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We join with those who mourn the loss of life,  the injuries, and the disruption of lives caused  by the attacks  against Washington,  DC, and  New York, N.Y.    All those effected -- the brave people who helped in rescue efforts, those involved in America's response to terror and in the war with Iraq-- are in our thoughts and prayers.

And the winner is… ITT Industries, Systems Division!  October 12th 2000 is a day not soon to be forgotten by the ITT Security Department.  They’ve know for a few months now that their company was one of only 47, out of over 12,000 eligible contractors participating in the National Industrial Security Program, to receive the most prestigious James S. Cogswell Award for sustained security excellence for 2000!  Excitement has been building, and today is the day senior leadership from the Western Region of Defense Security Service (DSS) would present the award to company executives.  Not only did Regional Director David Hopkins make the trip from Los Angeles, but he brought with him his Deputy Director for Industrial Security, Mr. John Whitecotton, and his Deputy Regional Director for Investigations, Ms. Brenda Rideau.  This marks the first time in recent history all three leaders from DSS were able to be present for such a memorable occasion.

In front of a huge backdrop of the American Flag, red, white and blue colors adorned the banquet tables with patriotic programs at place settings for each of the 70-plus registered guests.  The ceremony began with Ms. Diane Kistler, the Facility Security Officer for ITT, welcoming the guests and introducing SrA Paul Holdhusen who sang our National Anthem.  After an invocation by the Base Chaplain and lunch, it was time for the presentation.

Mr. Whitecotton explained the history of the Cogswell and related criteria, the scoring system, guidelines, and overall selection process.  Mr. David Hopkins took center stage, complimenting the company leadership, and in particular the security department, for weathering the storm and performing in such a manner as to win the highest Department of Defense security award that can be presented to a contractor.  He talked about how winning an award of this magnitude does not happen because of a few; quite the contrary.  He explained the nomination process takes into account areas like senior management’s personal commitment and involvement in a program that promotes excellence in security, as well as strategic planning for long-term commitments, measuring and analyzing key security processes and how security has made positive contributions to the business operations to name a few. 

Mr. Hopkins presented the award to Mr. Bob Hester, ITT Director of West Coast Operations who quickly let the attendees know that together, ITT hung tough and was rewarded for their efforts by this most significant security award.  Realizing the security department was the catalyst and the glue that made the award a reality, he graciously thanked Diane Kistler, Diane McMillan, assistant FSO and OPSEC Analyst, and Sheila Haugh, computer security specialist saying that without their zeal and drive, the award would never have happened. 

In addition to company employees, also attending were a significant number of fellow security practitioners from the base and surrounding communities.  Earlier in the year, members from the security staff were inducted into the Vandenberg AFB “Cogswell Club” at a no-host luncheon at the Spaceport Inn, arranged by Sue Ray from TRW. 

[Webmaster's Note: This article originally appeared in the December 2000 issue of the VSAC News.]