Date: Dec 02, 2004

Present, former Picatinny employees recognized

     Four present and six former Picatinny employees were honored Nov. 18 by the Picatinny Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association during the group’s 24th annual Firepower Awards luncheon.

     Mark A. Ford, assistant director of weapon systems and technologies for the Armament Engineering Technology Center, James Shields, deputy program manager for the joint lightweight 155mm howitzer, Dr. Ernest L Baker, lead research scientist for AETC and Anthony J. Sebasto, AETC associate technical director for technology and business development, were among twelve individuals recognized during the ceremony held at the Parsippany Hilton Hotel.

     Ford received the chapter’s Victor Lindner Development Award, and Shields was presented with the group’s 2004 Wilfred Hosking Production Award. Baker received the 2004 Firepower Technology Awards, and Sebasto was recognized with the group’s 2004 Firepower Management Award.

     Also receiving awards were former Picatinny employees: Anthony J. Melita, deputy director, defense systems, land warfare and munitions – 2004 National Chapter Award; Brig. Gen. Charles A. Cartwright, program manager, unit of action – John A. Ulrich Award; Richard P. Davitt, vice president and general manager precision systems business unit, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – Victor Lindner Development Award; retired Maj. Gen. William S. Chen, vice president engineering, United Defense – Firepower Management Award; and Sidney S. Jacobson – Pioneer Award.

     Fred M. Berger, senior vice president and chief executive officer, Business Plus Corporation, received a Special Chapter Award.

     In addition, Joseph C. Homko, president, L-3 Communications BT Fuze Products was presented the chapter’s Wilfred Hosking Production Award, and Dr. James A. Condon, president, ATK Tactical Systems, received the Firepower Technology Award.

     The firepower awards are presented annually by the chapter to individuals, employed by either government or industry, whose contributions to the armaments community have distinguished their service to the national defense.

     Cutline Photo by Todd Mozes

     Picatinny Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association recognition recipients pose with their plaques. They are (front row from left) retired Maj. Gen. William Chen, Mark Ford, Fred Berger, Richard Davitt, Dr. James Condon, (back row) Dr. Ernest Baker, Joseph Homko, Sidney Jacobson, James Shields and Anthony Sebasto.