KERRVILLE, Texas –
Two senior leaders from the 502d Communications Squadron at Joint base San Antonio-Lackland brought the voice of the warfighter and the power of cyber readiness to center stage during the 2025 Cyber Symposium at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas.
Lt. Col. Gilberto S. Perez, 502d Communication Squadron commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Sarah L. Wolf, 502d CS senior enlisted leader, served as panelists at the event, which unites cybersecurity professionals, industry innovators and academic leaders to discuss evolving digital security challenges, trends and solutions. Representing JBSA, the duo highlighted the Department of Defense’s mission to secure digital dominance in an increasingly contested cyberspace environment.
“It was an absolute honor to represent the 502d Communications Squadron — the largest communications squadron in the Air Force — at this event, as we are committed to adding to the cyber body of knowledge and giving back to the community,” Perez said.
Perez opened the panel by challenging attendees to “Be the Bolt,” a metaphor urging both military and civilian sectors to embody cyber leadership in support of national security. He described the 502d CS' critical role in connecting and defending cyber ecosystems across JBSA’s 267 mission partners, from basic military training to POTUS-directed operations.
Wolf echoed the importance of people behind the platforms.
“While it’s easy to focus on technology, it’s the people behind the systems, networks, and applications who provide our true competitive advantage,” she said. “Representing our squadron and sharing our story at these strategic engagement events was a privilege.”
The panel covered major themes such as cyber strategy alignment with national defense priorities, talent development and the importance of interagency collaboration. A particular highlight was the discussion around Artificial Intelligence and machine learning for threat detection and incident response, which underscored the need for agile cyber workforce development.
“Strategy is essential, a robust cybersecurity culture is the cornerstone to transforming strategy into victory,” Perez said. “That culture must bridge legacy systems with digital transformation and ensure we have the skilled talent to deliver effects where and when we need them.”
Wolf emphasized the speed of technological change as both a challenge and opportunity.
“Every innovation creates new vulnerabilities. Our Cyber Airmen must stay ahead to preserve our ability to generate combat power,” she said.
Situated within one of the DOD’s most robust cyber ecosystems, JBSA is home to major cyber commands, including Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), the 67th and 688th Cyberspace Wings, and U.S. National Security Agency Texas Cryptographic Center, NSA Texas.
“San Antonio is known as 'Cyber City USA' and JBSA is the cyber nexus of the Department of Defense,” Perez said. “Due to JBSA’s size and complexity, we are often the cyber proving ground for the future.
Wolf added that the squadron’s efforts align closely with the DOD Cyber Workforce Strategy, aiming to build a dominant and adaptive cyber force. “We’re cultivating a winning culture, from the boardroom to the battlefield.”
Both leaders pointed to the value of forums like the cyber symposium in shaping future initiatives.
“Cyber threats don’t respect boundaries. That’s why silos fail,” Perez said. “No single organization can defend against complex and evolving cyber threat landscape alone,” Wolf added. “Collaboration is the critical force multiplier, allowing us to share information, coordinate defenses, and respond to persistent global threats.”
Wolf recommended future symposiums include deeper dives into cyber law, supply chain risks, and emerging technologies like quantum computing.
“Every speaker brought a unique lens. These events help us reflect on our leadership focus areas and refine our strategy moving forward.”
In closing, Perez celebrated the symposium’s growing impact.
“This was an outstanding Cyber Symposium, which is making a difference in Kerrville Texas and is quickly growing to impact the state of Texas.”
As digital threats evolve, leaders like Perez and Wolf are ensuring that the Air Force’s cyber edge remains sharp and that future generations are prepared to carry the lightning bolt forward.