The WOF

29. February 2008 by Revelator.

My OPSEC Brothers and Sisters!  I am happy to be back in your arms once again.  Time to catch up…

For the uninitiated the WOF is the Western OPSEC Forum put on by the IOSS,  sponsored by OSPA and hosted by the DOGS of OPSEC (NNSA/NSO OPSEC Program Office).  Over a week has passed since the event but let’s see if I can remember the highlights.

As usual the IOSS packed the three-day forum with outstanding speakers giving truly outstanding presentations.  I’m not gonna get into each speaker and presentation so you are just gonna have to trust me - there was mad info available from all corners of the military and civilian world.  If you have yet to attend an Eastern or Western OPSEC Forum I suggest you keep an eye on the IOSS web page for announcements.  Even if you typically get to the National Conference I still strongly suggest you consider getting to one of the Forums - good information - good networking - good times.

OSPA at the WOF:  In attendance were Wayne Morris (Exec VP) and yours truly (VP) as well as Board Members Scott Milliman and Joan Hellon not to mention many OSPA members.  One member, August Schellhase (DOG of OPSEC) was critically instrumental in making sure that this event went off with a minimum of unpleasantries.  And then to our eyes what did we behold?  Well, none other than Chris and Evie - our President and Secretary and their two handsome boys.  They were only able to stay about an hour before scooting back to beautiful downtown Barstow but they brought us a host of gifts and OSPA handouts for WOF attendees.  By the way - this was the first time anyone in OSPA ever had a chance to lay eyes on our reclusive President and his lovely wife.  I’m happy to report that he isn’t nearly as unpleasant looking as I was led to believe.  I don’t have the exact numbers but we signed up 20 or so new members bringing our total membership up to somewhere in the 130 range.  This is great news for our fledgling Association.

In the “I ain’t braggin - just sharing” department:  IOSS Director Marty Quick announced the winner of the National OPSEC Organizational Achievement Award and I’m proud and happy to say that it was the DOGS of OPSEC here at NNSA/NSO.  August and I thank those of you who have sent your congratulations.  But wait - there more…we also won 2nd place in the Multi-media (electronic/video) for our “OPSEC 24/7″ video.  As contractors we can’t actually be awarded the cup or the plaque but we eagerly look forward to watching the Department of Energy accept the award at the National Conference.

I have at least 28 more interesting/funny/embarrassing stories I could relate about the WOF but - as the saying goes; what happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas.

Keep the Faith!

Revelator

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