We often spotlight exceptional employees who consistently exceed expectations, demonstrating commitment, accountability, continuous learning, resilience, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. When those qualities are shared across a group, they form an exceptional team working together in support of a common mission. While Cape Fox Federal Integrators (CFFI), LLC, a Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) subsidiary, does not often recognize an entire team, we are proud to honor CFFI employees who all work on the Low Observable Airborne Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Mission Planners, an Enterprise Support (LO-ISR) contract. Eight employees are being recognized in total, including the entire CFFI Security Team on the contract. These eight employees have demonstrated exemplary service, dedication, and expertise.
Cape Fox Federal Integrators is proud to recognize outstanding contributors on the LO-ISR program. This year’s TINAA Award honors two exceptional individuals, as well as the entire Security Team, whose dedication and professionalism continue to elevate mission readiness and customer support.
Security Team
The CFFI LO-ISR Security Team consists of Jess Sander, Rick Ferguson, Queen Patrick, Keone Mattos, Chris Maddox, and Sidney Aguilar. This team has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and resilience while safeguarding classified information, critical infrastructure, and personnel at Creech AFB.
Their efforts ensured full compliance during multiple audits and inspections, including achieving 100 percent TSCO inventory accountability. The team played a central role in maintaining continuity through personnel changes and recurring inspections. Their continued excellence was highly visible during the recent 2026 Executive Program Management Review, where they flawlessly executed security responsibilities and earned praise across the enterprise.
Capt. Tyler DeJoe, Chief of Security, shared that the team “did an amazing job with EPMR and ensured there were no incidents. Their professionalism and expertise were evident to the entire enterprise.” Additionally, the 30 RS Commander noted, “This is the most green I have seen the security tracker in years. Good work on keeping people accountable and trained.”
Richie Mello – Junior Simulator Operator
Richie Mello, Junior Simulator Operator, has been with CFFI since January 2025. Richie creates and manages GPS mapping tiles and simulation scenarios that deliver high‑fidelity training experiences for aircrew operations. His previous experience as an RPA Sensor Operator Instructor and Aircrew Flight Scheduler has strengthened his technical insight and operational support capability.
Richie distinguished himself by volunteering to train two CFFI employees as simulator operators under a strict customer timeline. He took on the majority of the training workload to support their advancement, ensuring the team retained talent and met operational needs without disruption.
Program Manager Kim Kaufman stated, “Richie comes to work every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to assist in any way he can. Even when tasks get complicated, he never complains. His work ethic and professionalism are appreciated by the team and by our military partners.”
Harold Darden – Scheduler
Harold Darden, Scheduler, joined CFFI in June 2024. He provides scheduling expertise for aircrew flight operations and coordinates with multiple units to ensure mission priorities are met. Harold continually demonstrates reliability and determination, often carrying the workload of a two‑person team during manning gaps.
He consistently supports new schedulers by ensuring they have the tools, access, and training needed to succeed. His steadfast effort has strengthened both internal operations and customer trust.
David “THOR” Brattain of Lockheed Martin stated, “Your team’s professionalism, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental to our success. The Scheduling Team’s assistance in managing complex timelines is invaluable. No matter the request, they always work with me to find a way to make the schedule support the mission.”
Congratulations to Richie Mello, Harold Darden, and the Security Team for their outstanding accomplishments and continued dedication to excellence.
