Cleveland Chapter

Spring 2012

The Cleveland Chapter had four meetings in this period.


PAST MEETINGS


On January 26th Agents from the United States Border Patrol spoke regarding the Border Patrol's mission guarding our nation's borders, specifically to the role of the Sandusky Bay Station in northern Ohio. After dinner, Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge David B. York and Border Patrol Agent Jeffery W. Gabel spent approximately 40 speaking and addressing questions from the group. The conversation centered on basic Border Patrol operations, authorities, training and strategies.

APAIC York is the second highest ranking agent in Ohio and was able to offer his insight on the broader operations of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Agent Gabel is the son of Terry W. Gabel who began his career at NASA Lewis Research Center in 1970. Agent Gabel spoke about daily life in the U.S. Border Patrol on the northern border.

Both APAIC York and Agent Gabel were honored to have the opportunity to speak in front of such a lively and inquisitive crowd. They expressed their desire to return in the future.

The March meeting was on NASA Airplanes. Cliff Crabs, NASA Test Pilot for 25 years, made the presentation. He started with NASA when Lewis was the Aeronautics Research Lab. He covered many interesting test programs. Here is one example: He explained what the Flight Branch did on the B 49 Engine Program. The engine had serious over heating problems. Many of the early flights needed to be stopped short before the engines caught on fire. Risk Analysis was an important area for the Flight Branch to explain to the manufacturers what their risk and what could be done to reduce the risk. This was very good meeting for the group, flight problems in airplanes is a very important topic to all of us travelers. The fellowship and great food made it a fun event. Thanks to the Meeting Committee for this good and informative meeting.

The April meeting was on Communications Research at GRC. Dr. Felix A. Miranda, Chief of A& O Systems Branch talked about the communication research work done at NASA GRC and other places. He explained there work on competence, antenna systems, proper use of the microwave spectrum, RF & optical systems, gyro electronics, and Nano-technology systems. The new optical transmitters/receivers for use in space will make long distance communications clear, rapid, and easy to use. A lot of work is being done by some very competent people to make planet earth a great home with good communications for future generations. The food was great.

The Spring Roast was in June this year. It was a special event to focus on our membership drive. We made a concerted effort to bring new members to the Club. This Club has done a lot of good things for GRC. Top Management strongly supports this activity. It makes working together on Teams much more pleasant. Ernie Bartone and Jimmy Simek took care of the logistics. The steaks and fish were excellent again this year. There are a few changes in the Officers and Committee Chairs for next year. Please try to attend as many meetings as you can this will keep our costs down. It was a great roast with a lot of news; fun, and good cooking for a delicious meal. See you in the fall. Our next meeting will be in September.

  • Why Exercise in the Morning
    •
    • Physiologically, wonderful things happen
    • A couple of hours before you wake, your body prepares
    • It knows you exercise just about every day
    • This activity make you feel good
    • Our bodies learn what we do and when so they prepare

    CHAPTER ACTIVITIES

    We are supporting meetings and conferences on the Management Committee, with papers, tutorials, and session Chairs and suggesting topics. The Chapter Staff are all working to build our membership. Our golf outing, social events, and technical meetings are working to keep the members active. Each member is trying to bring an associate to meetings when they can.

    Two Conferences will be held at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in June and September 2012. There will be presentations, exhibits, training, and splinter meetings in the three and one half day activities. Awards for the best presentations are given. These activities provide the Safety and Mission Assurance community and Project personnel with a unique opportunity for interchange and interaction on innovative assurance technologies and tools. It promotes dialog and co-operation with the Project Managers, Contractors, and Safety and Mission Assurance Managers.