John Diem, deputy director, Test Technology Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command, will be honored for his scientific achievements by the Technical Cooperation Program.

The program is an international organization that includes the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to provide a forum for collaborative exchanges and joint trials in defense scientific and technological information. Created 50 years ago, the Technical Cooperation Program's efforts have resulted in savings in time and money through reduced duplication of research and development, increased commonality, and improved interoperability, according to Lemnios.

"The honorees were selected based on their abilities to meet the highest standards of quality for science, defense impact and international collaboration," said Zachary J. Lemnios, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. "These award winners are examples of defense science and technology at its best."

Diem, a Department of the Army civilian employee with more than 30 years of experience in test and evaluation, currently oversees OTC's test technology management activities and facilities, technology development budget, and technology requirements and research. He is also actively involved in simulation standards activities and is serving a one-year appointment on the Executive Committee of the international Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization.

He recently completed a two-year detail as the deputy director, Defense Modeling and Simulation Coordination Office within the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

"I am honored to have been selected for the recognition," Diem said. "To be included in the same company of these exceptional scientists and engineers is not something I would ever have imagined possible — especially for a Texas Aggie history major! Getting a chance to work with our allies — and tackle tough technical problems with them — was the highlight of my two-year assignment in Washington, D.C."

Diem and his wife, Julie, a senior medical program specialist with the Xerox Corporation in Austin, live in Georgetown.

The Technical Cooperation Program will present the awards in a ceremony Thursday at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.