ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The C5ISR Hall of Fame recognizes and memorializes former members of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance community, which includes both Soldiers and civilians from Communications-Electronics Command, Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center, Capability Program Executive Command and Control Information Network, Capability Program Executive for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, and the Command and Control Cross-Functional Team, who have made a significant and enduring contribution to the community and the Army.
Class of 2025 and 2026 C5ISR Hall of Fame inductees will be honored for their contributions during a joint ceremony April 30, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Myer Auditorium.
Below is a preview of the people who will be celebrated for their noteworthy contributions to the C5ISR community and the Army during the ceremony.
Class of 2025
Mr. Vincent H. Buonocore served for 26 years in the CECOM Legal Office, beginning his service as an active-duty Judge Advocate General Corps officer and ending his tenure in 2010 as the acting chief counsel, with overall responsibility for every legal aspect of CECOM's mission. Buonocore built CECOM's Procurement Fraud Program and was the Army's "go-to" attorney for significant litigation. Buonocore also actively mentored the professionals in his organization, several of whom went on to serve in critical leadership positions and influence within the CECOM community including, deputy chief counsels, chief counsels, and a deputy to the commanding general.
Retired Brig. Gen. Thomas M. Cole’s Army career included leading the modernization of the Firefinder radars and achieving a Milestone Decision and contract award for Project Manager Warfighter Information Network-Tactical. As Program Executive Officer for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (now CPE ISW), he oversaw a $14 billion portfolio during the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. He engaged, mentored, and developed Soldiers and civilians who have become today's C5ISR leaders.
Mr. Stephen F. Kovacs’ 37-year career as a Department of the Army Civilian spanned the birth of Army digitization from early Tactical Fire Direction System, or TACFIRE, to modern software-intensive systems. He developed Y2K compliance plans for over 165 battlespace systems. Another life-saving technical achievement was the transformation of the CECOM Software Engineering Center (now Army Software & Innovation Center) Army Reprogramming Analysis Team in the critical area of Infrared Countermeasure support. His awards include the Secretary of the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service and the CECOM Leadership Award, twice.
Mr. Henry J. Muller Jr. served as director of the C5ISR Center with a workforce of more than 2,000. He led revolutionary advances in communications, electronic warfare, cyber, and sensor technology. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Muller played a crucial role as a leader and member of the CECOM Research, Development, and Engineering Center combined team of military, civilian, and contractor personnel who deployed to the World Trade Center shortly after the attack. Muller and his team assisted in the site search, fielded equipment, and trained interagency personnel. Upon Muller's retirement in 2017, his career contributions were recognized by the Secretary of the Army, who personally awarded him the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, the Army's highest honorary award for a civilian.
Mr. Raymond E. Santiago was a respected and beloved member of Team C5ISR during his 36-year career as an Army Civilian, providing critical leadership in the CECOM SEC and Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (now CPE ISW). He was an expert in software management for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and established the Joint Tactical Integration Facility at APG, providing a critical Systems Integration Lab that supported development, sustainment, and upgrade of many ISR platforms. His work during the Counter Terrorism/Counter Insurgency operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations worldwide saved lives and enhanced the effectiveness of U.S. and coalition warfighters. Santiago passed away in 2016.
Class of 2026
Retired Lt. Gen. David Bassett is recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the C5ISR community, the Army, and Joint warfighters over a distinguished 35-year career. In 2018, Bassett was named the Program Executive Officer for Command, Control and Communications-Tactical, leading the effort to modernize the Army’s tactical networks. He oversaw development of the Integrated Tactical Network, which delivered incremental updates to the network every two years beginning in 2021. This approach incorporated early Soldier experimentation to refine technical solutions, resulting in the successful fielding of ITN to multiple brigades and division echelons. Bassett’s work laid the foundation for the Next Generation Command and Control network modernization.
Thomas D. Ficklin IV served as an Army Civilian for nearly 50 years at APG. His strategic vision and leadership were pivotal during the 2011 consolidation of the Research Development and Engineering Contracting Center and the C5ISR Contracting Center, forming the Army Contracting Command-APG. Despite challenges, his expertise led to unprecedented efficiencies and innovative contracting solutions. Ficklin was instrumental in developing the future contracting workforce through innovative training, mentorship, and talent retention programs. As commandant of the intern program, he oversaw the graduation of hundreds of interns, significantly impacting the Army’s contracting capabilities. After his passing in 2020, his legacy of exceptional leadership and mentorship continues to inspire the C5ISR community, making him an exemplary role model.
With a career spanning 35 years, Mr. Frank Fiorilli is remembered for playing a crucial role in transforming CECOM into a worldwide Army Major Subordinate Command and developing Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, as an Army Community of Excellence. Fiorilli’s leadership was pivotal during the 1981 merger of four commands into CECOM, ensuring its successful establishment on schedule. Fiorilli was also instrumental during Base Realignment and Closure actions, managing the relocation and integration of thousands of personnel and resources. Known for his integrity and compassion, he was a tireless advocate for inclusion and dignity across the workforce. Fiorilli passed away in 2022.
Retired Maj. Gen. David Gust is recognized for his significant contributions to the development, fielding, and sustainment of critical C5ISR systems during his 33-year career. His military career began with decorated service in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. This experience shaped his understanding of Soldiers’ needs on the battlefield. As Project Manager for Mobile Subscriber Equipment, Gust oversaw the fielding of a complex digital communications system to more than 30 battalions, providing the Army with its first secure, mobile, and automated voice and data network. At PEO IEW&S, (now CPE ISW) he modernized the Army’s ISR capabilities.
Retired Maj. Gen. Randy S. Taylor is recognized for his distinguished 38-year military career. As commanding general of CECOM and senior commander of APG from April 2017 to June 2019, Taylor led significant modernization initiatives and strengthened community partnerships. He rebranded the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance community to the C5ISR community, emphasizing cyberspace as a pivotal warfighting domain and future-proofing Army readiness. After Taylor’s service at CECOM, he served as chief of staff for U.S. Strategic Command, overseeing global command and control of U.S. strategic forces. In retirement, Taylor continues to support the C5ISR community and local municipalities, fostering military-civilian relationships and addressing the military-civilian divide.
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