The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) celebrated the graduation of the 16th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program on May 6. The ceremony recognized 66 graduates who successfully completed rigorous training in specialized manufacturing fields critical to the defense industry and, more specifically, the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB).
This cohort’s graduates completed intensive, hands-on instruction across several specialized tracks, including CNC machining, metrology and welding. Each graduate completed over 600 hours of practical training, gaining industry-recognized credentials to prepare them for immediate entry into skilled roles within the MIB.
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Rear Admiral Kent Whalen, who is retired from the U.S. Navy and now serves with The SPECTRUM Group.
“When you show up to your new employer, listen a lot, spend extra time being exposed to everything about the work and your skills as much as you can,” Whalen said. “Ask questions and read. Look for opportunities to upskill and seek additional training.”
Student speaker Ronald Green, a welding program graduate, shared personal insights and reflections on his collective experience.
“ATDM was an opportunity to not only learn valuable skills that provide a viable career path, but also to be able to contribute to something much greater than myself,” Green said. “The last four months here in Danville have been some of the most memorable times of my adult life. I’ve learned so much in a short time. I started out with classmates, who have since grown into my brothers and lifelong friends.”
“Today, we celebrate the achievements and hard work of our graduates who have completed the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program,” said Christa Reed, Interim Vice President of ATDM at IALR. “This milestone represents not only the knowledge and skills gained, but also the dedication and perseverance shown throughout the program. Congratulations to each of you for reaching this significant achievement, and congratulations to the ATDM team for their commitment and effort to ensure student success.”
Participants in the ATDM program benefit from comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and housing, ensuring a supportive environment that enables success for learners from diverse backgrounds, including transitioning veterans, industry newcomers and professionals shifting career paths.
The ATDM program, developed through collaboration with the Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group, directly responds to defense industry workforce needs. The program is on track to graduate over 800 students annually.
Graduates of the 16th ATDM Cohort:
CNC Machining – 1st Shift
- Patrick Crowley – WI
- Jason Lemley – VA
- Daniel Michel – NY
- Adam Oak – NH
- Christopher Pilotte – NY
- Aidan Randolph – NC
- Carlin Redhouse – NM
- Alexander Waters – MI
- Daniel Wright – TX
CNC Machining – 2nd Shift
- Sakina Ahmadi – VA
- Riley Beltz – VA
- Andrew Boenig – NC
- Stephanie Chavez – CA
- Alexis Chevez – NY
- Sasha Guareno – NJ
- Calder Holloway – VA
- Kenneth McNally – VA
- Craig Poppe – VA
- Mandy Roman – NY
- Noah Wells – NJ
Metrology – 1st Shift
- Hans Christ Abling – NC
- Robert Campos – AL
- Stefani Durrell – TX
- Christopher Gardner – FL
- Harry Helduser IV – PA
- Milton Juarez – GA
- Robert Mack V – VA
- Arrick McDonell – AZ
- Ivan Ocampo – CA
- Precious Papaleo – NC
- Yowanda Russell – MA
- Kenneth Tee – CA
- Tecilian Toh – PA
- Darrel Wert – AL
Welding – 1st Shift
- Jacob Baird – OH
- Gabriel Blanton – IN
- Trenton Durnell – IN
- John Harris – FL
- Isaac Jester – IL
- Kelsey Miller – IN
- Jackson O’Daniel – IN
- Keegan Overton – IN
- Arelis Romero – IN
- William Sims – IN
- Joseph Sisk – IN
Welding – 2nd Shift
- Chris Fleischer – AK
- William Gehring – KY
- Christopher Karlecke – FL
- Wayne Martin – CO
- Christopher McKay – MA
- Kolton Pollitt – IL
- Alvin Robinson – NC
- Zach Tamayo – MD
- Douglas Van Diest – NY
- Jonathan Vivieca German – OH
Welding – 3rd Shift
- Ian Carollo – NY
- Daijon Cook – MD
- Andon Craven – CA
- Xavier Gabriel – NJ
- Ronald Green – PA
- Colton Lanham – VA
- Parker Lockhart – NC
- Dillon Olley – VA
- Maxfield Weir – NC
- Jonas Weislogel – NJ
- Matthew Wryals – NC
About ATDM
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program provides focused, industry-driven training to equip participants with skills critical for defense manufacturing. This initiative is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
