Programs for Veterans: A Blackfox Update
October 7, 2020 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
At IPC APEX EXPO 2020, I spoke with Al Dill, president and CEO of Blackfox, about the Evolution Foundation, a nonprofit program to assist veterans with training and assistance into civilian tech jobs. Here, we get an update from Dill, Jahr Turchan, director of veteran services and advanced manufacturing programs, and Sharon Montana-Beard, VP and director of sales and operations, on Blackfox’s programs for veterans.
Nolan Johnson: Al, we did an interview at IPC a while back on your program for veterans. Can you give us a quick update on how that’s going currently through all of this?
Al Dill: Because of this pandemic, a lot of the program has slowed down quite a bit because of lack of access to the military bases and everyone being cautious about travel and too much movement. We worked with some other veteran-related organizations that are manufacturer organizations, and we’re preparing to launch as soon as this loosens up.
We haven’t just sat idle here; we are ready. We have good connections at the military bases, particularly in Colorado, and other veteran-affiliated associations that we’re ready to turn on. And as I mentioned in the interview, we launched a nonprofit called the Evolution Foundation in that timeframe. It’s formed and ready to roll. We have a director overseeing the nonprofit, and its primary goal is to provide monetary resources to help support mostly our veterans in their pursuit of the career. Jahr, can you talk about our relationship with them and what we’ve done?
Jahr Turchan: Absolutely. Although we did slow things down a little bit, the executive director of the Evolution Foundation, Jerry Ward, has been very active in seeking strategic partnerships to keep that moving forward. Unfortunately, nonprofit donations have dipped extremely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what little donations are still coming out of people’s pockets are obviously focused as much as possible on COVID19 relief-type activities. We’ve been doing whatever we can to strengthen our infrastructure and be ready for a post-COVID-19 environment to utilize that vehicle and really help veterans successfully transfer to civilian careers.
To read this entire interview, which appeared in the October 2020 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Looking Back, Looking Forward With IEC
04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIEC came to the RTW booth and discussed both the legacy of IEC's past and the vision for its future. Industry veteran Bruno Ferri highlighted his quarter-century tenure in the industry and with IEC since its founding. He still exhibits boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Brando Stone, a young professional and a future face of IEC, talked about IEC's plans going forward and his experience at this year's IPC APEX EXPO.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
04/19/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineFor my must-read picks of the week, I’m highlighting Parker Capers, a young professional seeking employment, solid counsel from Dan Beaulieu on what your post-show plan should look like, more information and insight on “chiplets” and the need for secure data transfer standards from columnist Preeya Kuray, as well as Matt Stevenson’s design for reality wisdom. It’s a reminder to download one of our newest books (there are several) you don't want to miss if you are an assembler.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Exploring IPC's PCB Design Courses with Kris Moyer
04/18/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOGuest Editor Kelly Dack and IPC instructor Kris Moyer discuss IPC's PCB design training and education offerings. They delve into course topics such as design fundamentals, mil/aero, rigid-flex, RF design, and advanced design concepts. They also highlight material selection for high-speed design, thermal management, and dissipation techniques. The interview wraps up with details about how to access these courses online.
IPC Bestows Posthumous Hall of Fame Award to Industry Icon Michael Ford
04/18/2024 | IPCIPC honored the late Michael Ford, Aegis Software, for his extraordinary contributions to the global electronics manufacturing industry with the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. IPC’s most prestigious honor, the Hall of Fame Award is given to individuals who have provided exceptional service and advancement to IPC and the electronics industry. Ford, an industry leader and valued IPC volunteer, died suddenly in January 2024.
Two Industry Rising Stars Recognized at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/17/2024 | IPCTwo of the industry’s best and brightest were presented with an IPC Rising Star Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 in recognition of their leadership roles and support of IPC standards, education, advocacy, and solutions to industry challenges. Award recipients were Naim Kapadia and Michael Schleicher.