AUSA: looking back on day three

11 October 2018
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It’s been a truly excellent AUSA. Over the three days, we’ve met a number of old friends – and, just as importantly, made some new friends.

Day three saw us continuing to have some very productive, worthwhile meetings.

A meeting with Lieutenant General Anderson,  Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 United States Army For  Operations and Logistics, gave us the opportunity to outline the breadth and depth of Abaco’s embedded computing capabilities. Like Rickey Smith with whom we’d met previously, he expressed considerable interest in what we’re doing in electronic warfare, and particularly with RFSoC.

We also met with Mr. Jeff White, Army ASALT Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) And Army Acquisition Executive – an excellent contact to have, as he is a key player in the Army’s R & D and Acquisition programs and opportunities.  

A meeting with Dr. Paul Rogers, Director of TARDEC and responsible for providing executive management to deliver advanced technology solutions for all Department of Defense ground systems and combat support equipment, was more of an update as Dr. Rogers has known of our capabilities for a while. It was good to exchange our roadmaps, and find so many areas where they converge.

Dr Rogers has been aware of Abaco capabilities for some time, and the team had a chance to follow up and discuss both Abaco and TARDEC roadmaps to the future.  

Subsequently, Rich and the team met with General Gus Perna, Commanding General of the Army Material Command AMC, in Redstone Al.  He was very complimentary about Abaco’s efforts and our importance within the Redstone/Huntsville community.  He expressed a wish to come see our Huntsville headquarters personally, and get better acquainted with the many technology companies in the area who, like Abaco, are in the business of supporting the warfighter.

Rich and John Muller had the opportunity to meet with Bell Flight and the Future Vertical Lift Team:  FVL is the Army’s aviation future, and a true greenfield opportunity.

Last, but far from least. We spent time with the Honorable Heidi Shyu (pictured).  Heidi is former Army ASALT and now a force throughout the industry as an acquisition specialist, scientist, engineer, and strategic thinker on where the Army and DOD are going.  We look forward to future engagements with Heidi in Huntsville and Washington DC.  

Mark Hutnan

Mark joined Abaco as Vice President, Business Development in November 2017. Previously, he was Vice President and General Manager, US Federal Operations at Qualys, following five years with General Dynamics Mission Systems as Senior Manager, Business Development, Cyber Systems Division. Mark was a member of the US Marine Corps for 24 years following his graduation from North Carolina State University with a BS degree in Civil Engineering.