Odyssey Group Highlights

Aviation

The Aviation business unit supported significant growth while delivering operational impact across multiple mission areas.

The team provided support to AFLCMC/WI during the base year of the Buckeyes contract while simultaneously transitioning AFLCMC/EB (Armament). This effort nearly doubled the size of the organization and required coordinated support across Odyssey.

AFLCMC/EB (Armament Directorate)
On February 2, the Odyssey Transition team hosted AFLCMC/EB employee orientation sessions across four locations, welcoming more than 200 Odyssey teammates. The effort required coordinated support across the company and marked a key step in integrating the Armament Directorate team.

AFCLCMC/WIH (Helicopter Division)
The Aviation business unit supports the MH-139 program as it advances toward initial operational capability. In early January, MH-139 aircraft completed their first operational intercontinental ballistic missile convoy security mission at Malmstrom AFB, demonstrating increased range, speed, and lift capacity in support of mission requirements. “The transition to the MH-139 strengthens nuclear deterrence operations by providing an agile and survivable transport platform for tactical response forces to protect critical assets.”

AFLCMC/WIN (Sensors)
The FMS team supported the AFLCMC/WIN “Ghost Ryder” PC-12 Return-to-Service effort, delivering the first two PC-12 aircraft to Uzbekistan for pilot and operations training. The aircraft had been out of service since 2021 and were revitalized and returned to operational status. The effort restored ISR capability for the Uzbekistan partner and strengthened international partnership through renewed operational readiness.

AFCLCMC/WI (TENCAP)
The TENCAP team led Talon SPEAR site surveys and radar integration planning at Naval Support Facility Thurmont. Efforts included facility assessments, spectrum analysis, and radar system integration activities to prepare the site for advanced environmental testing and installation requirements. The team also secured a one-year interim airworthiness flight release for the Talon TRINITY High Frequency repeater system, completing a two-year, $2.4M RDT&E program. Ground installation and checkout were completed on two KC-135 aircraft, followed by two successful test flights relaying HF messages across the communication chain.

AFLCMC/WIS
Team members were recognized with Division-level Annual Awards for performance within their branches and Integrated Product Teams. Recognitions included:

• Special Warfare Cybersecurity Small Team of the Year
  Tom Verni, Devin Edge
• WARHAWK Large Team of the Year
  Dennis Anderson, Johnathan Kelly
• Cyber Award Team of the Year
  Joe Beauchesne, Loe Legerstee

These awards reflect sustained operational performance across high-altitude ISR efforts supporting multiple mission partners.

C2ISR

C2ISR Holiday Gathering at the American Heritage Museum

On January 23, the C2ISR Team gathered at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA. Surrounded by interactive exhibits highlighting American military history, the event provided a unique setting for the team to connect outside of daily operations. Executive Director Michael Harm shared remarks recognizing the team’s dedication and accomplishments. The evening included food, conversation, and an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the C2ISR team.

This gathering was not only a chance to reflect on history but also an opportunity to celebrate the strength and unity of our C2ISR community. Thank you to everyone who joined and made the evening special!

CCN2

The Integrated Base Defense Security System (IBDSS) program completed GAT and delivery of the IDS modernization installation at Whiteman AFB, MO, concluding a nine-year security system improvement effort at the Whiteman Mass Parking Area, a major AFGSC/CC priority.

The C3BM Air Mission Integration Team collaborated with HAF, AMC, and PACAF to align Theatre Air Planning Systems-of-Systems (TAP SoS) data with the Contested Logistics problem set. To support SECAF’s “Fight to Get Airborne” priority, the team developed six logistics use cases within a master Mission Thread, ensuring Blue Data architecture supports real-time visibility, modeling, and dynamic adjustment requirements.

The C3C/KR Enhanced Unit Level Intelligence (EULI) EPASS Team successfully transitioned the EULI program from AFLCMC/C3C to ACC/A2 despite funding challenges, changing requirements, and shifting completion dates. The project was completed in January 2026, eight months ahead of the original September 2026 deadline. The team earned “Small Team of the Year” at the Kessel Run Division level. Team members include Didier Rusangiza, Brandon Corey, Stephen Meservey, Michael Allen, Steven Buchholz, William Lugli, Malcolm Cloutier, Nancy O’Brien, Jarod Browne, Doug Woolley, Paul Barsalou, Douglas Ripley, and Ralph Harris.

The AFLCMC/C3CV Information Protection Team received the Outstanding Security Team Award for the period of 1 January – 31 December 2025 at both the AFLCMC/C3 DAF PAE for C3BM and AFLCMC/C3 levels, and is now competing at AFMC level. The team established the HAFB CAC Encoding Office to preserve 24/7 secure facility access supporting 3,500+ personnel, reduced DD254 processing timelines by more than two weeks, standardized AT/FP policy across 18 locations, automated 2875 processing to reduce timelines by 25%, and embedded security professionals directly into programs to improve acquisition security outcomes. Contract support team members include Joshua Benner, Lenda Hall, Christopher Kelly, and Cameron Zduniak.

Life Sciences

WRAIR Wound Infection Department (WID)

The Bacteriophage Team is collaborating with Navy scientists to develop broad-spectrum bacteriophage cocktails targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, the primary causes of ventilator pneumonia. The team continues to publish bacteriophage genome sequences, with 18 submitted in the past month. Several phage isolated from the U.S., Kenya, Thailand, and the Republic of Georgia have demonstrated the ability to disrupt biofilms, a major challenge in multidrug-resistant infections.

The Structural Biology Team tested 16 new small-molecule compounds against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, identifying one candidate for further characterization based on antibacterial activity and impact on biofilm formation.

The Human Monoclonal Antibody Platform Team is advancing a monoclonal antibody cocktail combined with a known antibiotic to treat Staphylococcus aureus skin infections. Research has progressed to small animal models demonstrating wound healing. The team is also collaborating with an industry partner to evaluate combination treatment options for pan-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The Trauma Infection Research Team continues work on enzymatic debridement strategies to manage biofilm formation caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in prolonged field care. Additional efforts include development of a novel rat hypothermia model for austere wound infection environments, evaluation of GM-CSF to stimulate white blood cell production in combat-relevant infection models, and a DARPA-funded study assessing therapeutics for burn-related wound infections.

WRAIR Diarrheal Disease Research Department (DDR)

The Bioproduction and Biocharacterization Team completed development of a new lyophilized formulation of a Shigella vaccine. The formulation will now move into small animal studies to evaluate safety and immunogenicity across extended storage periods at multiple temperatures, including 25C and 37C. The work is conducted in partnership with PATH under a Wellcome Trust grant. The group is also producing antimicrobial peptides against Shigella.

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Team is evaluating the efficacy of the commercial product Travelan™ against Shigella, with promising initial results. The team is also testing Shigella-vaccinated cow sera and collaborating with the University of Maryland to reduce vaccine toxicity using Bacterial Enzymatic Combinatorial Chemistry. Modified vaccines have completed initial testing and are preparing for animal studies in advance of clinical trials.

The Immunology Team has generated monoclonal antibodies from mice immunized with a Shigella vaccine in collaboration with an outside company. These antibodies act immediately against infection. In partnership with Johns Hopkins University, the group is also harvesting antibodies from human subjects in a Controlled Human Infection Model clinical trial to evaluate protective efficacy.

WRAIR Brain Trauma and Neuroprotection (BTN)

Dr. Ping Wang and collaborators at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences are evaluating Bumetanide as a therapeutic for penetrating brain injuries. Primary benchtop research is complete, and small animal studies have begun, including MRI evaluation.

The Mitochondrial team is repurposing FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted drugs, including acetate-based energy supplements, to mitigate damage following traumatic brain injury. Three candidates are currently under concurrent evaluation. The team is also conducting biomarker testing in collaboration with an outside company to assess drug efficacy for nerve repair.

Additional projects include testing a non-invasive iontophoretic device delivering Glyburide to reduce cerebral edema, evaluation of an Osmotherapy Device to reduce intracranial hypertension, assessment of the Q-Collar to mitigate TBI effects, and use of an FDA-approved hydrogel to control bleeding and deliver anti-inflammatory treatment.

WRAIR Blast Induced Neurotrauma Team (BINT)

Dr. Yanling Wei is studying blast-induced synaptopathy and regeneration using FDA-approved drugs in a pig model. Additional work includes evaluation of Fibroblast Growth Factors in a rat model to repair eardrum damage caused by blast exposure.

WRAIR Biological Research and Development (BR&D)

Dr. Shelby Foor was promoted to a group lead position within the DDR program. Prior to her transition, she contributed to development of a virus-like particle nanoparticle vaccine platform, with a malaria vaccine now preparing for clinical trial. The platform is being adapted for Chikungunya virus, Dengue Fever, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Dr. Aziza Frank recently joined the team and will continue working supporting these efforts.

711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB

Dr. Ching-Wen Kuo is evaluating advanced acoustic models to predict noise generated by unmanned aerial vehicles, integrating acoustic source data, operational profiles, and environmental modeling.

Biomedical Equipment Technician Yousef Abuqedama joined in November and is supporting equipment repair, preventative maintenance, and installation coordination.

Space & Missile Defense

S&MD has kicked off 2026 with exceptional momentum and impact. Our teams have remained fully engaged in executing our contracts with excellence, while continuing to serve as an irreplaceable partner to the Government organizations we support. During the recent Government shutdown, S&MD professionals ensured continuity of operations and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers, reinforcing our reputation for reliability and mission focus. As our Government partners navigate organizational changes and onboard new team members, S&MD continues to provide steady, knowledgeable support that allows seamless transitions and sustained mission success.

Our commitment to exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed. We continue to receive outstanding kudos from both our Government customers and Prime partners, reflecting the dedication, technical expertise, and professionalism of our entire team.

Going beyond our core portfolio, S&MD stepped up to assist with several high-priority Corporate contract transitions outside of our group, demonstrating our agility, collaborative spirit, and willingness to go where we are needed most.

Strategically, we remain laser-focused on protecting our base and growing in new contract areas. With imminent recompetes for PNT/GPS and SSC/RN, as well as upcoming recompetes for SZQ and S3-2 over the next two years, our teams are actively preparing to ensure continued success and long-term stability.

We made time to celebrate our people!
Our January 2026 holiday party featuring an energetic bingo night and comedy show was a tremendous success and a great opportunity to reconnect and unwind. We were also especially excited to celebrate several new additions to the S&MD family, as multiple team members welcomed new babies in recent months.

Looking ahead, professional development remains a priority. We are coordinating opportunities for employees to attend key conferences and symposiums throughout the year and are exploring hosting a PMP bootcamp class to support certification goals. In addition, S&MD will proudly return as an exhibitor at the prestigious Space Symposium in April 2026, continuing to strengthen our presence in the space community.

As we move further into 2026, S&MD remains focused, resilient, and committed to delivering excellence for our customers and our company.

Strategic Engagement

Strategic Engagement (SE) is an integration function dedicated to enhancing Odyssey’s customer knowledge and industry intelligence. The team also provides advisory support to ensure impactful, consistent messaging across Operational Groups and Enabling organizations, particularly for deliverables to Government customers.

Recently, SE received approval from Odyssey’s Executive Leadership Team to advance the Strategic Engagement Relationship Framework (SERF), a project designed to strengthen management of customer and industry intelligence. Led by Bob Johnson, SERF aims to deepen insights into customers and partner organizations, positioning Odyssey to treat and manage relationships as strategic assets and prepare the company for long-term competitiveness in an evolving market.

Growth Team

We’re excited to welcome several new team members who will play key roles in driving Odyssey’s growth. Each brings unique expertise and perspectives that will strengthen our proposal management, business development, and marketing efforts.

Julie Vida joined Odyssey as Vice President of Growth and a member of the executive leadership team, where she leads our Business Development, Capture, Proposals, and Marketing functions. She previously served as Vice President of Defense Growth at ManTech, leading capture, solution architecture, and proposal teams supporting the company’s $4B defense business. Her career also includes leadership roles with the McChrystal Group, Splunk, and Gartner, focused on strategy, client relations, and technology for the public sector.

A Navy veteran, Julie served 24 years on active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer and Naval Aviator before retiring as a commander, later continuing her service as the Navy’s civilian deputy chief information officer at the Pentagon. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s degree from the University of San Diego.

Julie is the oldest of three sisters—all of whom served in the U.S. Navy until retirement. She is even two minutes older than her twin sister, Marie. Together, the three sisters represent 75 years of active-duty service. Interestingly, they did not grow up expecting to join the military. Julie and Marie decided to enlist as Russian linguists just months before graduating high school, and their younger sister, Ali, followed about five years later.

Lana Cohen joins Odyssey’s Growth team to lead capture efforts within our Life Sciences business area, where she will help drive strategic growth through opportunity shaping, partnership development, and proposal readiness. She brings more than a decade of experience supporting federal business development and capture efforts across life sciences, health IT, and data analytics, with work spanning organizations within the Department of War, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Lana loves travel and learning about other cultures, especially through food, whether at a street vendor or Michelin-starred restaurant. She has lived in 4 countries on 4 continents, and eaten her way through 60 countries and counting. The photo is of her at the Delta Flight Museum on a recent trip to Atlanta, as photo-bombed by her two kids (2 and 6 years old) and her husband’s shadow.

Scott Fike retired after 35 years as an AF Colonel, culminating in HQ AFMC/A4 in 2017. He landed at Odyssey Systems as AF Business Development Manager following 8 years in the defense industry with TACG & most recently, Astrion. Scott will leverage his enthusiasm for “Shaking Hands & Kissing Babies and, Breaking Bread” with his logistics & sustainment background to further expand Odyssey’s impactful reach within the DoW ecosystem. When not in the office, Scott enjoys hiking the Appalachian Trail, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula & the South Carolina beaches. He particularly enjoys hiking Carl Sandburg’s Connemara North Carolina estate, where to this day & several goat-generations later, Mrs. Sandberg’s renowned passion for goat breeding lives on.

Joseph Cooper joined Odyssey in October 2025 after 16 years as a U.S. Government Contracting Officer supporting the Navy, Air Force, Army, GSA, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. His background includes service as an Army Infantryman and Air Force Emergency Manager, including a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2008, providing both operational insight and acquisition expertise. Coop lives in Attleboro, Massachusetts, is originally from New Hampshire, and is a proud husband and father of three. Coop is focused on developing compliant, competitive capture strategies that support mission success and deliver value to customers.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Team supported the EB transition from initial placement events at Eglin, Robins, and Hill through onboarding employees across all three sites on February 2. Shannon Caine led the HR transition alongside Rob Skowronski, SRHRBP, who now supports EB employees across those locations. The team processed employees on schedule and introduced our new teammates to Odyssey’s policies and processes.

In Q4 2025, HRBPs Suraiea Hussain, Shannon Caine, and Molly Bushey, along with Senior Manager of Total Rewards Liz Ward and Director of HR Bill Decker, attended the Q4 Leadership Meeting and conducted Performance Management training for Task Leads, including role-playing scenarios based on real workplace examples. Bill also led a session for senior leaders on the Company’s Career Stream framework. The HR Team later added eleven additional Task Lead training modules to Odyssey University, expanding access to the same performance management content presented during the sessions.

Preparation for the annual MIP and Merit processes is underway and will be implemented in Q1 2026.