On Monday, May 8, 2017, Georgia Tech hosted a dialogue between Georgia Tech alumnus (IE '72, MS OR '76) Senator David Perdue (R-GA) and leaders from military base communities around Georgia. The discussion centered around best practices for how all players can work together to help the national security sector thrive in the state.

“This meeting was a great example of the benefit of bringing together the military community groups from around Georgia,” said Senator Perdue. “We heard some very impressive presentations and had a productive discussion about best practices for increasing our role as a state in our national defense. Maintaining our national security is one of the most important jobs we have in Congress. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am proud of the role our state plays in providing for our national security.”

National security has been and continues to be a crucial part of Georgia’s economy. Georgia Tech plays a unique role in this. In addition to performing the second-most university-based research and development work for the Department of Defense in the country, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is engaged with several military bases throughout the state. In particular, GTRI is expanding its footprint in Cobb County adjacent to Dobbins Air Force Base. GTRI also has employees in Warner Robins to support the work GTRI does with Robins Air Force Base.

Georgia Tech also serves transitioning service members around the state to assist them in securing high-quality jobs in the civilian world through the Veterans Education Training and Transition Program (VET2). One of the first of its kind in the nation, this program equips veterans for civilian careers through a combination of classroom learning and/or online instruction as well as internship opportunities with employer partners seeking to hire veterans. All active duty military, reserve, or National Guard personnel, veterans and military spouses who are transitioning to a civilian career are eligible.

“I’m pleased that Senator Perdue turned to Georgia Tech when convening military community leaders from around the state to discuss how we can all work together in order to help Georgia’s national security sector thrive,” said Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson. I’m incredibly proud of the work that researchers at Georgia Tech continue to do to help our Department of Defense solve some of its toughest problems.”