Colonel Paul J. Calhoun is a program manager at the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) focusing on distributed air operations and resilient energy networks. Prior to his position at DARPA, he researched disruptive technology applications for special operations at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. He was the Commander of the 418th Flight Test Squadron leading a test force of over 340 military, civilian, and contractors responsible for developmental test and evaluation of global mobility aircraft and parachute systems. This includes upgrades to the C5, C-17, KC-10, and KC-135, developmental test of the Air Force’s newest aircraft the KC-46, and executing advanced airdrop test missions for Air Mobility Command, the Missile Defense Agency and NASA.

Colonel Calhoun was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2002 where he was the top Academic graduate. He continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) earning a Master’s Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics. He attended pilot training at Columbus AFB, MS where he was the #1 pilot graduate for 2006 as the Annual Orville Wright Award nominee. He began his operational career as a C-17 pilot at Charleston AFB, SC. He deployed multiple times to the Middle East in support of operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN where he had over 1,100 combat hours and 48 combat airdrops. As a lead Special Operations Evaluator pilot he flew worldwide missions in direct support of unconventional tactics. After attending USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 2012, he was the lead test pilot for the first air launched intermediate range ballistic missile launched to bolster Missile Defense Agency capabilities and provided developmental support for NASA’s new manned space capsule program. He led pioneering work in biometric sensors applications for measuring workload in flight test. Col Calhoun is a command pilot with over 3,400 hours in the C-17, KC-46, T-38, F-16, F/A-18, and 30 other aircraft.

Col Harris is a career United States Air Force officer specializing in Engineering, Military Intelligence, and International Affairs. He has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Korean conflicts. Col Harris is currently the Chief
of ISR Sensors and Foreign Military Sales, executing a $350M budget producing advanced sensors for U.S., NATO, and partner nation intelligence requirements. His team delivers cutting-edge technology focused on shortening the kill chain and improving decision-makers' capability and capacity in peace and conflict.
His engineering assignments span a plethora of systems, from munitions and weapon stores to major fighter platforms and satellite systems. Col Harris served as the Foreign Matériel Exploitation Squadron Commander at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, leading a force of 130 airmen executing a $20M per year mission. His squadron provided cuttingedge intelligence to warfighters about foreign threat aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAVs), Command/Control Systems, and ballistic missiles. Within the Space Force, he developed and launched the Space Based Infrared Satellite (SBIRS)-3, providing a more robust missile warning capability.
As the Senior Mission Director, Col Harris served in the Misawa Security Operations Center, leading a team of 80 joint service members in the national-level SIGINT collection efforts in the MSOC. From there, he deployed to Basrah, Iraq, supporting Navy SEAL Team 2 as the lead of the tactical SIGINT and media exploitation team.
As an air attaché in Nairobi, Kenya, he brokered a $418 million contract between the USAF and Kenyan Air Force to buy a modified AT-802L Air Tractor aircraft with weapons and related support. This program significantly contributed to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by strengthening a of a trusted regional partner, leading critical operations against transnational terrorism.
In addition, he organized and led all humanitarian aid and relief efforts from Misawa AB, Japan, following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, mobilizing over 2500 people to support 75,000 person-hours of relief work and distributing more than 150,000 lbs. of  supplies. Col Harris is married with 4 incredible children

Colonel William T. Collins Jr. is the Senior Materiel Leader, High Altitude Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. In this role, he leads a 365-member team of military, civilian and contractor personnel in the development, production, modernization and sustainment activities for the $12B RQ-4 and U-2 Portfolios. These critical ISR platforms provide high-altitude, global, day or night ISR capability to support joint combatant forces in worldwide peacetime, contingency and wartime operations.
Prior to his current position, Col Collins was the Deputy Director for Acquisition Career Management, where he was responsible for advising the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition) on senior leader and acquisition workforce matters as well as supporting the acquisition workforce through policy and related actions regarding assignments, training and professional development.
Colonel Collins was commissioned through the ROTC program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has served in a variety of assignments including Senior Launch Systems Test Engineer for the Space and Missile Systems Center's Detachment 9, Assistant Director of Operations for the 36th Student Squadron at the Air and Space Basic Course, Flight Commander for the Electronic Systems Center’s Mission Planning Program Office, Chief of Developmental Engineering Assignments and Assignments Force Structure and Sustainment Branch Chief at the Air Force Personnel Center, F-15 Program Element Monitor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition) Directorate of Global Power Programs, and deployed as the Engagements and Training Division Chief in the Office of the Defense RepresentativePakistan. Additionally, Colonel Collins served as Commander for the Defense Contract Management Agency’s (DCMA) Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations (AIMO)-Kelly and as the Acquisition Airmen Career Management Branch Chief at the Air Force Personnel Center.

CDR John Walters is currently stationed at Coast Guard Headquarters within the office of Aviation Forces where he oversees the Medium and Long Range (Groups 3-5) Unmanned Aircraft System programs. His previous tours include Coast Guard Air Stations New Orleans, LA, Traverse City, MI, and Atlantic City, NJ as a MH-65D Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner. He also served aboard Coast Guard Cutter FORWARD as Damage Control Assistant, earning both Engineer of the Watch and Deck Watch Officer qualifications. A native of Norfolk, VA, CDR Walters graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In 2020 he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Unmanned Systems from Embry-Riddle University. He and his wife Libby have two children.

Dr. Robert J. Kraus is the Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric sciences, space studies, and Earth system science and policy.

With 850 faculty and staff members serving 2,100 students from around the world, the Odegard School has earned an international reputation as one of the premiere Aviation and Aerospace colleges in the world. In addition to providing the highest quality education possible at a reasonable cost, the Odegard school has been very successful in garnering $18 million in externally funded contracts and research projects each year. With more than 130 airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems, and a myriad of projects studying the Earth up to and through the sky, into space, to Mars and beyond, the School is leading the charge into the future of aerospace.

Prior to joining UND, Dr. Kraus served as the Associate Dean, Flight and Operations at Kent State University following a 28-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. His final Air Force assignment was in Paris, France, where he was the Head of the Operations and Coordination Division in the NATO Science and Technology Organization Collaboration Support Office. His prior assignments were at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, at the US Air Force Academy, and as an operational and experimental test pilot in airlift aircraft.

Dr. Kraus has more than 3,300 hours in 35 aircraft as an aircraft commander, instructor and evaluator pilot, experimental test pilot and Hurricane Hunter.

Dr. Terry Wilson is the Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Development and Transition of Air Force Research Laboratory Autonomy Capability Team (ACT3). He has more than 40 years of combined military and civilian service in advanced research, development, transition, maintenance, and sustainment of warfighter technologies and systems. As Director in ACT3, he serves to operationalize Artificial Intelligence (AI) at scale to improve every USAF & USSF decision, and to transition disruptive capability. Dr. Wilson earned a Ph.D. at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB OH in 1998 with concentrations in electrical engineering and machine learning foundations for autonomous applications. Dr. Wilson entered the U.S. Air Force in 1982, were he spent 5 years as an enlisted service member performing aircraft and missile system maintenance and analysis. He completed the Airman Education and Commissioning Program at the University of Florida in 1990, receiving a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an Air Force officer commission. Dr. Wilson retired from military service in 2003 and entered civilian service at AFRL, where he currently serves in AFRL/ACT3.

LCol Julien Letarte was born in Ottawa, Ontario and grew up in Canada’s National Capital Region. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1998 at age 16 and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Space Sciences from the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston.

After pilot training, Julien started flying the mighty CP140 Aurora. With two tours at 407 squadron on the Pacific Coast as well as an operational tour at 405 squadron and an instructional tour at 404 squadron on the Atlantic Coast, he participated in many exercises and operations worldwide. Some of these deployments include commanding Heron UAV missions over Afghanistan, flying the first operational CP140 mission over Iraq during operation Impact and patrolling the seas in support of NATO and coalition forces.

He graduated from the Joint Command and Staff Programme with a masters in Defence Studies and started working for the RCAF RPAS project as part of the Directorate of Air Requirements in Ottawa in 2020. Representing the Air Force, he manages requirements and prepares to integrate this new capability within the Canadian flight line.

Lt Col Michael S. Chmielewski is the Commander of the 556 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), Creech Air Force Base (AFB), Nev. The squadron conducts operational test on the MQ-9 Reaper weapons system. It supports higher headquarters test priorities, integrates emerging technology for Remotely Piloted Aircraft, and delivers and trains warfighters to the new capabilities and tactics.
Lt Col Chmielewski was commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in 2004. He has 16 years of active duty service, is a graduate of the USAF Weapons Instructor Course, and has been assigned to bases in Japan, Texas, Ohio, Nevada, New Mexico, and Florida.
Lt Col Chmielewski has been the MQ-9 Formal Training Unit chief instructor and the wing weapons officer at Holloman AFB, N.M. He was the operations MQ-9 subject matter expert for Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command (HQ AFSOC) and the HQ AFSOC Weapons and Tactics Branch Chief.
While deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Lt Col Chmielewski was the deputy director of the Special Operations Liaison Element integrating the Special Operations Command Central Special Forces with the 609 Air and Space Operations Center. He is a Command Pilot with more than 2,700 hours. Prior to his current position, Lt Col Chmielewski was the Director of Operations, 556 Test and Evaluation Squadron, Creech AFB, Nev.

Military Career
July 1983 Joining German Air Force (GAF)
Basic Military Training 6./GAF Training Regiment 3 in Roth
October 1983 50. Officers Course, GAF Military Training School Fürstenfeldbruck
October 1984 Studies Air and Space Technology, University German Armed Forces Munich
January 1988 Technical Officer, Maintenance Unit 11, GAF Support Regiment 1, Erding
April 1990 Lecturer, GAF Military Training School Fürstenfeldbruck
July 1992 Chief Maintenance Squadron, Fighter Bomber Wing 43 Oldenburg, Alpha Jet
July 1994 Armament Officer, GAF Armament Directorate, Logistic Planning Group
EUROFIGHTER, Cologne
April 1996 Chief Maintenance Squadron Fighter Wing 73 Laage, MiG29, F4,
July 1998 Studies Political Science, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
October 1999 Military Intelligence Office of the German Armed Forces, Branch Chief
Military Aircraft World Wide, Cologne later Gelsdorf
April 2002 Studies Military Science, Defence University Warsaw
July 2005 Senior Logistic Officer GAF Transformation Command, Cologne
October 2008 Batallion Commander, GAF Technical Training Centre, Faßberg
May 2010 Senior Desk Officer, MoD, Aircraft Technical Training
October 2012 Senior Desk Officer, GAF Command, Operational Logistic Doctrine, Cologne
December 2015 Deputy Programme Manager PEGASUS1
and Product Manager UAS2, Koblenz

Language: English 4443, Polish 2221, French Slight

Decoration
Medal of Honor of the German Armed Forces
Mission
Military Advisor to the Chief of Staff, 12. DEUEinsKtg EUFOR
Specialities:
Participating INVICTUS GAMES 2016 in Orlando, Florida; INVICTUS GAMES 2017 in Toronto,
Canada, achieving two silver medals in recumbent trike

Lt Col Robert “Flash” Hetherington is the Director of Staff, 25 Attack Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. He directs the group staff development of DOTMLPF functions that deliver readiness for five squadrons and 1.1K airmen. Additionally, he assists the commander in operational planning for MQ-9 combat operations and delivers persistent attack and reconnaissance capabilities for 4 Combatant Commanders.

Before his current assignment, Lt Col Hetherington was the Deputy Chief for the Test and Training Division, Plans Programs and Requirements Directorate, Air Combat Command, where he oversaw four branches in the developing, programming, and acquisition of combat Air Force test and training requirements.

A 2007 graduate of Oklahoma State University, he earned his wings at Randolph Air Force Base, TX in 2009. His assignments include flying operations in the KC-135, MQ-1, and MQ-9. He has flown combat and combat support for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Operation FREEDOM SENTINAL and Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE.

Lt Col Hetherington is an instructor pilot with more than 1,900 flying hours, including 330 combat hours.

Lt Col Ryan “Scuds” Slaughter is the branch chief of autonomous platform capability development for Air Force Futures, Headquarters Air Force.
His team is responsible for realizing the next generation of unmanned aircraft, enabled by automated and collaborative software and networks. Prior to this assignment, Lt Col Slaughter was the commander of the 432d Operations Support Squadron, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.
A 2002 graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, he earned his wings at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL in 2005. Lt Col Slaughter has a background in operational flying, training operations, and aircraft maintenance. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom with over 900 combat hours and has participated in Operation Noble Eagle as both an aviator and a maintainer. He has served as a commander, operations officer, executive officer, and flight evaluator in multiple aircraft.
Lt Col Slaughter is a master combat systems officer with more than 2100 hours in the RQ-170, F-15E, AT-38C, T-1, T-6, T-39, and T-43.

Lt Col Tom Meagher is the Chief of the AFWERX Prime Division. He leads the acceleration of emerging dual-use technology markets by leveraging government resources for rapid and affordable fielding for the Department of the Air Force.
Lt Col Meagher commissioned from the Air Force Academy in 2004. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, he has held positions as an operational B-52 pilot, program manager, and test and evaluation pilot for multiple aircraft platforms. Recent assignments include commanding the 419th Flight Test Squadron for B-1, B-2, and B-52 developmental test and C-12 training operations, followed by graduation from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas “Frodo” Pruitt is the Commander of the Flying Squadron for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force (NAGSF), stationed at the Italian Air Force Base (ITAF), Sigonella, Italy.

Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Pruitt was the Director of Operations at the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. As the Director of Operations, Lt Col Pruitt was responsible for the launch and recovery of all USAF RQ-4B missions supporting the EUCOM/AFRICOM Area of Operations. Prior to that Lt Col Pruitt served on the Secretary of the Air Force’s Staff as Chief of the Air Force Sensitive Activities Management Office. In this selectively manned position, he oversaw execution of AF Sensitive Activities and advised AF senior leaders on policy, support, and employment of Sensitive Activities.

Lt Col Pruitt is a 2003 graduate of the University of Oregon, earning his commission through ROTC. He continued from college to enter Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training and after a tour in the C-130 he was then selected
to attend Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training and proceeded to Vance AFB, Oklahoma. He graduated in 2010 with the Distinguished Graduate award and other top honors and proceeded to fly the C-17.

Lt Col Pruitt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Oregon. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Education and his military education includes the U.S. Air Force Squadron Officer School, Air Command
and Staff College, Aviation Mishap Investigation and Aviation Safety Program Management Course, the DoD Advanced planner and Due Diligence Course, and the Air Force Combat Ammunition Center Senior Leader Course.
He is also a trained Military Deception Officer, RQ-4 Electronic Combat Officer, and an Aircraft Maintenance Officer.

Lt Col Pruitt is a Senior Pilot with more than 3,300 hours in the RQ-4B/D, C-17A, C-130E/H/J, T-1A, T-6A, and T-43. He has flown more than 240 combat missions and has deployed numerous times in support of Operations ENDURING, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, INHERENT RESOLVE and many other contingencies. His awards and
decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with Eleven Oak Leaf Clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

Captain Christopher S. Peck is the Director of MQ-9 Future Plans, 49th Operations Group, 49th Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. As the Director of MQ-9 Future Plans, he oversees future innovative development and management of the MQ-9 training enterprise, utilized by over 600 students per year and 3 different Air Force Bases. Captain Peck utilized new technology to enable the MQ-9 enterprise to transform the platform’s current capabilities to be in line with the 2018 National Defense Strategy. During the 2020 global pandemic, he utilized cloud technology combined with virtual academics to earn 19th Air Force’s best "on time" graduation rate. As a MQ-9 Instructor pilot, Capt Peck instructs and trains upgrading aircrew to effectively employ advanced combat tactics against national level targets

Captain Peck was born in Walla Walla, Washington. He enlisted in the Air Force in 2002 and later commissioned as an officer in the Air Force in May 2011, after graduating from the American Military University in 2007. He has served in Air Combat Command, leading armed ISR combat missions, liaising with HHQ, conducting time-sensitive targeting and HVI target development, and instructed under AETC. Captain Peck has supported multiple operations, to include Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and INHERENT RESOLVE.

Prior to his current position, Captain Peck was a 432 OSS Flight Commander.

Major Joseph Ritter is the Lead Evaluator Pilot and MQ-9 Branch Chief, Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida. He leads the management of MQ-9 flying and tactical standards for the command, providing operational guidance to 5 flying squadrons and over 700 aircrew, ensuring special operations MQ-9s continually meet the requirements of the Joint Force. He is AFSOC’s lead pilot for the introduction of SATCOM launch and recovery.

Maj Ritter entered the Air Force in 2008, and initially flew the RC-135 Rivet Joint. In 2012, he became a Project Engineer with the Big Safari Program, flying the RC-135, NC-135, and KC-135, and was central to the United Kingdom RC-135 acquisition. In 2015 he cross-trained to the MQ-9 Reaper, leading operations in multiple attack squadrons before moving to AFSOC in 2020. Maj Ritter has deployed to CENTCOM, EUCOM, and PACOM, and has supported operations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Libya. His research on remotely piloted aircraft operations has been published by War on the Rocks and the Modern War Institute.

Major Chirhart was born 18 December 1985 in Anchorage, Alaska. Growing up in Alaska, Maj Chirhart held a number of jobs at an early age, and was actively engaged in sports and extracurricular activities. He graduated from Dimond High School in 2004. Following high school graduation, he attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Astrospace Engineering and on May 23rd, 2008 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

After graduation, Second Lieutenant Chirhart attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia from June 2008 through January 2009. After completing basic officer training, he reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola, FL to begin aviation pre-indoctrination. His primary flight training consisted of familiarization, navigation, and formation training in the T-34C as part of VT-2, and advanced flight training in the TH-57B and TH-57C with HT-28.
First Lieutenant Chirhart was winged on 17 December 2010 and reported to HMLA(T)-303 in Camp Pendleton CA for flight training in the UH-1Y. He completed the FRS and reported to HMLA-367 "Scarface" where he worked as the
Ground Safety and NATOPS Officer until the squadron re-located to MAG-29 in Hawaii in 2011. Capt Chirhart spent 2 months as an augment pilot to HMLA-169 "Vipers" during Operation RIMPAC in 2012, before reporting to HMLA-267 "Stingers" where he became a schedule writer and the Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Officer.

In February 2013, Capt Chirhart deployed on an IA billet with MAG-50, MWHS-3 to Isa Air Base in Bahrain. During this time he served as the Senior Watch Officer, monitoring and coordinating the actions of aircraft in support of
CENTCOM operations, and was also trained as the Personnel Recovery Coordinator, implementing training and communication architecture to support the CENTCOM Joint Personnel Recovery Center. Capt Chirhart returned to
HMLA-267 in September 2013 where he assumed the duties as the Corrosion Control, HAZMAT, Flight Equipment, and Airframes Division OIC. Following his assignment in the maintenance department, Capt Chirhart transitioned into the operations department where he served as the Current Operations Officer, overseeing the daily flight schedule and supervising the actions of the operations duty officer while progressing in the UH-1Y syllabus, achieving
his designations as a basic instructor pilot, terrain flight instructor, weapons training officer, forward air controller airborne, and night systems instructor. In 2015, Capt Chirhart graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-16 and upon his return to the squadron assumed the duties as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor and the squadron's UH-1Y pilot training officer. During this time Capt Chirhart earned his qualifications as a defensive aerial combat maneuvering instructor (DACM-I), forward air controller airborne instructor (FAC(A)-I), Air Mission Commander, and NATOPS instructor.

In November 2016, Captain Chirhart deployed with HMLA-267 to Okinawa Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program. During this deployment, Capt Chirhart flew over 220 hours and developed and implemented procedures for UH-1Y Bambi bucket operations, sustaining the HMLA support to firefighting operations on the island of Okinawa. Capt Chirhart also earned a Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal for planning, organizing, and leading a week long squadron detachment for training on the island of Ie Shima.

After returning from deployment in May 2017, Capt Chirhart accepted orders to the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One in Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. During this time Capt Chirhart served as the
Airframes officer in charge, and participated in multiple test and evaluation projects including testing the Intrepid Tiger II, TTP development for full motion video/digital interoperability, Future Vertical Lift Maneuverability/Agility study, an Army Aviation Development Directorate (ADD) sponsored Manned/Unmanned teaming (MUM-T) training event, small UAS and H-1 integration TTP development, Joint Aircrew Survival Mask gas chamber testing, and augmented multiple WTI courses as a UH-1Y WTI instructor.

In October 2018, he was promoted to Major and during his remaining time at VMX-1 completed the USMC Command and Staff Distance Education Program, Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt training, and Defense Acquisition University level 1.

During his tour at VMX-1, Major Chirhart took an interest in the unmanned aircraft community, submitted for re-designation, and was accepted for transition to the Unmanned Aircraft Officer 7315 MOS. He then accepted orders to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron One in Yuma Arizona, and after attending the Unmanned Aircraft Commander's RQ-21A Mobile Training Team Course, Maj Chirhart received his 7315 designation and Unmanned
Aircraft Officer wings.

After joining VMU-1 in July 2019, Major Chirhart was assigned as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and department head of the Operational Support Department (OSD). As the OSD department head, Maj Chirhart coordinated the
functions of the S-4, S-6, and aviation maintenance division, to support the squadron's operational and training requirements. Maj Chirhart quickly learned his new community and platform, and after only 3 months in the squadron, planned, coordinated, and led a squadron wide detachment for training called Exercise Chaos Scorpion. This event was meant to enforce the squadron's bounding launch and recovery capability, utilizing organic ground support assets to move to, and fly from, multiple locations within the R-2507 north and south aerial gunnery training ranges. During his time as Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Maj Chirhart also led the maintenance department through multiple detachments for training in support of exercises Summer Fury, Steel Knight, Integrated Training Exercises, and WTI courses, all while preparing the squadron for the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, Third Marine Air Wing, and Commander Naval Air Forces maintenance inspections. Later assigned as the MQ-9A department officer in charge, Major Chirhart led MQ-9A aircrew and augment Unmanned Mission Commanders supporting Task Force Southwest from MCAS Yuma in support of OPERATION RESOLUTE SUPPORT and OPERATION FREEDOM SENTINEL.

In May of 2020, Maj Chirhart assumed the duties as the unit's Operations Officer, coordinating the specific training, scheduling, and operational support for MQ-9 aircrew. At this time, the unit was simultaneously operating two distinctly separate type/model/series aircraft, as well as preparing for the divestment of the RQ-21A, and generating TTPs for Group 5 employment in the CENTCOM AOR. During this time, Maj Chirhart continued progression through the RQ-21A syllabus, becoming a Basic Instructor Pilot and Weapons Training Officer before departing to Holloman AFB in New Mexico to receive his MQ-9A qualification. As a member of A Flight in the 6th Attack Squadron, Maj Chirhart graduated as the top pilot, and top overall academic student, earning the 7318 MOS upon graduation. Upon returning to VMU-1, Maj Chirhart assumed the role as Executive Officer, and continued progression through the MQ-9A T&R syllabus as the squadron continued to build the foundation for the MQ-9A enterprise throughout the Marine Corps through TTP development, transition to 24/7/365 work schedule, and acquisition of the Marine Corps' first two MQ-9As and associated ground equipment.

In May 2022, Maj Chirhart executed orders to the Capabilities Development Directorate of USMC Combat Development and Integration, where he currently serves as the Senior UAS Capabilities Integration Officer with the Air
Vehicle Integration Branch, Aviation Combat Element.

Major Chirhart's personal awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, as well as multiple letters of appreciation. He is an FAA Certified Private Pilot
who is rotary and fixed wing instrument and commercial rated, and holds a Part 107 small UAS license. He has over 1,820 hours in the T-34C, TH-57, and UH-1Y aircraft.

Bobby is a drone instructor, software developer, and inventor. He has done software development and research on the Air-Traffic Incident Management System (Air-TIMS) funded by U.S. Department of Transportation back in 2016. Various federal contracts led to the invention of SkyeBrowse's autonomous drone flight, video-based 3D modeling, and 1 tap simplicity. Bobby co-authored the patent proposal for SkyeBrowse's accident site reconstruction platform. With his work on SkyeBrowse, Bobby has introduced enhanced situational awareness and accident reconstruction to over 500 public safety agencies.

Brad Drake is a Project Manager for the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office, Implementation Branch (AUS-440). Brad joined the FAA in 2012. His initial role was in the ATO at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as an Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) technician. He transferred to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and served as ILS and COMM technician, routinely filling the role as EIC for the SSC manager. Additionally, has worked at Providence International Airport (PVD) as an ILS and ASR-9 technician for the ATO. Brad’s current focus is on the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations into the National Air Space.

Prior to working for the FAA, Brad worked for Boeing in the Core Engineering team at the production facility in Charleston, SC. He worked trouble shooting build plans, overcoming challenges with carbon fiber and process improvements with reducing forces exerted on IML surfaces. Brad began his aviation career in the United States Air Force (1999) and United States Navy (2009). Brad started his Air Force career as Avionics Technician on the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III and C-141 Starlifter. Brad was assigned to Rota, Spain in direct support of the Special Warfare operations during 2002-2007. He later cross-trained to Combat Communications, stationed at Wright Patterson AFB, H., supporting operations during OEF/OIF. He concluded his military career in 2015 in the Reserves in California. Brad holds an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator license and numerous FAA ATO NAS equipment certifications. Brad has a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics/Aviation Management with a minor in Aviation Safety from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Brad also has a Master of Business Administration from Webster University with a concentration in IT Management.

Brad is on the board of officers for the Native American Alaskan Native (NAAN) as the organizations treasurer. Brad loves to spend time in church, spending time with his children, reading, lifting weights, skiing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving.

Darshan “Dash” Divakaran is an aerospace intrapreneur and technology evangelist with expertise in unmanned aviation, aviation development, geospatial analysis, emerging technologies, and program management. His areas of expertise in unmanned aviation also includes Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), Counter-UAS (CUAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). He has led efforts to work with federal, state, public safety, industry, and academia to
develop, integrate and manage national/statewide programs and initiatives. He has been recognized by Interdrone and Commercial UAV News as one of the top commercial drone visionaries.
Darshan works for AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of Air Force, as the Senior Manager for Strategic Innovation & Partnerships. In this role he leads efforts to promote innovation and integration through joint operations, interagency, state, and academic partnerships. In addition, he supports the industry engagement, outreach, and educational initiatives for AFWERX. He is also the government subject matter expert for Advanced Air
Mobility (AAM), Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) on the AFWERX Agility Prime program, a non-traditional program to accelerate the commercial market for advanced air mobility vehicles and create a robust domestic industry and supply chain to support their development and production.
Darshan holds a Masters in Geospatial Information Science and Technology from North Carolina State University and BS in Professional Aeronautics and Aviation Management from EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University. He is also an FAA certified commercial pilot with multi engine rating and holds a FAA part 107 remote pilot certificate.

David Fulcher is the Director, Air and Marine Operations, National Air Security Operations Center - Grand Forks for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations. Air and Marine Operations is the world’s largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization with 1,800 Federal agents, operating from 84 air and marine locations utilizing 240 aircraft and 300 maritime vessels. The mission of Air and Marine Operations is to protect the American people and Nation’s critical infrastructure through the coordinated use of integrated air and marine forces to detect, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs, and other contraband toward or across the borders of the United States. Air and Marine Operations is the most experienced operator of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Homeland Security mission set on the world stage.
Appointed as the Director in July of 2021, Mr. Fulcher joined the Air and Marine Operations as an Air Interdiction Agent in June 2007. Before joining Air and Marine Operations, Mr. Fulcher served in the U.S. Navy for 14 years, continuing to serve as a Commander in the Naval Reserve.
Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience in air combat, air training, standardization, and UAS operations. Following his commissioning in 1998, he attended flight school and was designated a Naval Aviator at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christ, Texas, in May 2000. Mr. Fulcher flew the P-3C aircraft, flying in combat and serving as a flight instructor and weapons instructor at the Fleet Replacement Squadron. Mr. Fulcher has attained more than 2,000 flight hours in multiple aircraft types including over 200 combat hours. As an Air Interdiction Agent, Mr. Fulcher flew the C550 Citation, the MQ-9 Predator B and served as a crewmember and tactical team leader on the
UH-60 and AS-350 helicopters.
Mr. Fulcher has served in numerous leadership positions in both Air and Marine Operations and the U.S. Navy. These positions include Deputy Director of Air Operations, Chief of Training at NASOC-GF, Chief Staff Officer of Naval Reserve Carrier Strike Group Five, Government Flight Representative for the CBP MQ-9 contract, Officer-In-Charge of Special Warfare Command UAS Detachment Sentinel II in Iraq, and Officer-In-Charge of CBP UAS Operations in Panama, Colombia, and Mexico.
Mr. Fulcher received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998, his Master of Science in Information Technology from Florida Institute of Technology in 2013 and holds an Airline Transport Pilot’s license. His honors include the CBP Commissioner’s Award, CBP Commissioner’s Unit Citation, AMO Executive Assistant Commissioner’s Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V and Gold Star.

Dennis A. Teefy was chartered as the Project Director Sensor Aerial Intelligence in April 2020. He is leading an organization responsible for the delivery of the Army’s premier Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) sensors to enable the timely dissemination of intelligence products to meet current and future warfighter needs.
Mr. Teefy joined the US Army as a post graduate intern with the US Army Environmental Center as a program manager focusing on innovative environmental technology development and transfer.
In 2000, he joined the US Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) as a test director specializing in training range sustainment and Unexploded Ordnance detection technologies. He then served a developmental assignment as the Technical Assistant to the Commander. Leaving the developmental detail, he became the Division Chief of the Military Environmental Technology Demonstration Center.
In 2006, ATC faced the need to fundamentally change the manner in which it conducted testing in order to react to the rapid fielding of systems to meet the Warfighter’s need. To that end, Mr. Teefy was tasked to stand up and run the Rapid Fielding & Equipping Office.
Completing this mission in 2008, Mr. Teefy became the Division Chief of the Homeland Defense & Sustainment Division. This assignment was followed by assuming the position of ATC Safety Office Chief in 2009. He was tasked to implement the new Incident and Injury Free Safety Program, streamline the risk assessment review process, and to develop a new test director training program.
Mr. Teefy was board selected to participate in the Defense Acquisition University Senior Service College Fellowship. He graduated with the 2010-2011 cohort.
In May 2011, Mr. Teefy was appointed to the position of Product Director (PdD) of Cryptographic Systems within Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) under Project Director Communications Security. In February 2014, he assumed the Director Communications Security.
In February 2014, he assumed the position of PdD Key Management within PEO C3T under Project Director Network Enablers. In March 2015, he was selected to be the Deputy Project Lead, Network Enablers. While at PEO C3T
he completed the modernization of the Army’s Cryptographic Network, began fielding the new Key Management Infrastructure, and lead the transition of the Product Lead Military Technology Solutions to PEO Enterprise Information
Systems.
Throughout his career, Mr. Teefy has demonstrated a passion for human capital management. He is an active mentor on Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), organized summer intern programs, provided leadership to Morale Committees, and holds bi monthly professional development workshops for the APG workforce.
His awards include four Achievement Medals for Civilian Service, six Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service, and a Superior Civilian Service Award. He was presented the Bronze Order of Mercury by the US Army Signal
Regiment. He was also selected as one of the 25 individuals to represent US Army Acquisition Corps on its 25th anniversary.
Mr. Teefy obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from West Virginia University (WVU) in 1995, Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University in 2003, and Master of Arts
degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University in 2011.
He is a US Army Acquisition Corps Member with Level III certifications in both Program Management and Test & Evaluation.
A native of Philadelphia, PA, Mr. Teefy lives in Havre de Grace, MD with his wife Bonnie Jo and their children Morgan, Sam, and Eli. His hobbies include traditional Korean martial arts, playing poker, salt water fishing, attending
Baltimore Ravens games, supporting the Havre de Grace High School Athletic and Band Boosters, volunteering with the Girl and Boy Scouts, and rooting for his beloved WVU Athletic teams.

Mr. Eric A. Follstad serves as the acting Requirements and Technology Division Chief, Resources and Analysis Directorate J8, US Central Command (USCENTCOM), where he is directly responsible for providing the best military advice to the Commander and staff on planning, programming & budget execution, requirements, and scientific & technology efforts across industry, academic, and the military services. He leads a diverse staff charged with developing rapid prototyping, experimentation, and conceptual approaches against validated and emerging joint warfighting needs. Responsibilities include the formulation & publication of the annual USCENTCOM Integrated Priority List (IPL), development of USCENTCOM-unique Limited Objective Experiments (LOEs), Joint Tests (JT), Quick Reaction Tests (QRT), as well as membership & participation within the Joint Concept Development & Experimentation (JCD&E) enterprise. He also supports numerous OUSD(R&E) activities within their broad portfolios of RDT&E efforts.

Additionally, Mr. Follstad serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the USCENTCOM staff on matters concerning Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Counter-UAS, and Joint Aerospace integration to include deep technology work in Operationalizing the Stratosphere (OTS).

PAST EXPERIENCE:

Assigned to USCENTCOM for over 20 years both in and out of uniform, Mr. Follstad performed duties as the Executive Officer to the Director, Resources and Analysis J8, USCENTCOM and was additionally involved in Transformation and Integration activities led by the former US Joint Forces Command J86. During this period, Mr. Follstad served as the USCENTCOM principle investigator on the USCENTCOM operational assessment of the Solid State Laser Quick Reaction Capability AN/SEQ-3(XN-1) US Navy Laser Weapon System (LaWS) installed and operated on the LPD-15 USS PONCE.

A career Marine Corps Officer, Mr. Follstad served twenty- years as an Air Command and Control Officer achieving qualifications as Senior Air Director, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, and a graduate of Naval Fighter Weapons School “Top Gun” Air Intercept Controller (AIC) course. Mr. Follstad served as the operational test director for the Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA) Y2K Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) on Okinawa Japan prior to the year 2000 roll-over. During this Y2K OPEVAL, he served as the III MEF operational test director for all air command and control systems undergoing Y2K compliance testing. Prior to his assignment in Japan, Mr. Follstad also served as the Academic Department Head and Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) Division Head at Marine Aviation Weapons & Tactics Squadron-One (MAWTS-1) at MCAS Yuma Az. concurrently serving as the deputy test director for the I MEF Y2K OPEVAL for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rdMAW). Mr. Follstad successfully completed numerous command assignments within or supporting all four Marine Aircraft Wings to include participation within the JFACC staff during OPERATION Restore Hope, Somalia. More recently, Mr. Follstad deployed to HQ Resolute Support (RSM) Kabul Afghanistan for a one-year Civilian Expeditionary Workforce (CEW) assignment supporting NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) implementation.


Mr. Follstad is a native of Lake City Minnesota. He is married to the former Sarah Swanson of Atlantic Iowa. They have two children, Lance Corporal (USMC) Hailey age 22 and Jacob age 20.

Nick graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst with a degree in Microbiology and was commissioned via USAF ROTC as a Second Lieutenant and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years. Nick earned his Master of Science Degree in Systems Engineering Management from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX.

In his career, Nick help positions as program manager for Tactical Jam-Resistant UHF Communication Systems. And Chemical and Biological Defense and Life Support Systems. These assignments were followed by a tour at the Pentagon overseeing the USAF’s acquisition workforce and their Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. Nick then had a tour at Hickam AFB, HI, where he was a political-military affairs officer. Nick was the Program Management Flight Lead for the USAF’s B-2A Spirit – the Stealth Bomber. He was then assigned to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Fort Belvoir, VA. Here Nick held many roles to include the Chief of the Systems Engineering Branch and the Deputy Director for Innovation and Systems Engineering. He was responsible for the Arms Control Enterprise Software System tracking and reporting the status and movement of weapon systems and nuclear weapons as directed under 9 treaties among 56 nations.

In 2009, Nick retired from the USAF and accepted a position with Veracity Engineering supporting the FAA as a Senior Program Analyst. In 2010, Nick accepted a position with the FAA working Closely Spaced Parallel Runway Operations, and Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex, followed by a promotion to Branch Manager for Surface and Terminal Prototyping. In 2015 he was selected to be the Acting NextGen Human Factors Division Manager, and then in October of 2016 he was selected to be the NextGen New Entrants Division Manager. He is now responsible for the FAA’s Innovate28 project to enable Advance Air Mobility in the National Airspace, at a key site, by 2028.

Mr. Patrick C. O’Brien is the Deputy Director of Aviation Platforms Requirements Determination Directorate and the Supervisory Engineer for the Army Aviation Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in June 1991 and the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering in May 2001. At Georgia Tech, he was one of three Army Officers that led a team of engineers that won the 2000 NASA/American Helicopter Society design competition for proof of concept for a Martian Helicopter. He is a Master Army Aviator with operational assignments as Pilot in Command of the AH-1F C-Nite Cobra, AH-64A/C Apache, C-12 Huron, and C-182 Skylane. He was an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy teaching the Aerospace Engineering courses. He served as a Space Operations Officer (FA-40) as the Director of Ground Test Operations (HWIL) for Missile Defense Agency and Senior Missile Defense/Missile Warning Instructor at the National Security Space Institute.

Rob is a former Field Artillery non-commissioned officer, with 20 years of experience including four combat deployments to Iraq.
After his first combat deployment Rob was assigned to the CounterStrike Task Force, the combat developers for the Counter Rocket Artillery Mortar (C-RAM Program). Rob has continued to support C-RAM and now CUAS for the last 20 years. He has a BS from Cameron University, Lawton, OK and a MBA from University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Master Sergeant Donald D. Gansberger is a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) / Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) assigned to US Northern Command’s Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), Regional Support Team (RST) South Texas (STX) at in Corpus Christi, Texas as the Operations Chief. In this capacity his job is to oversee all enlisted operations within the STX region, facilitate relationships with the US Coast Guard (USCG) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) within the Department of Justice (DoJ), as well as with other state and local law enforcement (LE) partners. Additionally, Master Sergeant Gansberger operates as part of the J3-Air organization on behalf of headquarters, assisting in planning and execution of all Department of Defense (DoD) air support operations along the entirety of the southern border.
Master Sergeant Gansberger was born in Hollister, California. He enlisted in the Air Force in September 2001 in San Jose, California. During his career he has completed four combat tours in Afghanistan, and has completed a diverse number of assignments, including leading the fires
operations cell at the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), Pope AFB, North Carolina for three years as the Chief Instructor and Chief of Standards and Evaluation. Additionally throughout his career he has executed CAS operations for 3rd Special Forces Group, 74th Long Range Reconnaissance and Surveillance (Ranger) detachment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and 82nd Airborne Division and members of other governmental agencies as a Military Freefall qualified JTAC.
As a JTAC, Master Sergeant Gansberger has worked at all levels of airborne operations from reconnaissance detachment and operational detachment alpha through platoon, company, battalion, brigade and division operations both in training and deployed. Further, he executes operational and tactical level mission planning, and provides final control of CAS aircraft dropping precision and near precision munitions in support of ground combat maneuver forces. As a staff member he wrote requirements for the acquisition and design of material for TACP, Air Support Operations Centers, and conventional JTACs while simultaneously managing a $43m program element.
Additionally, he contributed to the planning of Joint Close Air Support (CAS) doctrine with ACC A3 and the Air, Land and Sea Application center. In 2016, Master Sergeant Gansberger was selected by Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) to be their first Warfighter-in-Residence, where he combined his operational JTAC knowledge, acquisitions and requirements experience, and his civilian background as a software developer and network engineer in the Silicon Valley to work on advanced process, contractual and engineering innovation for Battlefield Airmen throughout the Air Force.