Monmouth U president receives Firepower Award Monmouth University President Paul G. Gaffney II received the Firepower Award from the Picatinny Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Nov. 15 for his outstanding contribution to the defense of the country. Gaffney was a guest speaker at the event held at the Skylands in Randolph. The intent of the award is to increase awareness on the part of NDIA members, other government and industry personnel and the general public, of the significant roles played by the recipients in support of strong defense preparedness, Gaffney, a retired Navy Vice Admiral, was president of the National Defense University from 200 to 2003. Prior to assuming those duties, he was the Chief of Naval Research with responsibility for science and technology investment. He was appointed to the U.S. Ocean Policy Commission in July, 2001 and served during its full tenure to 2004.