A word from NDIA's Vice President of Operations.

• Author: Bates, Barry D.
• Position: 2005 MEGA DIRECTORY - National Defense Industrial Association

Dear NDIA Members:

NDIA is once again approaching year-end with a record of success and accomplishment in fulfilling its mission to advocate, promote and provide. These three pillars of NDIA's mission statement are all supported by the robust activities of our divisions and industrial committees. Led by very capable representatives of our member companies who serve selflessly in pursuit of facilitating and improving the cooperation and collaboration between government and defense industry, our divisions and committees provide a valuable service to America's war fighters and first responders. I want to issue a special "thanks" to each of our divisions and industrial committees for their continued exceptional support of NDIA mission and goals.

Two thousand five has produced significant changes in the leadership of NDIA's divisions and industrial committees. Retired Army Brig. Gen. Dean Ertwine (Battelle) is now co-chair of the Chemical-Biological Defense Division. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. John Hawley (CollaborX Inc.) succeeded Navy Rear Adm. Robert Gormley as chairman of the Combat Survivability Division. P. Michael Becraft (SI International) is now chairman of the Homeland Security Division. Dennis Kennelly (AMS) replaced Andy Button as chairman of the International Division. Candace Vessella (BAE) has succeeded retired Army Lt. Col. David Armour as chairman of the Legislative Information Division. and Timothy Bagniefski (General Dynamics) has replaced Mark McCormick as chairman of the Munitions Technology Division. NDIA extends its sincere thanks to each of the retiring chairmen for their service to the association and its goals and objectives.

Two thousand five has also seen structural changes to several of its divisions. The Homeland Security Division has completely revamped its Executive Board membership and has embarked upon an aggressive annual program of activities that should serve to firmly establish NDIA presence in the homeland security mission area. The Tank Automotive Division has been disestablished, with its Combat Vehicle and Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Sections elevated to division status. The Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Division will continue to be chaired by...