GALLERY
Anitra Noland
Having served as part of a U.S. Army logistics management team in Afghanistan, Anitra always loved to see the direct result of the hard work she was doing. After she left the military, she saw a Fox News segment about NS2 Serves and wanted to find that same passion for a new career in cybersecurity. Hoping to find a great company that shares her values, Anitra is navigating outside her comfort zone with the help of instructors that are great at disseminating complex subject matter. She’s also doing it with her motto in mind – never quit.
Chaddrick Monroe
Chaddrick’s wife was serving in Afghanistan herself when she saw NS2 Serves featured on Fox News – and she signed Chaddrick up on the spot. A combat engineer, Chaddrick worked with robotics and counter-IED equipment, but he also served as a coach and mentor to his fellow soldiers. He knows the importance of setting a good foundation for people to learn and grow, and that’s why he’s enjoying getting started on this path to a new career and learning all he can from his time with NS2 Serves. Chaddrick lives in Killeen, Texas with his wife and three daughters, and lives his life by Philippians 4:13.
Meghan Prendergast
Hailing from St. Louis, Meghan served as a Logistics Specialist in the U.S. Navy alongside her twin brother and also following in the footsteps of her older sister. Meghan learned about the NS2 program from friend and NS2 graduate Teresa Vargas, and aims to move through each stage of the program, find an aspect that speaks to her and find success there. She looks forward to future lessons, improving her public speaking skills and enjoying her new career after graduation.
Jason Aguila
Jason valued the brotherhood he experienced as an infantry assaultman in the Marines, so it was no surprise that he learned about NS2 from friend and alumnus Randy Brown. Jason was searching for a fresh start and change, and looks forward to using his potential, being happy and retiring with a good career under his belt. A resident of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina, Jason enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He likes to remind himself that it’s “one foot in front of the other.”
Elston Robinson
A logistical management specialist in the Air Force, Elston was deployed four different times. He was intrigued by the openness of the NS2 Serves application and was interested to participate, even without an IT background. Elston would love to run his own business someday after this surreal experience, through which he’s excited to keep learning and see what’s next. He currently lives in Ft. Lauderdale and believes that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Gary Surratt II
Gary was a Maintenance Management Specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, CA and discovered NS2 Serves through one of his junior Marines, who is a graduate himself. Gary was impressed by the great opportunity to break into a lucrative, growing field such as IT and is staying positive, establishing friends and continuing to network within the field. He lives by Marine values – honor, courage, and commitment – and is a single father of two in Ada, Oklahoma.
Thomas Passaro
Thomas Passaro spent six years as a U.S. Navy electronics technician, serving aboard the USS Jason Dunham before being honorably discharged. His favorite memory is seeing the ship come together (literally) and officially commissioned and launched. Thomas originally comes from Philadelphia, where he grew with his younger brother and traditional Italian mother, which he says, basically meant lots of food. Now he, his brother and mom call Miami home. It was through one of his mother’s friend that Thomas first heard of the NS2 Serves program. So far, he has found the program highly enjoyable and looks forward to becoming proficient in SAP tools. In the future he see himself working as a consultant.
Nevin Gamble
Raised as a self-proclaimed “military brat,” in Texarkana, for 20 years, Nevin served in the U.S. Army, being inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy club before retiring and starting work as a commercial plumber. Some physical challenges have led him to realize a change in career is in order. Now based in Puyallup, Washington, Nevin supports his nine year-old daughter and 6 year-old son. He heard about the NS2 Serves program from his brother who knows a former NS2 Serves graduate. So far, he has found the program overwhelming and a little scary, but effective; he is most focused when presented with a challenge. He hopes to get a job working as a consultant when he finishes.
Brandon Sampson
Hailing from Phenix City, AL, Brandon retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service as a Healthcare Advisor. He remembers fondly teaching basic first aid while stationed at Fort Benning and his proudest moment was being promoted to Sergeant into the NCO Corp. Originally from Sacramento, Brandon has three kids – his sons Jalen and Shomari and his daughter Bralynn. He found out about the NS2 Serves program from his friend Shimeka, a Fall 2016 graduate, after researching what an excellent opportunity it afforded. He is excited to join the IT industry and someday hopes to give back to the NS2 Serves Program.
Zenas Pak
Zenas served for four years as a mortar man in the U.S. Marine Corps, eventually culminating in his most memorable moment of being promoted to Squad Leader. He now calls the greater Philadelphia area home. His father now lives in Denver, but his sister is still nearby where she works for SAP. In fact, it was this SAP connection that led Zenas to discover the NS2 Serves program. He sees the NS2 Serves program as a great opportunity that will enable him to one day have a strong family life with a great career. He says already the program has begun to deliver; a few weeks ago, he was nervous about speaking in public and to large groups. Now, thanks to the skilled instructors, he feels much more confident and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
William Payne
From Vale, Oregon, William worked as an infantryman for the U.S. Army. After retiring in 2013, William began his transition back to civilian life. Looking to break into the field of IT, William began seeking education opportunities. He came across an ad for NS2 Serves on the Ebenefits website for veterans. After NS2 Serves, William would like to begin his career in IT with the ultimate goal of becoming a senior consultant. He currently lives in Ashburn, WA with his wife and six children.
José Benitez
After spending four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, José found himself searching for a challenging and evolving career with job security to take care of his four kids and wife. His wife a Marine found out about NS2 Serves on an all-female Marine Facebook group. José hopes to take the knowledge he gains during his time with NS2 Serves to become a valuable asset to his future employer. Living by the motto, “embrace the pain” José is ready to tackle his coursework and future career in IT.
Brian Claytor, Sr.
Growing up Brian’s father always told him that, “Nothing in life that’s worthwhile comes easy.” Holding on to those words, Brian applies them to every challenge he faces. After serving as a combat engineer squad leader for the U.S. Army, Brian pursued a degree in information systems. His journey to NS2 Serves is unique in that a former NS2 Serves student told his niece about the program who then convinced him to apply. Brian hopes to become a system administrator for a large IT company.
Anthony Pandiscio
After serving five deployments with the U.S. Marine Corps, Anthony received a degree in Business Intelligence and Analytical Data from Saint Joseph’s University in 2016. As the first student in SJU’s veteran co-op program, the co-op’s director connected him to NS2 Serves. In terms of career goals, Anthony would like to stay close to the government and find a position within a DoD agency. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys spending his time at the shooting range or lounging on the beach.
Edward Heddinger III
As a member of the longest deployed military unit in Iraq, Edward has been congressionally honored for his military service. Despite his military achievements and master’s degree, he spent a large part of a year searching for a job. Thanks to K9’s for Warriors, he and his service dog Shea, were connected with the NS2 Serves program. After the program, he hopes to find a career where he can make a difference and provide for his wife and one-year-old son. His motto is “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” He donates his free time to speaking on veteran issues with corporate leaders and lawmakers.
Michael “Mick” Light
From the Midwest, Mick calls Kansas City, MO home. After 12 years of service in the U.S. Navy, with five of those years spent in Japan, Mick turned to NS2 Serves to build upon his analytical IT skills. While he is set to finish his degree in IT management, Mick hopes that the he can begin a career within the DoD. With a combination of determination and hope, Mick lives by the motto, “Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”
Brittney Walker
As a supply admin of operations for the U.S. Marine Corps, Brittney served her first deployment in Europe by traveling to Italy, Croatia, Bahrain and Greece. With the goal of providing a better life for her and her children, Brittney began searching for programs that could help her achieve her goals. While browsing Facebook one afternoon, she came across the NS2 Serves program and decided to take a leap of faith. Brittney is open to the possibilities her future career will bring.
Stephen Burch
After a 13-month tour in Afghanistan and four years at Fort Hood, Steven began his transition from an Army IED specialist to a member of civilian society. After seeing the NS2 Serves commercial on FOX News, he decided to learn more about the program. As a father of three, he hopes to work for a family-oriented company where he can put his newfound skills to use. With his family supporting him, Steven tries to live every day to the fullest and never looks towards the past.
Wayne Fishback II
From Conore, TX, Wayne served as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army. During his search for veteran education programs, he came across NS2 Serves through the Wounded Warrior Project. After graduation, Wayne hopes to settle into a career in SAP consulting. Wayne has been married for 13 years and has two children. He lives by the motto, “One must be a fox to avoid traps and a lion to scare wolves.”