Virginia Western Community College and GENEDGE joined forces to partner in hosting the inaugural Front Line to Production Line: Manufacturing Hiring & Credentialing Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. The free, daylong event was driven by a simple mission: The best way to honor a veteran is to hire one.
Held on Virginia Western’s campus, the event connected regional manufacturers with veterans, transitioning service members, military families, students, and community job seekers. The morning program honored the veterans in our community, while the afternoon focused on serving them with immediate hiring, career advancement, credentials, and veteran support services — all offered at no cost to the hirers or heroes.
Honorees and the employers recognizing them were:
— Lee Whitaker, U.S. Marine Corps; recognized by VFP, Inc.
— Jay Jones, U.S. Navy; recognized by Wabtec Graham White
— Brandon Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; recognized by Advanced Machining Solutions
— Chris Moore, U.S. Marine Corps; recognized by Global Metal Finishing
— Robert Jacob Campos, U.S. Army; recognized by FasTech, LLC
“At Virginia Western, we are deeply committed to empowering our Veteran community with the resources, training, and support they need to be successful in civilian life,” said Brandon Snead, VERITAS Veteran Liaison at Virginia Western Community College. “This event recognized the sacrifice of our service members and provided practical pathways to high-demand careers right here in the Roanoke region through targeted upskilling and credentialing.”
The Front Line to Production Line event aimed to lower barriers and facilitate connections for veterans seeking employment in manufacturing.
“Veterans are among the most reliable, dedicated employees any operation will have. Through their service to our country, they were trained to deal with adversity, quickly solve complex problems, and search for ways to constantly improve. All key success factors in the manufacturing world,” said Scott Schein, Executive Director at GENEDGE. “Many Veterans are currently benefiting from successful, high paying careers in the sector — but the industrial base needs more to consider this professional track. This unique event was designed to do just that.”
“I am truly grateful for GENEDGE’s partner, Virginia Western, fully embracing and realizing this vision to honor and serve Veterans in our area,” said Andre B. Corbin, First Sergeant, U.S. Army (Retired), Regional Growth Manager – West at GENEDGE. “My hopes are this inaugural event will further strengthen our relationship and lead to future partnering opportunities for serving the region together.”
