By: Statia Marrocco

AFCEA C4S

We’ve identified an opportunity for clients to gain visibility with government customers and with other industry partners while supporting a great cause. This summer, three cyclists will ride across the USA to raise funds to improve our youth’s access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This initiative, officially known as the TransAmerica “Cycle-for-STEM” (C4S), has been organized by the Northern VA chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). Because this is the first time AFCEA has attempted this 4,229-mile Pacific-to-Atlantic challenge, firms who choose to support the team or an individual rider become founding supporters – providing valuable recognition while also creating a legacy for years to follow.

To learn more about this initiative, I interviewed Al Mink, one of the three C4S cyclists. By way of background, Al is a retired USAF Combat Pilot and former industry executive. He currently runs his own consulting firm. He is also a strong, long-time connection with AFCEA, having served as Board Member, chair of numerous committees, and prior President of the largest AFCEA Chapter.

Q: What persuaded you to ride the TransAmerica C4S?
A: I love cycling – For example, I’m on the Air Force Cycling Team and we might recall that the Wright Brothers leveraged their expertise from their bicycle shop to build the world’s first successful airplane. Also, I’m passionate about STEM for our youth. The future of our economy and our national security depends on our next generation having the skills – specifically STEM – to keep our country great. When AFCEA, the premier association for our industry decided to lead this effort, I couldn’t refuse. It was the perfect fit for me: bicycling, STEM, and AFCEA!

Q: The Transamerica sounds like a huge challenge, tell us more about the bicycle ride itself.
A: First – I’m not bicycling alone. Two colleagues will join me – Tim Hoffman (retired Army senior leader) and Paul Scott (STEM enthusiast from the UK). My wife Sue will drive our support vehicle, freeing us from hauling our gear on our bicycles. This support is so important because be following the bicycle route established for our country’s bicentennial. It is not a direct route because it attempts to touch much of our country’s history, from the point the Oregon Trail touches the Pacific (Astoria, OR), through our mid-country frontiers, ending in colonial America (Yorktown, VA). We’ll pass through 10 states, cross 12 continental divides, and climb 44 miles. We expect the ride to take about 84 days (Aug 1 to Oct 23).

Q: I’m a volunteer leader at AFCEA NOVA and am the liaison for the Children’s Science Center. How will the funds you raise will promote STEM through the Center?
A: Statia, thank you for your leadership at AFCEA. Because of your efforts connecting AFCEA, the Center, and the C4S, the funds we raise will enable the Center to bring STEM curriculum to schools in the greater DC area, including disadvantaged schools where the Center’s mobile classroom may be the single factor that leads a young student to consider STEM for themselves.

Q: Firms in the Federal space have limited funds for marketing and community outreach. Why is C4S special for them?
A: This is our first year for the TransAmerica C4S. Few firms know of the opportunity to be a supporter. Therefore, the few firms who sign up as sponsors will not end up being crowded out. Also, the TransAmerica C4S has created a lot of buzz among Federal IT leaders through AFCEA. And, for Federal IT Leaders – the combination of STEM, AFCEA and a 4,229 mile bicycle ride commitment is a real differentiator. They see the passion and value in the TransAmerica C4S. These are marketing reasons for supporting this initiative. Beyond that, all financial contributions from firms will go directly to the Center and the youth in the greater DC area. Tim, Paul, Sue, and I have committed to pay our own way this summer, so firms can see their full donations impact our youth.

Thank you Al, Tim, Paul, and Sue. For further information about the AFCEA TransAmerica Cycle-for-STEM, see www.afceanova.org/C4S. Al encourages you to support the team in general or, alternatively, him as a rider. Either way, your firm will gain considerable visibility while contributing to a great cause.