Press Release
☷Hokanson at BEYA STEM Conference Become everything you are in the National Guard
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Feb 19,2024
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Hey , guys! So , check it out . The top dog of the National Guard , Army Gen . Daniel Hokanson , gave a speech the other day about how important science , technology , engineering , and math ( STEM ) are for solving problems . He mentioned how the world is full of complicated problems that need smart and capable people to solve them . Basically , he was like , "If you wanna be part of solving the toughest problems , come join our team!" This all went down at the Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM Stars and Stripes Dinner , where the National Guard was the main military organization being recognized . It ' s a big conference that celebrates the achievements of African American engineers . Maj . Gen . Janeen Birckhead , who ' s in charge of Maryland ' s National Guard , was super stoked to have the conference in Baltimore and show off all the talent in and out of uniform . She also talked about this trailblazer named Cunningham C . Bryant , who was the first Black general in the National Guard . He paved the way for future Black leaders in the military . Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III also spoke about how the military needs the best leaders and technical experts , regardless of race . He mentioned how the international competition is fierce and we need diverse leaders with diverse experiences to succeed . He gave a shoutout to the National Guard , saying they bring fresh ideas and strengthen our nation . So yeah , it was a pretty cool event!Thomas expressed gratitude for the recognition , acknowledging the importance of perseverance and excellence in paving the way for future generations . He emphasized the value of inclusivity , equality , and diversity within the military . Thomas , who is passionate about STEM education , played a key role in establishing the Department of Defense STARBASE at his armory . Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic , he successfully trained over 5 , 000 students and achieved a record - breaking graduation rate for warrant officers . STARBASE is an educational program focused on STEM activities , and the National Guard operates the majority of its locations worldwide . In 2022 , the program educated nearly 100 , 000 students across different grade levels . Two National Guard leaders , Chief Warrant Officer 3 Regina Carrell and Sgt . Maj . Alan Thomas , were recognized with the BEYA Stars and Stripes award . Carrell is a senior strategic intelligence analyst at the National Guard Bureau , while Thomas serves as an operations sergeant major in the Indiana National Guard . Hokanson , the National Guard Bureau Chief , introduced both leaders and emphasized their influence in their communities . Carrell , on the other hand , has made significant contributions as the first warrant officer selected to serve as an intelligence briefer to the Army National Guard director . She has also been actively involved in numerous youth programs , including the Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully program and the Creative and Striving Hard to Succeed program with the National Association of Black Engineers . Additionally , Carrell co - chartered the Minority Achievements in Intelligence and National Security and serves on the alumni board at the National Intelligence University . Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead expressed pride in all the honorees , emphasizing the importance of diversity in defending the nation . Hokanson , who has a background in mechanical engineering , highlighted the role of service as a means for all individuals to succeed and contribute . “A career in the military has given me the most amazing opportunities I have ever had in my life – the closest friends I will ever have , the chance to meet my amazing wife , educational opportunities I could only dream of and experiences around the world with some of the greatest people I have ever met , ” he said . “I will ever know them . ” “When I joined the National Guard in 1995 , those experiences multiplied , ” he added . “Because the National Guard is about doing more , being more — and becoming everything you are . ”
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