The Alliance for Fort Gordon, in collaboration with Team Gordon, proudly concludes its CyberPatriot summer camp endeavors for 2023. This remarkable initiative saw the participation of 167 talented young Cyber warriors from our region in an enriching and tuition-free week-long CyberPatriot summer camp 

Led by a group of extraordinary instructors, including United States service members, GS civilians, retirees, government contractors, and Fort Gordon affiliates, the camp provided top-tier guidance and education to the budding talents. Participants likened the experience to having Jeff Gordon personally teach them how to drive a car—safely and expertly.

The success of the 2023 camps was made possible by the unwavering support and contributions of esteemed organizations such as the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center and Aiken Technical College. Their visionary leadership and vital logistical support were invaluable in ensuring the camp's smooth execution and positive impact.

The Alliance for Fort Gordon also extends heartfelt gratitude to the following distinguished individuals—MG Stanton, BG Vile, Col Howard, Col Evans, CSM Starrett, and CSM Barrett—for dedicating their time to engage with the young camp participants and staff. Their presence and mentorship left an indelible mark on the hearts of all involved, solidifying their positions as true champions and defenders of our freedoms.

Special recognition goes to Mr. Dave Besel of NSA Georgia, who played a pivotal role in running two successful camps this year and has been leading camps for our region since 2019. Additionally, Frank Estrada, Founder and Owner of Centaur Cybersecurity, Inc., made a significant impact as one of our lead instructors, skillfully recruiting instructors and shaping the camp's curriculum.

This year marked the Alliance's second collaboration with the Augusta Boys and Girls Club, underscoring their commitment to empowering the youth in our community. Over the past five years, the Fort Gordon Cyber District's Alliance for Cyber Education team has sent over 650 of our region's talented youngsters to attend week-long CyberPatriot camps free of charge.

“Our nation is critically short cyber security professionals; the Alliance continues to do its part to grow them locally in and around the Fort Gordon Cyber District by hosting and funding for the last five years FREE CyberPatriot Summer Camps for our K-12 youth. This also supports our mission of supporting, coordinating, and advocating for our regions number one employer … Fort Gordon”. Dr. Tom Clark, Executive Director of the Alliance for Fort Gordon. 

The Alliance for Fort Gordon has been recognized for its exceptional cyber-education program. In 2018, it earned the esteemed designation as a CyberPatriot Center of Excellence by the Air Force Association's CyberPatriot Program Office. Remarkably, the local program stood as the 15th in the nation and the sole representative from Georgia and South Carolina to receive this honor. Further accolades followed in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, when the Alliance's Cyber Education team was bestowed the prestigious title of the nation's CyberPatriot Center of Excellence for two consecutive years. 

As we celebrate the successful conclusion of CyberPatriot Summer 2023, the Alliance for Fort Gordon remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity experts and safeguarding the future of our digital landscape. 

For more information about the Alliance for Fort Gordon and its initiatives, please visit fortgordonalliance.com