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Students complete Savannah Techs first Army transitioning welding cohort
MilitaryGroup 6138
Leadership from Savannah Technical College, Huntington Ingalls Industries and the U.S. Army celebrated the completion of training for welding students in the first U.S. Army transitioning service member cohort with the College. Pictured left to right: Tom Allmon, director of human resources, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield; CSM LaVander Wilkerson, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Garrison Hunter Army Airfield; STC President Dr. Kathy Love; Robin Decker, Talent Acquisition with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HHI); Fred Howell, Talent Acquisition with HHI; STC Welding Graduates Sergio Hernandez, Michael Williams, Matthew Amick, Cory red, Tarin Setrit (not pictured Raymond Gorman); MG Retired Geoffrey Miller, President Transitions Assistant Support; STC Military Outreach Coordinator Jeffrey Ashmen. - photo by Provided

Four months after starting welding training with Savannah Technical College, six U.S. Army transitioning service members have job offers with Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagula, Mississippi, and in Newport News, Virgina.

“Employers value and understand the work ethic that service members bring to the job,” said STC Military Outreach Coordinator Jeff Ashmen. “But quite often separating service members lack the technical skills necessary for employment. Savannah Technical College’s career skills program is an opportunity for active duty service members to get retooled to quality for jobs after military service.”

The College’s welding training for these students was provided through state and federal grants, along with additional funding from Huntington Ingalls Industries. Students attended welding classes during their normal duty day, Mondays-Thursdays. Commander approval and pre-employment screening were required for them to participate. Training occurred as part of the Soldier for Life VOW Act and became the soldier’s place of duty.

“The partnership between Fort Stewart, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Savannah Technical College provides soldiers and families with a wonderful opportunity to prepare for their post active duty careers and begin the next part of their lives,” said Geoff Miller, President of Transitions Assistant Support LLC.

During the 16-week full-time program including hands-on, competency-based structural and pipe welding instruction, students completed 32 college hours and earned five welding technical certificates of credit (TCC): Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder, Vertical Shielded Metal Arc Welder, Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder, Flux Cored Arc Welder and Gas Tungsten Arc Welder TCCs.

“Huntington Ingalls Industries remains committed to becoming a leadership factory,” said Fred Howell, Huntington Ingalls Industries director of Talent Acquisition. “Through our partnership with Savannah Technical College, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, we are creating great shipbuilders, but more importantly, we are creating future leaders for our organization.” 

Transitioning service members who participate in welding training completion will have a high probability of employment with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi or Newport News, Va.; will be tested at the end of the training period prior to final job offer; will be offered a job opportunity upon successful completion of the training; and will continue with on-the-job training while working with experienced craftsmen at Ingalls.

The average starting salary for pipe welders is $19.46 per hour or $40,476.80 annually.

The next welding cohort begins Oct. 11. For more information about military services or enrollment, visit www.savannahtech.edu/military or contact STC’s Military Outreach Coordinator Jeff Ashmen (912.443.4155 or jashmen@savannahtech.edu).

Eligible students may qualify for additional stipends, under provisions established under the post 9/11 GI Bill. Please consult with a VA representative or visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp for further information.

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Exchange Service salutes Vietnam vets with custom truck design
Army and Air Force Exchange Service redesigned logo 2011

To thank Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is debuting a new truck design, part of the Department of Defense retailer’s efforts alongside the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war.

“The Exchange is privileged to have the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans through our fleet,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “These trucks will serve as rolling billboards, expressing gratitude for all who served during this era.”

The truck design features the silhouette of a lone service member set against the background of a faded horizon with a call to “thank a Vietnam veteran for service to our nation.” The single military member represents the warfighters who served during this time.

Three trucks in the fleet feature the commemorative design and will deliver merchandise to Exchange stores from the organization’s distribution centers in the continental United States.

The West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in California; Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.; and the Waco Distribution Center in Texas will each have a truck in service on their standard delivery routes, serving the whole country.

Air Force veteran Pat Thompson served in Vietnam before coming to the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. In his 18 years with the Exchange, he has deployed four times to support the troops. The new design means a lot to him.

“They remember,” said Thompson, who is based at the Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center. “We want to be remembered.”

The trucks also highlight the veteran online shopping benefit, which launched in November. The lifelong online military exchange benefit authorizes all who served honorably to enjoy tax-free shopping and exclusive military pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the commemoration.

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