AFRL hosts open house for community leaders Published July 8, 2015 By Alarie Ray-Garcia Air Force Research Laboratory KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force Research Laboratory opened up its doors to local dignitaries and community leaders during an open house event. AFRL hosted the open house to better acquaint the community with its mission and the science and technology projects the unit's scientists and engineers are working on. Attendees of the event included members of the governor's staff, representatives from the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, and leaders from local economic development and academic communities. "Our lab is the best kept secret in New Mexico, and we are working very hard to get people to understand what we do and why it's so vital to the nation's security," said Casey DeRaad, AFRL's director of tech engagement. "We knew that if we were able to introduce our technologies to community leaders, the amazing work being done here at AFRL would speak for itself." AFRL leadership welcomed attendees and briefed them on the different technologies in work across AFRL, the economic impact to the state, and robust AFRL STEM programs. Attendees visited AFRL facilities to see the technologies firsthand and speak directly with AFRL scientists and engineers. For most in attendance, this was the first time they had seen the AFRL laboratories and their first opportunity to interact directly with AFRL staff. "It was enlightening to see the cutting edge technology being developed right here in New Mexico," said Robert DelCampo, director of UNM's Innovation Academy. "Some of the technology looked and sounded like it was right out of Star Wars. With forward thinking institutions like AFRL doing this type of work, Albuquerque, and New Mexico at-large, is at the forefront of the nation's scientific landscape." Feedback from the event was so positive that AFRL plans to host future open houses to ensure continued future engagement with members of the community.