Jan SAME Luncheon 2026

LOCATION: HOPE HOTEL AND RICHARD C. HOLBROOKE CONFERENCE CENTER

Menu: Salad with 2 dressings, Garlic Bread, Roasted Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Fettuccini Alfredo, Butter Pecan Cake

Program: Innovation and Modernization in the USAF (Speed Mentoring Event to follow: 1:00-2:00)

Presenter: Mr. Robert Slater

Rob Slater is an electrical engineer who received his degree from Clemson University and later his masters in engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship at Wright State University. He entered the AF through the ROTC program and served as an automatic target and recognition engineer for the Air Force Research Lab, the antenna engineer for the B2's stealth modernization program in AFLCMC, and was a director of operations for the 200th REDHORSE Squadron in Mansfield Ohio. He is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves with AFRL's small business and strategic partnering directorates. Currently he is on orders as the Chief of Strategic Engagements representing the AF's new modernization organization which combines the Integrated Capabilities Command and A5/7 to produce the AF's first Unified Capability Demand Signal.

In his civilian capacity, he is a serial entrepreneur having founded 5 businesses in blockchain software, digital asset banking, construction, and rapid prototyping for remote sensing and automation. He co-founded the nonprofit OH Chamber of Commerce for Veterans to help OH veterans navigate opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Rob currently lives in Beavercreek, OH with his wife, Jessica, and 2 daughters, Emme and Harper.

Plan to stay for the Kittyhawk Post Fellows SPEED MENTORING EVENT. Register separately (free) at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/society-of-american-military-engineers-speed-mentoring-tickets-1948654551219?aff=oddtdtcreator. Please contact Mike Howe at stross.howe@gmail.com with any questions.

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Regular registration runs through Jan 2nd. An additional $5 late registration fee will be added to the ticket price after that date.

Check-in begins at 11:15AM the day of the luncheon.

Refunds cannot be issued if cancellations are made less than 48 hours prior to the event. If the "pay at the door" option is utilized and the reservation is not honored or cancelled prior to 48 hours before the event, payment is still expected, and an invoice will be sent.

There is no need to print tickets or bring them with you.

Credit cards are accepted on-line or at the door. The “Pay at the Door” option is available by clicking on the "Payment Method" pull down on the second page when making your reservation.

Contact Jeff Leonard at jeffrey.leonard@us.af.mil or PEJeffrey1960@gmail.com, (937) 609-6803 or Andrew Lewis at alewis@messer.com,(859) 469-0412 with any questions.