The Aerospace Corporation proudly nominates Colonel Charles “Chuck” Allen (US Air Force, Retired) for the SASEsalutes Career Service Award. Throughout his 36+ year career, Chuck has not only represented the US Air Force and his community with utmost professionalism, but he has also championed a myriad of worthwhile causes.

Chuck’s leadership has been recognized throughout his career. He was honored as the Air Intelligence Agency Company Grade Officer of the Year where he ranked first among 1,287 eligible officers worldwide. He also received the prestigious US Air Force Outstanding Logistics Plans and Programs Award serving as an exemplar for the entire Air Force.

Chuck's exceptional leadership skills and his ability to transform good teams into great ones have consistently yielded outstanding outcomes. His DISA team achieved unprecedented success in the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Program, attaining a score of 94 out of 100. He also supervised a team studying cyber threats to the ICBM weapon system which generated a classified report that was described as the most comprehensive study seen to date and was considered so significant that it was briefed to the President of the United States. Another of Chuck’s teams successfully reduced cumbersome accreditation coordination times from 26 to 6 days. The Honorable John Grimes, then DoD CIO said, "Chuck is exactly what we need in the Department of Defense.”

Chuck played a pivotal role in overcoming obstacles and developing contributions to mission critical initiatives by enhancing information sharing, developing common operational processes, and creating situational awareness for coalition allies in the Global War on Terror through his work on Cross-Domain Solutions. These efforts directly supported Iraqi and Afghanistan operations in dynamic threat environments.

You’ll find no stronger advocate for America’s veterans than Charles Allen. His leadership as president of the Aerospace Military Veterans (AMV) employee resource group has been instrumental in supporting the numerous veterans in our work force by ensuring that recognition and appreciation are extended to all who have served. Chuck has partnered with Aerospace Cares to develop “Operation Gratitude” to showcase commitment and gratitude to deployed troops, veterans, and caregivers.

Additionally, under Chuck’s leadership, AMV’s community engagement has thrived. He partnered with the El Segundo (CA) Chamber of Commerce to host a “Salute to the Military” luncheon. This event greatly strengthened community and military relations and showcased the corporation’s strong support for military troops and veterans. Chuck also ensures the commitment and dedicated service of our veterans is never forgotten. He led AMV’s efforts to organize the Don Stratton (Pearl Harbor survivor) exhibition at the Colorado Springs airport. This tribute commemorates the sacrifice of all USS Arizona crew members and is a powerful reminder of veterans' courage and sacrifice for the 1.7 million passengers that pass through the airport annually.

Chuck plays a pivotal role in enhancing diversity and inclusion efforts at Aerospace by creating a supportive environment where veterans can freely share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations. As a strong proponent of diversity and inclusivity, he has organized several “Strength through Diversity” leadership sessions. These discussions have provided invaluable insights into leadership, inclusivity and diversity fostering a sense of belonging and culture cohesion within the organization.

With his exemplary leadership, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to community engagement, diversity, inclusion, and veterans’ causes, we appreciate your consideration of Charles “Chuck” Allen for the 2023 SASEsalutes Career Service Award.