Coffey inducted into Order of Prometheus
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — John "JC" Coffey, executive director of unmanned systems for Cherokee Nation Businesses, was named to the Order of Prometheus during the 2019 Pathfinder Chapter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Order of Prometheus medallion recognizes the significant and enduring contributions from the inductees to the unmanned systems community, both air and ground.
"I am very honored to be a member of this group and receive this award," Coffey said. "Membership in the Order of Prometheus represents the highest ideals, aspirations and accomplishments resident to the unmanned systems community."
Coffey is proud of the steps CNB has taken to advance in the unmanned systems field and its support it does for the country.
"It has been an incredible experience to be part of the winning Cherokee team during the exponential growth of this technology, and its expansion from defense to the civil and commercial markets," Coffey said. "I knew while in uniform and I know now that unmanned systems are valuable assets to our nation in both military and civil/commercial applications and have saved numerous lives. I'm proud to be part of the dedicated community that supports the development of these systems and contributes to the education of our next generation for continued excellence in engineering, test and operations."
During the conference, Coffey was on an Association for Unmanned Vehicles/Systems International (AUVSI) Technology panel. The conference highlighted private-public partnerships, a public safety summit and the Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Roadmap to the Future, along with many other service and industry updates. Conference speakers updated attendees on Department of Defense unmanned systems, emerging requirements, the recently selected FAA test sites and emerging commercial applications. Additionally, over 40 exhibitors with many new technologies were on-hand at this year's symposium.
Coffey is an AUVSI board member, supports numerous government agencies through Cherokee Nation Businesses and is the co-founder of the Federal Unmanned Systems Tribal Interest Group.