News & Event Recaps
Highlights, recaps, and recognition from Tennessee Valley Chapter events throughout 2026.
Resent Coverage of TVC
Young Professionals Mentorship Panel
Her latest story — amplifying the voices of leaders investing in Huntsville's next generation.
Chapter News & Mission Updates
Consistent coverage helping us reach thousands of Huntsville readers with our mission and events.
Army Best Warrior Drone Competition
Brought national attention to TVC's role in Army UAS innovation and competition.
Without the dedication and support of community leaders like Mecca, we would not be as successful as we are. Her commitment to telling our story has helped us reach people we never could have reached alone — and for that, we are truly grateful.
CW5 Chadwick D. Ford, Ret.
President, Tennessee Valley Chapter · AAAA
September 23, 2026 · Inaugural Event
Young Professionals Mentorship Panel
The inaugural Tennessee Valley Chapter Young Professionals Mentorship Panel brought together an outstanding group of leaders committed to investing in Huntsville's next generation of professionals.
Moderated by MG (Ret.) Kenneth Todd Royar·MG (Ret.) · TVC Member · AAAA National Treasurer
Rocket City Tavern · Huntsville, AL
Featured Panelists
John Allen
—CEO· Huntsville Committee of 100
Ross Armstrong
—Technical Management Division· Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC)
SGM Christopher Doss
—Command Sergeant Major· U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM)
Luther Laney, PMP
—CEO and President· IronMountain Solutions
Dylan Smith
—District Director· Office of U.S. Representative Dale Strong
The discussion highlighted the importance of teaching, coaching, and mentoring young professionals as they develop the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to lead within the Huntsville community and beyond.
Special Recognition
A standing ovation for Madison Shattuck, VP of Young Professionals — whose vision, drive, and flawless execution brought this inaugural event to life. From concept to standing room, she made it happen.
September 8, 2026 · Rocket City Tavern
4th Quarter PM Update & Mission Area Awards
The Tennessee Valley Chapter hosted a PM UAS Update briefing followed by the presentation of the 2026 Quarterly Mission Area Awards, recognizing outstanding performance across nine mission areas.
PM UAS Update — Drone Marketplace Briefing
The event featured a briefing from PM UAS on the DoD Drone Marketplace — a Department of War platform connecting industry with Uncrewed Aircraft Systems and Counter-UAS acquisition opportunities. Members received an inside look at the evolving UAS procurement landscape and the Army's push toward adaptive acquisition.
Team Award
UAS Marketplace Team
Exceptional Performance — Team Mission Area
Recognized for their collective contributions to the DoD Drone Marketplace initiative, the UAS Marketplace Team exemplified cross-functional collaboration and mission-driven execution in advancing Army UAS acquisition.
Individual Mission Area Award Recipients
Administrative
Dierdra Grant
Exceptional Performance in Administrative Support
Rising Professional
Justin Randle
Exceptional Performance as a Rising Professional
Technical
James "Jim" Marks
Exceptional Performance in Technical Support
Programmatic
MAJ Douglas Branaum
Exceptional Performance in Programmatic Excellence
Acquisition / Contracting
Raven Nall
Exceptional Performance in Acquisition and Contracting
Logistics / Sustainment
Brandy Sweeney
Exceptional Performance in Logistics and Sustainment
Business
Dawn Hilliard
Exceptional Performance in Business
Test & Evaluation
Dodi Walker
Exceptional Performance in Test & Evaluation
Photos not available for all recipients. Upload photos anytime to add them to this section.
July 30, 2026
TVC Annual Luncheon
The Tennessee Valley Chapter Annual Luncheon brought together members, sponsors, and scholarship recipients for a celebration of the chapter's outstanding 2026 year. 13 of the 47 TVC Scholarship Awardees were in attendance.
13 of the 47 TVC Scholarship Awardees were in attendance
Full scholarship impact stats and the complete 2026 awardees list are on the Scholarships page.
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