Fort Stewart Celebrates the Graduation of Service Members in Exciting Ceremony
Today, Fort Stewart played host to a significant graduation ceremony where twenty-two transitioning service members proudly received their diplomas from the Heroes MAKE America (HMA) program. This exciting initiative, organized by the Manufacturing Institute, equips veterans with essential skills to smoothly transition into civilian careers.
Equipping Heroes for New Challenges
Over an intensive span of eight weeks, these brave men and women participated in a specialized training program at the Fort Stewart Education Center, in a collaborative effort with Savannah Technical College. The HMA program is no walk in the park; it includes 40 hours of logistics instruction, 30 hours of safety training, and focuses on soft skills development as well as facility tours that make the learning experience rich and practical.
But that’s not all! Participants also dedicated countless hours to perfecting their résumés, ensuring they were well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead in the civilian workforce. After all, getting a foot in the door of a new job is often about making a strong first impression.
Graduation Day Highlights
“Today marks an important step in the transitioning process for these service members,” said Toniette Sumpter, program manager for Heroes MAKE America at Fort Stewart. “I can see the excitement in their eyes as they prepare to step into their new civilian lives.”
The graduates proudly earned several industry-recognized credentials, such as the Certified Logistics Associate, Certified Logistics Technician, and even received their OSHA-30 Certification along with training in forklift safety and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
The hybrid nature of the program merges instructor-led sessions with self-paced modules and even incorporates virtual reality components for a truly modern learning experience. “This program prepares individuals for roles in material handling and supply chain logistics—key positions in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment,” Sumpter explained.
The Community Stands Strong
The passionate backing from local communities and corporate sponsors truly makes this program shine. “We are incredibly grateful to our local partners who facilitate insightful facility tours, provide soft skills training, and actively engage with students about potential career opportunities,” Sumpter noted, showing appreciation for the collaborative spirit that enhances the program.
Patrick Bean, who leads the transition team at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, was also praised for his commitment to creating a supportive network for service members. “Your dedication to helping our military community makes such a difference,” Sumpter said.
Looking Toward the Future
With a remarkable 91% graduate placement rate, the Heroes MAKE America program has successfully connected its participants with over 350 companies across 48 states. These graduates are now taking on essential roles in maintenance, operations, production, and logistics at various levels— from entry-level positions up to management roles.
“The best part? Our training program comes at no cost to participants,” Sumpter emphasized, shining a light on the program’s commitment to making a genuine impact on the lives of transitioning service members. Savannah Technical College President, Dr. Ryan Foley, echoed those sentiments, expressing pride in the partnership and the opportunity to support those who have served the nation.
As these service members join a growing network of skilled professionals, they are poised to significantly contribute to America’s manufacturing and supply chain sectors. The Heroes MAKE America program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the military, education, and industry. For anyone interested in learning more about this amazing initiative, you can dive deeper into their offerings.
