“Thank you for your service.” We say this to people who have served and are still serving. We say this to their families. It is an all-encompassing, open-ended expression of gratitude for a reason. We cannot begin to encapsulate all the ways those in the military and its employ protect us on land, in the air, at sea, and in space. The list is so vast, and ever-expanding.
All of it touches your ability to become everything you are as a human being living in this nation. There’s a new frontier that needs protection, oversight, and demands equality now. The Metaverse. It exists to facilitate mundane daily life of the ordinary citizen and protect the enormity of space exploration.
The military is poised to shape, lead, even command the Metaverse. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our seasoned and next-generation military leaders to take “Thank you for your service” into the Metaverse.
February 1, 2023
Welcome to the 18th Annual Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Stars and Stripes Awards Dinner.
GEN Johnnie Wilson U.S. Army, Ret.
GEN Lester Lyles
U.S. Air Force, Ret.
LTG Albert Edmonds U.S. Air Force, Ret.
VADM Walter Davis U.S. Navy, Ret.
LTG Joe Ballard U.S. Army, Ret.
LtGen Ronald Coleman
U.S. Marine Corp, Ret.
VADM Anthony Winns U.S. Navy, Ret.
MajGen Leo Williams U.S. Marine Corp, Ret.
RADM Stephen W. Rochon
U.S. Coast Guard, Ret.
MG Ronald Johnson U.S. Army, Ret.
William Brown SES, Ret.
RADM Tony Watson U.S. Navy, Ret.
BG Velma Richardson U.S. Army, Ret.
The theme for our dinner is “Answering the Call for Service to Our Nation”. The BEYA Stars and Stripes Committee in partnership with leaders from the Department of Defense, industry, and academia continue to work diligently to provide our nation with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) talent. The opportunities for youth in STEM have never been greater. History has shown us that the support of committed educators, outstanding volunteers, and most importantly parents are the keys to youth success in STEM. It is the BEYA Stars & Stripes mission to help create the environment to motivate, encourage and help youth to pursue a STEM education.
BEYA Stars and Stripes rests on the shoulders of committed Senior Executives who volunteer their time and energy. The central piece of our efforts is the Pre-Dinner Mentoring led by Secretary Craig Crenshaw, Virginia State Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. Over the last 10 years 1250 active-duty Flags, Generals and Senior Executive Service (SES) have mentored 6,787 youth prior to our dinner/awards event. This year will be no exception. At 1600 on Friday, February 10, Secretary Crenshaw and his team will mentor over 600 students at the Gaylord Resort in National Harbor, Maryland. Over 140 Active Flags, Generals and SES personnel have volunteered to participate, thereby providing an engaging experience for our youth. The Pre-Dinner Mentoring is looking at states outside the Mid-Atlantic region to include Ohio and Alabama to expand our reach in 2024.
SES Jesse McCurdy (Ret.) leads our year-round mentoring utilizing retired Flags, Generals and SES personnel. Our partners include the top-rated high schools in the nation, according to US News and World Report. We are finding that effort to become even more promising as we and youth learn to explore opportunities and receive mentorship from some of the most accomplished executives in the government. These executives bring experience from all the Services and the National Security Agency.
Finally, our BEYA Stars and Stripes Student ambassadors have taken the lead for our BEYA Career Day. The BEYA Career Day is led by LTG Bruce Crawford (Ret.). 2022 presenters include leaders like Mr. Wayne Young, Vice President at Jacksonville Electric Authority, one of the largest public utilities in the nation and Dr. Kyla McMullen, computer science Associate Professor. The 2023 cohort of students has an average GPA of 4.1 and includes National Honor Society members, teen entrepreneurs, and students from 4 states. This year, the newly formed BEYA Stars and Stripes Scholarship program will provide additional funding for Career Day student ambassadors and high achieving STEM/HBCU students to continue their higher education.
This year, we are honored to have the United States Army as our featured service. We are especially proud to have the Honorable Secretary Christine Wormuth, USA attend as well as being a keynote speaker for our awards event.
Congratulations to our BEYA Stars and Stripes 2023 Military awardees. You are role models and motivators for our future leaders.
wOn behalf of Dr. Tyrone Taborn and Career Communications Group, Stars and Stripes Founders, and our military and corporate sponsors, we are most grateful to have your participation. We will make it an impactful experience for you — The BEYA 365 Experience.
Sincerely,
Tyrone D. Taborn Chairman & CEO
VADM Anthony L. Winns, USN (Ret) National Chairman of BEYA Stars and Stripes Committee
February 9, 2023
Dear Stars and Stripes Honorees and Guests,
BAE Systems is honored to once again serve as a corporate sponsor of the BEYA STEM Conference Stars and Stripes Dinner. Tonight, we proudly recognize and celebrate the achievements of our active and retired African American admirals, generals, and members of the Senior Executive Service.
I am inspired by the leadership, strength, and resilience of the armed forces. I am also deeply proud to work alongside them and witness their commitment to our mission of protecting those who protect us. Our people are at the heart of everything we do.
At BAE Systems, we recognize and embrace the value of diverse teams, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to continue building an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and succeed. Our partnership with BEYA helps strengthen our ability to recruit and retain the exceptional STEM talent needed to support our customers’ missions.
On behalf of BAE Systems, congratulations to tonight’s honorees. To all of the active duty and retired military leaders and members of the Senior Executive Service, thank you for your service. We are honored to recognize your dedication, sacrifice, and accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Tom Arseneault President and Chief Executive Officer BAE Systems, Inc.February 9, 2023
Dear Stars and Stripes Honorees and Guests,
Today we celebrate and honor the achievements of the many active and retired Black admirals, generals, and members of the Senior Executive Service. Their talent and leadership have driven extraordinary change within the U.S. Armed Forces – cultivating an environment that fosters inclusive innovation at every level of military service.
The experience of those who have served grounds and enriches Booz Allen. Nearly one-third of our people are military-connected – offering vital perspectives and leadership that deliver on our purpose to empower people to change the world. We rely on this diverse experience to develop creative and effective solutions for our clients’ highest priority missions.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are foundational to the success of our firm. We believe inclusive innovation unlocks the best ideas to deliver maximum impact. That’s why Booz Allen is committed to amplifying the diversity of our workforce. It starts at the very top, with our Board of Directors and Leadership Team, and permeates through our ranks as we invest in a diverse pipeline of rising leaders and technologists. We also support transitioning service members and veterans in building meaningful STEM careers through Troops to Engineers, Hiring Our Heroes, and our own Mil/Tech Workforce Initiative.
Booz Allen is proud of our place in the BEYA community and our role in fostering pathways to equity in data science, cybersecurity, and beyond. Congratulations to all BEYA honorees including the 13 Booz Allen award recipients. You are paving the way for the next generation of innovators. Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to equitable representation in the STEM fields.
Sincerely,
Horacio D. Rozanski President and Chief Executive Officer
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. | 901 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20005
February 9, 2023
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
It is a privilege to once again partner with BEY A in pursuit of a diverse and inclusive workforce by inspiring the next generation of military and civilian STEM professionals.
BEY A’s Stars and Stripes dinner has a long history of recognizing the exceptional achievements of Black STEM professionals dedicated to the service of our nation. General Dynamics is honored to be a sponsor of this important event.
We are also proud to salute the U.S. Army, this year’s featured service, for its 247 years of dedication and extraordinary commitment to the defense of our great country.
On behalf of General Dynamics, we offer our congratulations and gratitude to all of tonight’s awardees. We also thank BEYA for its commitment to motivating and developing the diverse talent our nation needs to maintain its technical edge now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Phebe N. Novakovic Chairman and Chief Executive Officer General DynamicsFebruary 18, 2022
Dear BEYA Participants:
Welcome to the 2023 BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference. Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with Career Communications Group, Inc., and co-host this event with the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and USBE&IT magazine.
For 37 years, this conference has been the premier gathering for brilliant minds to connect, for young people to find the right jobs, and where today’s problems meet tomorrow’s problem-solvers. Here, we work to ensure that diverse communities continue to play a central role in shaping the future of global innovation and share in the opportunities available in the high-tech economy of the 21st century. Our hope is that you live the 2023 theme of “Becoming Everything You Are.”
At Lockheed Martin, we know what it takes to solve the world’s most complex challenges. We understand that in order to advance scientific discovery, create revolutionary technologies, and protect lives, our nation must have a strong and diverse workforce. That is why we are grateful that BEYA continues to attract, inspire, and develop the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) trailblazers.
This conference also provides us all an opportunity to honor extraordinary Black leaders who have made a difference in the STEM fields and to thank them for their contributions, leadership, and inspiration to others.
On behalf of my 114,000 teammates, I congratulate all the 2023 award winners – including the 24 Lockheed Martin innovators who will be honored this year. For all those in the BEYA community, I hope that you will be motivated and energized by the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the doors that are open to you. Enjoy the conference.
Sincerely,
James D. Taiclet Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lockheed Martin
February 17, 2022
Dear Stars and Stripes Attendees,
On behalf of Northrop Grumman, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Stars & Stripes event. Tonight, we’re honored to recognize the vital contributions of Black American service members and STEM leaders who have performed above and beyond the call of duty. Your leadership is vital to our national security today and serves to inspire the curious minds of tomorrow.
Northrop Grumman has a long-standing partnership with BEYA and proudly shares the commitment to develop and cultivate more diverse leaders and professionals. We are proud to have a number of BEYA winners on our team and diversity across our workforce is one of our greatest strengths. Empowering each individual to bring their determination, passion and perspective to work enables us to pioneer, solve complex problems, and define what is possible.
We are also united by a shared mission – a world more connected and protected, and a universe better understood. It is a profound honor to work in service of a cause greater than ourselves; to apply our time and talents for the benefit of others. Tonight’s attendees know that truth very well.
On behalf of our 90,000 team members around the globe, thank you for your service, and congratulations on this recognition.
Sincerely,
Kathy Warden Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Northrop Grumman
Dear Stars and Stripes Honorees and Guests,
Welcome to the 2023 BEYA Stars and Stripes Awards Dinner as we honor active and retired Black military leaders and members of the Senior Executive Service.
At Raytheon Technologies, delivering mission-critical technologies to our military partners remains at the core of what we do, and behind every great technological advancement is the power of our people.
That’s why advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is more than a goal – it’s critical to our success as a company. Ensuring that our employees have equitable opportunities to work, grow and belong is paramount as we focus on driving innovation and help to defend democracy around the world.
Raytheon Technologies is a proud annual sponsor of BEYA, and we’re committed to developing Black engineers and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders to solve the challenges of tomorrow in our pursuit of a safer, more connected world.
On behalf of the nearly 180,000 employees at Raytheon Technologies, including our 16,000 military veterans, congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees and families on your well-deserved recognition.
And to all who have served, we sincerely thank you for your sacrifice.
Greg Hayes Chairman and CEO Raytheon TechnologiesWe cannot dare to dream, nor will we realize hopes for a safer tomorrow, without encouraging and investing in future generations of leaders. Leadership requires many skills and qualities, and chief among them is the ability to inspire and uplift those around you. Tonight, we gather in celebration of those who have gone above and beyond as leaders. They have embraced their duty as teachers, mentors and champions of the next changemakers.
Our innovations, and thereby our security and prosperity, will only be as strong as those who contribute to them – and therein lies the strength of equity, diversity and inclusion. Tonight’s honorees have advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through their commitment to diversity and our collective future.
The work of equity and representation is never done, and no one entity can do it alone. Together with the United States Army, The Boeing Company is pleased to sponsor the 18th annual Stars and Stripes Dinner. We are proud to support U.S. servicemembers and the mission of BEYA Stars and Stripes.
Thank you for joining us this evening. To our honorees: thank you for the example you have set as community leaders and servicemembers. Your pursuits have made the discipline of STEM – and our nation – better.
Sincerely,
Theodore (Ted) Colbert III President and Chief Executive Officer Defense, Space & Security The Boeing Company
It is with great honor and appreciation that I congratulate this evening’s honorees. We hold these menand women in the highest regard, for their demonstration of strength, fidelity, courage, and wisdom in service to our country.
As a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with an established history of supporting our active and retired military service members, World Wide Technology (WWT) is firmly entrenched in providing innovative technology solutions to foster mission success around the world.
At WWT, we know just how important it is to have the most advanced technology on the front lines, as well as here at home, to protect and defend the infrastructure, citizens, and freedoms of the United States and its allies. We also know that fostering and empowering an environment of diversity and inclusion is essential to innovation, and to making a new world happen for ALL.
We understand the vital importance of and actively support Black Americans and all minority communities across military and civilian life, and are thankful and grateful for those who choose to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
If one thing has been made evidently clear in our 32 year history—it is that WWT is here to serve others. We are committed to building and nurturing the future of the STEM workforce by investing in STEMfocused education, internships, and work-based learning opportunities and activities. Our objective is to continue to build, retain and grow individuals capable of leading our future.
Our commitment to give back to the communities we serve is critical to empowering our people, who in turn empower our business. Please allow me to extend a heartfelt thank you to all here this evening and all among our WWT Family for your compassionate hearts and willingness to serve our neighbors!
We truly hope you enjoy tonight’s festivities and thank you for your remarkable dedication, service, and commitment to the liberty, values, and future of this great nation.
Sincerely,
David L. Steward Chairman and Founder World Wide Technology
Brigadier General Velma L. Richardson
United States Army (ret)
Major General Ronald L. Johnson
United States Army (ret)
Lieutenant General Joseph N. Ballard
United States Army (ret)
Mr. William A. Brown, Sr.
United States Army (ret)
General Johnnie E. Wilson
United States Air Force (ret)
Chairman Emeritus
General Walter E. Gaskin
United States Marine Corps (ret)
Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon
United States U.S. Coast Guard (ret)
Lieutenant General Albert J. Edmonds
United States Air Force (ret)
General Lester Lyles
United States Air Force (ret)
Mr. Jesse McCurdy
United States Navy (ret)
VADM Walter J. Davis
United States Navy (ret)
Chairman Emeritus
Vice Admiral Anthony L. Winns
United States Navy (ret)
BEYA Stars and Stripes National Military Alumni Chair
FACILITATORS
Michele Jones
U.S. Army Facilitator: Major General Jeth B. Rey
PRESENTATION OF COLORS
NATIONAL ANTHEM
ARMED FORCES MEDLEY
Army Field Band/Jazz Ambassadors
INVOCATION
OPENING REMARKS
Vice Admiral Anthony L. Winns
United States Navy (ret)
BEYA Stars and Stripes National Military Alumni Chair
HOST COMMITTEE WELCOME REMARKS
General Johnnie E. Wilson
United States Air Force (ret)
Chairman Emeritus
PARTNER REMARKS
Shane Eddy
President
Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies Business
Kathy Warden
Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President
Northrop Grumman
General Dennis L Via
Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Executive
Booz Allen Hamilton
Ted Colbert
The Boeing Company and 2022 Black Engineer of the Year
TRIBUTE TO WALTER DAVIS
STARS & STRIPES MENTORING REMARKS
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Sergeant Major LaQuaine Bess
US Army Futures Command, Battalion CSM, United States Army
PRESENTOR
Christine Wormuth
Secretary of the United States Army
Department of Defense
BEYA STARS & STRIPES OFFICER AWARDS
Major General Robert Edmonson II
Commanding General
US Army Communications-Electronics Command
United States Army
PRESENTOR
General Randy A. George
Vice Chief of Staff
United States Army
STARS & STRIPES AWARDS
Brigadier General Anthony Henderson
Deputy Director, J5
United States Marines
PRESENTOR
General David H. Berger
Commandant Of The Marine Corps
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Captain Dewon Chaney
Executive Assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel
United States Navy
PRESENTOR
ADMIRAL LISA M. FRANCHETTI
Vice Chief of Naval Operations
United States Navy
WOUNDED WARRIORS TRIBUTE
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Colonel Felicia Burks
Chief, Diversity and Inclusion Division
Office of the Air Force Surgeon General
United States Air Force
PRESENTOR
GENERAL CHARLES Q. BROWN
Chief of Staff
United States Air Force
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Dr. Gerald Curry Director
Air Force Review Boards Agency
PRESENTOR
FRANK KENDALL III
Secretary of the U.S. Air Force
Department of Defense
LIVING LEGENDS TRIBUTE
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Captain Zeita Merchant
Commander, Sector New York
Captain of the Port
United States Coast Guard
PRESENTOR
Admiral Steven D. Poulin
Vice Commandant
U.S. Coast Guard
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Lt. Colonel Alison Gonzalez
United States Space Force
PRESENTOR
LT. GENERAL DEANNA M. BURT
Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, Deputy, and Nuclear U.S. Space Force
STARS AND STRIPES AWARD
Major General John C. Harris Jr.
The Adjutant General State of Ohio
PRESENTOR
GENERAL DANIEL R. HOKANSON
Chief U.S. National Guard Bureau
General Johnnie E. Wilson
United States Air Force (ret)
Chairman Emeritus
