The Division of Information Technology celebrated Veterans Day by hosting a luncheon for all its veterans Nov. 11. IT leadership from Augusta University and AU Health have several veterans working in their departments and wanted to show how much they appreciate the experience a veteran brings to the workforce.

“Military service results in the attainment of numerous skills,” said Michael Casdorph, EdD, chief information officer at Augusta University. “The military provides individuals with physical, academic and skills training and teaches them to work well as a team.”Veterans echo the services IT provides because their skills are built on a foundation of responsibility and duty.

Between Augusta University and AU Health staff, the Augusta University information technology enterprise employs about 50 veterans and intends on recruiting even more. Although hiring qualified people has been difficult, according to leadership, veterans have helped the enterprise provide the support it needs to stay up and running.

The AU IT enterprise is fortunate to have an excellent working relationship with the Department of Defense and Fort Gordon, and has taken advantage of the DOD’s SkillBridge Program, fulfilling various vacant positions. The SkillBridge Program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of their service. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.“We see up to 1,800 service members transition from Fort Gordon each year, and many want to stay in the area,” said Karyn Nixon, director of military initiatives and economic development specialist at Augusta University.

“Through the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, it is a win-win. We offer customized individual internships through Augusta University, AU Health and the Georgia Cyber Center, and these service members bring their skills, leadership and training to our workplace.”