Since quite a bit has been happening in and around the Chapter recently, I'd like to bring you up to speed on some of the activities I know about

Since quite a bit has been happening in and around the Chapter recently, I'd like to bring you up to speed on some of the activities I know about.

Col Mike DeLorenzo, head of the Astro Dept., has requested that the Chapter serve as an outside review agent for the department's overall goals and objectives. I met last week with Mike and Dr. Paul Vergez from his department, who filled me in on some of the details. Evidently, for accreditation purposes, Academy departments need inputs from the "user community", i.e., the folks who put the graduates to work after graduation. Several of the departments are producing officers who will work in space-related areas; they plan to convene a review meeting this fall (Oct?) to bring some of our members, and others (including, possibly AFRL chief scientists) back to USAFA for a session to provide feedback on the department's overall direction and specific academic objectives. Several of you asked me to put the material on the web for your review, and I will try to do that.

I met with Dr. Julie Morrow and spoke with L/C Carlee Bishop, who oversee activities of the USAFA AIAA Student Section. They again agreed that the cadets would appreciate hearing interesting, knowledgeable speakers on space topics. I have proposed that Hughes' Frank Prautsch, who lives in the Springs, share his presentation on doctrinal implications of MILSATCOM. Any other suggestions for speakers? The cadets are still looking for "real world" problems to work on. Any ideas? Finally, they would appreciate opportunities to get career insights from space-experienced officers. Volunteers? In fact, Carlee suggested that we might put together a database of career resumes of grads who are willing to share their experiences and advice with the cadets (in person, or by phone or mail/email). What do you think about this idea?

I again met with USAFA PA Col Don Planalp, who brought me up to speed on possible improvements to the Visitor Center, including possible space-related exhibits. The Supt may make some decisions soon to begin updating the Center's exhibits. If so, we are in position to influence (and have already made some inputs regarding) telling the USAFA and USAF space story.

You may remember that Col Mike DeLorenzo has offered to find space in the Astro Lab for satellite models. I also checked in with Nancy Burns, from the Supt's staff, who offered to help place space models and exhibits in the Cadet Area. Moreover, I spoke with Dean BG Dave Wagge, who offered to help place satellite or other space-related exhibits in the Library. Hughes is proposing to loan several satellite models. Larry Fortner of TRW and Dave Myers of Lockheed Martin Denver have agreed to help find models or exhibits from their companies. Is anyone else interested in finding some material for temporary loan for the Cadet Area? (BTW, I accidentally discovered a beautiful small MILSTAR model in a storage bin in the USAFA exhibits fab area which was made by one of their craftsmen.)

It seems like the Academy is taking a step toward the "Spacemanship" program we recommended. Starting this summer, about 30 cadets will go through space training and orientation, including a trip to Vandenberg. I understand members of the Space Chapter, including Vic Bouquet, are helping make arrangements.

I also took the opportunity to float some ideas that we could possibly support, like

- the possibility of 0-g rides on a KC-135. I know students from my other alma mater, MIT, are doing this.

- closer contact with the Space Warfare Center. Maj Bill Malpass has offered to provide some of their education and training materials could be of use to USAFA.

- working with other local groups, like professional societies (Van VanInwegen leads the NDIA Space Chapter) or companies (Gary Dahlen has ideas about integrating cadets or recent grads into some of Aerospace Corp's evolving activities in town.)

Well, that's my report for now. I look forward to your feedback, ideas, and support for these and other worthwhile projects to strengthen space awareness at USAFA.

V/R,

Stan