Each year, AUSA Sunshine Chapter recognizes PEO STRI Acquisition Person of the Year. The award is presented to an individual who, through his/her acquisition program duties, has made significant contributions to the U.S. Army. The award was presented at the Army Ball on 12 June 2004.

This year Ms. Jean Burmester, Project Director, Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer-Aviation Reconfigurable Manned Simulator (AVCATT-A) was selected. “Jean has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader and top PEO STRI employee who lives the PM ACTT Motto ‘Soldiers: The Bottom line!’” says LTC Allen L. Borgardts. This was best exemplified by the extremely successful outcome of the AVCATT-A Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. AVCATT-A is one of the most complex and demanding programs PEO STRI manages. Jean’s strong leadership of a diverse team (government/contractor professionals) resulted in a positive AVCATT-A System Evaluation Report and successful Full Rate Production Decision. She has successfully fielded the first four AVCATT-A suites and will soon field an additional three suites during this year. “Under Jean Burmester's leadership, AVCATT-A development and testing has met or exceeded the users' expectations...Jean provided solid leadership and program management during a demanding surge period; her teambuilding skills led to great success and a cohesive team effort” says COL Mark Vinson, TRADOC Program Integration Office Virtual.

Jean volunteered to fill the demanding position of Acting Deputy PM ACTT while the Deputy attended long term training. In addition to the demands of the AVCATT-A IOTE, she successfully transitioned the office into Acquisition Demo, conducted quality CCAS mid-point reviews and assisted two other Project Directors in demanding contract preparations and awards of the Maritime Integrated Training System and Additional Black Hawk Flight Simulator programs. She provided excellent PM ACTT representation at the PEO STRI APBI and two Training Mission Area. She is a team builder with an excellent ability to bring stakeholders to consensus but more importantly, mission accomplishment!

Jean is actively involved in her children’s school, PTA, and locally, supporting PEO STRI as a qualified Leadership Education and Development class instructor. Her willingness to serve as the Acting Deputy PM ACTT again exemplifies her selfless service and she is directly credited with successfully transitioning the organization into CCAS and greatly assisting other Project Directors.

More Photos from the Army Ball 2004