Austin, Texas

Chapter President, COL (Ret) Garry Patterson and VP for Industry Outreach, COL (Ret) Chris Doneski attended the United States Army Futures Command Directorate of Integration - AFC Strategic Outreach Kickoff. This event was held at Army Futures Command headquarters at the University of Texas System Building Army Futures Command Storefront San Antonio conference room in downtown Austin, Texas.

This was the initial kick off meeting to develop strategic engagements with industry leaders, military personnel, and organization leaders in the Austin area. The key focus of this initial meeting was to introduce those attending the meeting with the mission and organization of the Army Futures Command, to better interact with industry, to lead and shape government and civilian coordination and to enhance the acquisition and readiness of the US Army.

LTG Ross Coffman, Deputy Commanding General, Army Futures Command provided comments and welcomed the group. MG Myles Brown, Chief of Staff, Army Futures Command outlined the concept for future integration opportunity of industry with the military. The concept is to meet each quarter to develop concepts and create interaction to allow more direct communication.

Following the formal presentations, a question-and-answer period helped in providing the foundation for future meetings. AFC leadership facilitated discussion on strategic engagements, and provided collaboration opportunities and Army Futures Command initiatives. Everyone enjoyed an excellent lunch and opportunity to network with those in attendance. This was an outstanding networking opportunity which provided an exceptional process to communicate and exchange ideas to support the US Army.