Professor of Communications Studies (adjunct) within the Department of Communication, Arts and Humanities, School of Undergraduate Studies. Regularly taught face-to-face and online college courses (using the university's proprietary WebTycho system) in public relations, journalism, management communications, writing, and speech. Responsible for syllabus development for each course taught. Consistenly one of the highest rated instructors by students within the Communications Department in end of course evaluations.

Taught digital photography, including camera controls, resolution, flash, composition, stop motion, close ups and more. Course included weekly assignments with reviews. PhotoShop adjustments of images and printing were also covered.

Member of a team of six contractor communications analysts responsible for assisting with the development and execution of strategic communications programs for the Director, Office of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine, Department of Homeland Security, a retired Air Force major general. Responsible for preparation of communications plans for interception of aircraft violating airspace restrictions in the national capital region. Prepared communications and marketing materials for the purchase of new aircraft and helicopters for CBP to standardize and upgrade the aircraft fleet. Speech writer for the Director.

Member of a team of eight communications analysts responsible for assisting with the development and execution of strategic communications outreach programs for the Office of the Chief of Army Public Affairs. Specifically responsible for conducting media research and trends analysis to determine the success and effectiveness of Army communications efforts, messages, brand identity, and reputation. Produced written and electronic products reviewed daily by the senior members of the Army leadership and their staffs, including the Secretary of the Army, Chief and Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Director of the Army Staff. Member of the strategic communications team that assisted BG Antonio M. Taguba with preparing for media discussion and Congressional committee testimony concerning his investigation findings in the Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal. Responsible for developing the Office of the Chief Army Public Affairs' policy on Soldier blogging during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. the Army Posture Statement, Army Campaign Plan, Force Modernization (proactive efforts to build trust and confidence in the Army as an institution and garner resources), as well as, communication plans for issue-driven topics, during OIF/OEF formulative years, such as troop extensions, Stop Loss, Independent Ready Reserve, casualty notifications, AWOL/desertions, women in the Army, and the first Global War on Terrorism Medal of Honor Recipient, SFC Paul Smith.

Served as Director of Communications for the National Wildlife Refuge System of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Supervised two writer/editors, a special events planner, a public affairs specialist, and a graphic artist. Responsible for all public and employee communications in support of the Refuge System's 3,300 employees who operate more than 544 wildlife refuges, 33,000 waterfowl production areas, and 36 wetland management district offices. Served as communications advisor to the Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, and a Senior Executive Service civilian, on all matters relating to the design, planning, direction, and execution of the System's communications program. Lead strategic communications planning and campaign development and designed and selected tactics to achieve desired strategic outcomes. Recommended and implemented identified program goals and objectives. Managed an annual budget, including salaries, of $1.5 million. Principal speech writer for the Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, and occasionally authored speeches for other senior Departmental officials including the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Deputy Secretary of the Interior, and Secretary of the Interior. The office was recognized with an Award of Merit in the 2003 International Association of Business Communicators Washington, DC, Chapter's "Silver Inkwell Awards" competition for outstanding video production for a 12-minute video about the National Wildlife Refuge System titled, "A Place for Wildlife and People." Began the Refuge System's first national employee publication, Refuge Update.

Member of a three-person team providing expertise in strategic communications planning, identification and development of core messages and talking points and communications outreach products supporting critical and time sensitive Army issues and activities. Developed communication plans and strategies to ensure the Army reached and provided key information to specialty audiences. Reviewed existing procedures, designed improved operating methods and made recommendations for efficient and effective practices to reach target audiences not reached by Pentagon press corps. Planned, analyzed and evaluated the information needs of the organization's programs. Advises and recommends specific information activities to solve problems. Managed the calendar for the Strategic Communications Division, which tracked and identified key opportunities for strategic outreach efforts with a variety of traditional and nontraditional audiences.

Editor-in-Chief of the Navy's official bimonthly 44-page magazine, Surface Warfare. Magazine was published in 40,000 copies. Supervised a staff of six personnel (two civilian and four military). Ensured the financial health of the magazine through management of its financial operations. Evaluated current and proposed operations and initiated, modified or discontinued as appropriate. Interviewed and recommended candidates for vacancies, evaluated staff, handled grievances and disciplinary actions, recommended promotions and special commendations as appropriate. Communicated orally about program matters to include budget justifications, contractor interaction, and speaking at professional meetings and conferences. Wrote and edited articles. Edited submissions from staff members and stringers. Established editorial policy. Served as communications advisor to the Director, Surface Warfare, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N76) on all matters relating to the design, planning, direction and execution of the division's communications program; participated in strategic communications planning and campaign development as well as tactical execution of all programs; recommended and implemented identified program goals and objectives; established objectives to achieve the Director's strategic communication goals; monitored, provided oversight, and documented end results and progress made to measure the effectiveness of each campaign; and developed long and short-term strategies to build stronger and lasting relationships with the Naval fleets. Ghost writer of opinion editorials, columns, articles, speeches, and PowerPoint briefings for the Commander, Headquarters Naval Surface Warfare Center -- a one-star admiral. Job-related honors: Led the magazine to 21 awards during 2002 from professional organizations.

Senior member of a team of five public affairs specialists. Acted as the Chief, Public Affairs in her absence. Served as command spokesman to national and international news media on ship scraping, ship shock testing, salvage operations (TWA Flight 800; Swissair Flight 111 recovery; JFK, Jr., recovery; Egypt Air Flight 990 recovery; USS MONITOR recovery, etc.) and submarines. Graphic designer, editor, and principal writer of the command's monthly employee communication newsletter. Principal speechwriter for the commander (a three-star admiral), vice commander (a one-star admiral), and executive director of the organization. Designed graphic elements of the command's trade show display booth. Created and implemented an electronic system for efficiently tracking and responding to news media queries. Developed, tested, and implemented Media Relations strategies, policies and procedures for effectively communicating various Navy ship system issues to appropriate audiences. Technical consultant to production companies for the feature films "Men of Honor," and "Random Hearts," and for numerous documentaries aired on the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Wrote and prepared press releases, fact sheets, and feature stories; conducted research, wrote and edited internal and external communications; worked closely with others on creative development, production and presentation of corporate communications products and services; assisted in developing and editing web, electronic and print communications; participated in the development and execution of marketing plans; provided recommendations and assistance in the development and implementation of outreach and strategic communications programs; conducted analysis and made recommendations to my supervisor and to management on strategic communications marketing plans; designed promotional materials in support of new products and services. Command photographer.

Prepared fact sheets, wrote news releases, wrote articles, and wrote and designed pamphlets. Principal writer, editor, and graphic designer of the Agency's monthly employee communication newsletter, On-Site Insights. Prepared and provided responses to public and national and international news media inquiries. Spokesman to news media during arms control treaty inspections in the United States and the nations of the former Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact. Authored strategic and crisis communications plans. Managed the Agency's Freedom of Information Act Program. Provided media training to senior Agency officials and treaty inspectors. Taught the public affairs blocks of the treaty training courses for the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), Chemical Weapons Convention, Cooperative Threat Reduction and the Open Skies Treaty training courses. Principal agency public affairs specialist supporting the START and Open Skies Treaties. Agency backup photographer.

Supervised a five-person staff providing contract communications and public affairs support to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) program. Advised scientists and subject matter experts on such matters as: copy preparation; scheduling; costs; style improvements; and the use, preparation and presentation of graphics in materials published in support of the program. Responsible for all editorial and analytical matters involved in publishing a variety of recurring and special publications. Responsible for planning and implementing editorial and management policies for the office. Supervisor of two writer/editors, two graphic designers, and a word processing specialist. Made work assignments, gave advice and instruction, conducted final review of all products for overall clarity and adequacy of results, and prepared performance ratings and discussed matters of performance with individuals concerned. Represented the company at conferences and meetings held with representatives of NASA, other entities in the Federal Government, and with representatives in private industry.

Responsible for selecting junior officers for assignment to the staff of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Public Affairs). Planned and conducted all Air Force public affairs skill enhancement training workshops and conferences. Planned and executed the annual Air Force Worldwide Public Affairs Conference. Managed the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (Public Affairs) annual operating budget of $13 million. Provided oversight to the GS-13 and GS-11 who operated the Air Force Art Program. Provided counsel and oversight to the Air Force Museum Program. Served as the public affairs advisor/speech writer for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs. Planned and conducted media training for senior officers and civilians of the Air Force,

As an Air Force active duty officer, responded to news media queries and served as principal spokesman to national and international news media on strategic aircraft (B-1, B-2, B-52, KC-135, KC-10, SR-71, U-2, TR-1) and missile (Minuteman, Peacekeeper, and Titan II) programs, the military uses of space, Air Force support of the NASA shuttle program, and military reconnaissance using airborne and space based platforms. Accomplished strategic public affairs planning for Air Force support of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). Prepared background papers, letters to editors and other correspondence for signature by the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff. Served as principal spokesman to media during the 1990 Gulf War against Iraq (Operation DESERT STORM). Served as public affairs advisor/speech writer for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition), the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, and the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) -- a three-star general. Project officer for the March 6, 1990, record-breaking flight of a SR-71 from Palmdale, CA, to Washington, DC, and its subsequent donation to the National Air and Space Museum. Coordinated and facilitated all aspects of the network live coverage of the flight from Palmdale to D.C. for the three major networks and CNN. Planned and conducted the Air Force's "Stealth Week" display at Andrews Air Force Base of the F-117A, B-2, and Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) for members of Congress and the media. (This was the first-ever display of the three stealth systems simultaneously at one location and, at the time, the F-117A had only recently been declassified, the B-2 was still in flight testing and the ACM had never been seen.) Planned and conducted media training for senior officers and Department of the Air Force civilians in preparation for appearances on network news programs including "The Today Show," "CBS This Morning," and "PrimeTime Live."

As an Air Force Captain (O-3E) and Major (O-4) on active duty, served as the senior Air Force Broadcasting Service representative in the Headquarters of the Department of Defense's worldwide radio and television news and entertainment network. Supervised the production of television information spots and programs. Served as producer for a series of 50 television spot announcements focused on military customs and courtesies, heat-related health problems, and Marine Corps heritage. Negotiated agreements with foreign governments and satellite communications providers for the delivery of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) signal by satellite to more than 56 foreign countries where U.S. military personnel were assigned. Secured the permission of the Government of Turkey for the installation of a cable television system to serve U.S. military personnel and their families stationed there. Persuaded the Air Force to fund a $2.4 million expansion of television service to U.S. troops serving in Germany. Served as the Program Element Monitor (PEM) for the $36 million Air Force internal communication budget that funded its support of AFRTS and the operation of the Air Force Service Information and News Center.

As an Air Force Captain (O-3E) on active duty, managed the media relations, community relations, and employee communications activities for the largest base in the Strategic Air Command. Maintained a daily working relationship with 15 media outlets in northwest Louisiana, southwest Arkansas, and northeastern Texas ("the ARK-LA-TEX"). Published a weekly tabloid newspaper for base employees. Honored by the Air Force in 1982 and 1983 for having the best employee newspaper and best community relations program of 27 bases in the Strategic Air Command. Deployed to Egypt with KC-10 Extenders and Minot AFB B-52H Stratofortresses for BRIGHT STAR 82 -- the first exercise where either of these two aircraft had participated -- and served as the ADVON public affairs officer for the deployment, supporting Brig. Gen. Samuel H. Swart, Jr., commander of the 57th Air Division and ADVON commander for the exercise. Selected as the Aviation and Space Writers' Association "Public Affairs Officer of the Year."

Responsible for preparing and presenting current intelligence briefings to wing alert aircrews. Briefed aircrews on Sino-Soviet threat capabilities and defense concentrations surrounding wing targets under the Single Integrated Operations Plan. Debriefed aircrews for intelligence information following flying sorties.

First B-52G electronic warfare officer in the Strategic Air Command selected for instructor duty as a first lieutenant. Consistently outstanding countermeasures effectiveness scores during wing operational tests and evaluations. Member of a six-man strategic bomber crew which was named "Squadron Crew of the Quarter" twice and "Wing Crew of the Quarter" once. Studied and accumulated required knowledge to become an intelligence officer under the Additional Duty Strategic Air Command (ADSAC) skills program and was assigned the intelligence Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) as a secondary skill.

My Wing Emergency War Order (EWO) certification briefing to the Wing Deputy Commander for Operations upon upon assignment to the squadron was described as the "best EWO cert briefing he had ever received." Operated electronic countermeasures equipment (receivers and transmitters), chaff and flare dispensers to protect the aircraft from ground, sea, and airborne threats. Expert in Soviet and Eurasian combat tactics and radar and air, ground, and sea-based anti-aircraft equipment capabilities and effective countermeasures. Served collateral duties as the squadron's unit public affairs representative (UPAR) and awards and decorations officer. Selected as "Crow of the Quarter," and selected for instructor duty as a first lieutenant -- the first in Strategic Air Command to be made an instructor at this grade.

Announcer and news reporter for a 5,000 watt daytime/500 watt nighttime AM radio station. Also performed duties as board operator, announcer, and field engineer during remote events. Winner Alabama Broadcasters Association award for commercial production and Associated Press award for spot news reporting.

Researched and wrote quarterly histories, specialized monographs, and reports on the activities of the only tactical airlift wing assigned in the Pacific Theater. Authored special histories concerning the wing's participation in Operation Homecoming (the repatriation of prisoners of war from Vietnam), Operation Babylift, the evacuation of Vietnam (Operation FREQUENT WIND), the evacuation of Cambodia (Operation EAGLE PULL), and the wing's participation in the rescue and recovery of the SS Mayaguez. Selected for participation in an Air Force's Airman Scholarship and Education Program to complete a bachelor's degree, obtain a commission, and return to active duty as an officer.

Wrote quarterly histories, monographs, and studies concerning the operations and functions of this Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile wing--one of three in the Air Force. Also served the additional duty of serving as the wing's public affairs officer. Wrote a recurring column on aviation history for the base newspaper, The Air Scoop. Several of my histories were selected as "2nd Air Force History of the Quarter," and one was selected "Strategic Air Command History of the Quarter."

Responsible for providing day-to-day health care for the squadron's assigned C-130 flight crews. Regularly deployed with the squadron to operating locations across the globe where tactical airlift was required, including Germany, England, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Also responsible for the maintenance and operation of a transportable hospital, which could be deployed with the squadron to provide health services in austere conditions or remote locations.

Responsible for providing day-to-day health care for the squadron's assigned C-130 flight crews. Regularly deployed with the squadron to operating locations across the globe where tactical airlift was required, including Germany, England, and Turkey. Also responsible for the maintenance and operation of a transportable hospital, which could be deployed with the squadron to provide health services in austere conditions or remote locations.