NS2 Serves Graduates First Class of U.S. Military Veterans Trained on SAP Software for National Security

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventeen formerly under-employed U.S. military veterans are on their way to promising new careers after graduating today from a Maryland-based training program.

This group of veterans is the first to take part in NS2 Serves (www.NS2Serves.org), a rigorous, 11-week program in information technology and business skills.  The veterans were trained in the use of SAP software solutions to support critical missions in the military and private sector, graduating with certifications that are valuable in many careers.  Trainees also received guidance in communications skills and design thinking; weekly discussions with business mentors; and career placement assistance.

The keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony was U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry, recipient of the nation's highest medal for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his bravery and actions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.  "You all earned this accomplishment," he said.  "No one gave it to you.  You didn't win it.  You have each given 110% of yourself, and you did not fail yourselves or others around you.  You led the way for others to follow." 

"It has been said, 'Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime'," said trainee Darnell Broadnax, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran and native of Frederick, Maryland.  "NS2 Serves has given us the training and tools to get into new careers and provide for our families for a lifetime. We're all very grateful for what NS2 Serves has done for us."  

"When I graduate from this program, I'm hoping I can provide a better future for my daughter," says George Kovach, Jr., an Army veteran and native of Strongstown, Pennsylvania with two tours of Iraq under his belt. "It's not about me."

As of today,  many of the trainees have accepted positions with organizations including Accenture Federal, CSC, SRA SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2), and SAP America.  Other potential opportunities are pending with Unisys, Lockheed Martin, Verizon, USDA, and Smith & Wesson.   More than 20 companies and government agencies took part in a recent job fair for veterans hosted by NS2 Serves. 

"We often hear about business and government programs designed to hire our veterans, but what is actually happening?" asks Mark Testoni, President of SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2), the company that established NS2 Serves.  "Beyond the fanfare, how many are we hiring and what are they doing? How many are on a career path versus sitting in a low-wage job?  Our goal was to prepare veterans for great careers and get them started on their way, and we're very proud to have reached this milestone."

Vice Admiral Joseph Kernan (U.S. Navy, retired), a 35-year Navy SEAL veteran and Chairman of the NS2 Serves Board of Directors, said, "These veterans and many more served selflessly to protect our country, and yet the unemployment rate for veterans is about 30% above the national average.  So we decided to create a program to help them thrive after leaving the military.  Now that we've succeeded on a small scale, we'll be looking to expand the program with more support from partner organizations."

Corporate, individual, and nonprofit sponsors are being sought to help build the program long-term. Contributions may be made online via www.NS2Serves.org.  

NS2 Serves™ is an independent, nonprofit organization established by SAP National Security Services, Inc. (SAP NS2 ™) to give back to the community it serves – the people of the U.S. national security community.  NS2 Serves offers valuable training and employment assistance to recent veterans who have served our country's national security needs. Full-time, paid participants are trained in world-class software solutions that support U.S. national security, leading to certifications that are valuable in many career paths in the U.S. and worldwide.  Further details on the program and instructions on how to apply for the next round of classes are at www.NS2Serves.org.   

EDITOR'S NOTE: Several of the veterans and NS2 Serves executives are available for interviews. Materials available upon request include photos, videos, names of hiring companies, and program details.

SOURCE NS2 Serves