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Thank you to our outstanding speakers, dedicated attendees, generous sponsors, and the Texas Capitol team for making this event such a success. We hope this is just the beginning of an annual tradition celebrating the spirit of defense transportation in Texas!
Ernest Bezdek, NDTA SW Regional President & Senior Director of Trade Development, Port of Beaumont, sets the tone for the NDTA Texas Regional Meeting with a powerful overview of Texas' strategic importance in national defense. From world-class infrastructure to mission-critical port operations, this session highlights how Texas leads the way in military logistics and global deployment readiness.
Geir Eilif Kalhagen, Director of the Maritime Division at TxDOT, walks us through Texas’ robust maritime infrastructure — highlighting over $400M in state port investments, key military seaport roles, the GIWW’s growing economic impact, and the future of the I-14 "Forts to Ports" corridor. An essential session on the intersection of commerce, security, and strategic readiness.
Philip Krueger, Chief, Ports for National Defense Program, USTRANSCOM/SDDC, delivers an insightful keynote on how the Department of Defense ensures the readiness and sufficiency of U.S. transportation infrastructure. From strategic highways and rail corridors to seaports and Defense Access Roads, his remarks highlight the civil-military collaboration required to meet national defense objectives—especially in Texas, home to the most defense-critical roadways and rail lines in the country.
Panel: Mobilizing Military Logistics in Texas
CW3 Michael White, Procurement Officer – Texas State Guard
Col Roger Neumann, USAF (Ret.), VP Contingency Plans – The Exchange
LTC Dezerie Jemmott, Battalion Commander, 842nd Transportation BN – SDDC
Moderator: Stephen Bullard, President – NDTA North Texas & Director of Business Development – National Air Cargo
NDTA Leadership Panel
Panelists:
VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), President & CEO - NDTA HQ
Ernest Bezdek, Sr. Director of Trade Development – Port of Beaumont
COL Craig Hymes, USA (Ret.), SVP of Operations – NDTA Headquarters
Moderator: Stephen Bullard, President – NDTA North Texas & Director of Business Development – National Air Cargo
NDTA’s President & CEO, VADM William Brown (Ret.), closes the event with reflections on the value of regional collaboration, the importance of community leadership, and the way forward for Texas and beyond. A meaningful end to a powerful day of connection, strategy, and service.
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Mr. Krueger is a distinguished leader in transportation engineering and defense logistics, currently serving as Chief of the Ports for National Defense Program for both USTRANSCOM’s Joint Distribution Process Analysis Center and SDDC’s Transportation Engineering Agency.
With over 25 years of experience in global transportation logistics and seaport infrastructure assessments, Mr. Krueger brings deep expertise in engineering management, environmental analysis, modeling & simulation, and DOD infrastructure planning. His work directly supports the readiness of U.S. military deployment capabilities through advanced infrastructure assessments and transportation GIS systems.
He began his civil service career in 2003 and has since become a recognized authority in defense logistics, earning a Civilian Service Commendation Medal for his leadership in the procurement of key assets at Military Ocean Terminal Concord. A licensed Professional Engineer, he’s also an active contributor to both the Transportation Research Board and NDTA.
Director Maritime Division at Texas Department of Transportation
Mr. Kalhagen is a respected leader in global logistics and maritime operations, with experience spanning both private industry and public port systems, including his role as CEO of the Washington State Public Ports, his voice is one of the most respected in the industry.
President & CEO, National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA)
VADM Brown is the President & CEO of NDTA and a retired U.S. Navy flag officer. With decades of senior military leadership, he previously served as Director of Logistics for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as Deputy Commander at USTRANSCOM. His distinguished career in global military logistics and strategic transportation makes him one of the most influential voices in national defense mobility today.
Senior Vice President, Operations
National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA)
With a decorated military career and deep expertise in global logistics, COL Hymes serves as NDTA’s Senior VP of Operations. A former Army group commander and transportation strategist, he’s led multimillion-dollar missions, shaped defense logistics policy, and trained the next generation of military leaders.
Senior Director of Trade Development, Port of Beaumont
Mr. Bezdek brings over 25 years of leadership at the Port of Beaumont, one of the nation’s most strategic military and commercial ports. A champion for trade and transportation, he also serves as the NDTA Southwest Regional President, where he advocates for public-private collaboration in logistics and defense mobility.
842nd Transportation Battalion Commander, U.S. Army
LTC Jemmott leads the 842nd Transportation Battalion in Beaumont, TX, where she oversees freight logistics and port operations. With over 20 years of Army experience, she’s held critical leadership roles across movement control, sustainment, and logistics strategy, bringing a wealth of expertise to Texas military logistics.
Texas State Guard Procurement Officer at the Texas Military Department
CW3 Michael White is a seasoned procurement leader with the Texas State Guard, where he oversees emergency logistics and statewide mission support. With more than two decades of military service, his expertise in procurement, FEMA coordination, and surge operations makes him a key figure in Texas’s defense readiness.
VP, Contingency Plans at
The Exchange
Mr. Neumann is a distinguished leader in military logistics and contingency planning. With over 30 years of experience across the U.S. Air Force, NATO, and the Department of Defense, he brings deep expertise in global mobility, strategic planning, and operational readiness for military retail support.

Private sector leaders in freight, supply chain, construction, and government travel

Emergency management officials and planners involved in coordination and deployment

Government and military professionals in logistics, transportation, procurement

Defense contractors and logistics support providers

Students and educators in logistics, supply chain, or transportation programs

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A great option for small businesses or individuals looking to show their support and gain visibility at a statewide industry event.
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A great option for small businesses or individuals looking to show their support and gain visibility at a statewide industry event.
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or email us at ndtanorthtexas@gmail.com
The NDTA North Texas Chapter is a non-profit organization supported by an all-volunteer board. We always seek volunteers and sponsors to help strengthen and enhance our events and programming initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved, please contact us at ndtanorthtexas@gmail.com.
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