The PPCC AVOTEC program recently graduated its first class of Farrier Science students. The six graduates were honored at the Air Force Academy equestrian stables, with friends and family in attendance. Air Force 4-Star General Duncan McNabb and his wife were on hand to thank and honor the students, several of whom were wounded warriors both from the Army and the Air Force.

Also present were Jim Becka, Farrier Science instructor; Lynn Gawronski, instructor’s assistant; Billy Jack Barrett and Robert Templin, managers of the AFA equestrian stables; Jeanne Springer, AFA stable assistant; Jerry Fritz, dean of the Economic & Workforce Development Division; and Melissa Westmoland, operations specialist in EWDD.

AVOTEC is the US Army’s Vocational/ Technical Soldier pilot program, designed to provide training in high-demand career fields to help soldiers find employment after they transition out of the Army. The program is open to all soldiers on active duty, to include National Guard and Reserve Soldiers on extended active duty. PPCC also offers AVOTEC courses in Emergency Medical Technician and Homeland Security/Emergency Management programs.