How a disabled Army Veteran learned new skills for the defense of her country

Rose Lopez's service in the United States Army ended too soon. The Boston native intended to have a long, impactful career in defense, but injuries and health challenges prevented her from completing boot camp.

"I broke 11 bones and then was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes," she explained.

That's when Lopez found herself seeking new avenues in the IT sector. After a few years off to recover, she went to community college and graduated with a degree in technology and computer sciences. Despite her experience and drive, though, her career was ridden with layoffs. She wanted a job that offered her purposeful work and stability.

"I absolutely love learning. After I got laid off, I attended job fairs all the time, searching for anything Veteran-related," she said.

Through her involvement with Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Wounded Warrior Project, Lopez was eventually introduced to Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM).

In the past two years, more than 90 Veterans have found renewed purpose and new careers through ATDM. The program is an intensive training initiative designed to prepare workers for roles in the submarine industrial base, focusing on areas like additive manufacturing, CNC machining, nondestructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding. Funded by the U.S. Navy, ATDM is a promising path for Veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life, offering a thriving new career in defense manufacturing.

Drawn by the program's promise of skill development and career opportunities, Lopez applied to ATDM's spring 2024 CNC Machining cohort and was accepted. She and her service dog, GiGi, packed their bags to begin training in Danville, Virginia.

"I walked into the program not having a clue what CNC machining was. And I absolutely love it," said Lopez. "It combines everything I like to do. It's hands-on, with a programming aspect intertwined. I feel like there's something magical about that."

Lopez graduated with her cohort in March 2024, with GiGi by her side the whole way. Despite facing additional health setbacks, including a significant surgery shortly after graduating from ATDM, she was determined to seize opportunities that would allow her to embrace all her skills, blending her IT background with machining expertise.

For Lopez, ATDM wasn't just about acquiring skills, it was about reclaiming a sense of her self. Through her new role as a machinist at Pall Corporation in Florida, she has not only found professional fulfillment but also a means to contribute to manufacturing and national defense-an endeavor close to her heart.

"I never felt like I finished my mission. My military career was cut short, leaving me feeling unsure about what I wanted to do with my life. One of the best parts of machining is the mission behind it to continue to defend my country," said Lopez. "I love the fact that I'm back in the defense industry again. And the fact that I was able to just walk onsite at my new job and knew how to make parts gave me incredible confidence. That confidence and skill is all because of ATDM."

About ATDM

Located on the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research campus in Danville, Virginia, ATDM is dedicated to equipping students with the latest manufacturing technologies to support the submarine industrial base. Funded by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, ATDM offers full scholarships that cover both training and housing.

How to Apply to ATDM

• Visit atdm.org and select "Apply" to complete the easy enrollment application, or
• Call 434-766-6680 and press 2 to speak to an advisor one-on-one.

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