CNC Machines Chooses Boone County Kentucky Veteran as Recipient of its Veteran to Machinist Scholarship

UNION, Ky., March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CNC Machines announced today that it has chosen U.S. Army Staff Sargent (Ret)Terry Flannery of Union, Kentucky as the recipient of its Veteran to Machinist scholarship. This is the second of three scholarships the organization will award in 2019.

CNC Machines, a Florida-based used CNC machine dealer, established the veteran-exclusive scholarship program late last year as a means of supporting both the longevity of the American manufacturing industry and veterans returning to civilian life who want to start new careers. To qualify, applications submitted 1,000-word essays on why they want to become a machinist. CNC Machines has also been featured on Industry Week for their scholarships and dedication to vets.

Flannery is a disabled veteran who medically retired in 2014 due to the extensive injuries he suffered during his 12-year military career. He is pursuing his Artisanship in Woodworking Certificate from the University of Cincinnati's Wood Technology Program, which includes classes in CNC woodworking.

Having enlisted at age 17, Flannery said when he retired from the military, he felt hopeless. The Army had meant much more to him than a career and he entered civilian life with physical challenges and the lingering effects of PTSD which limited the jobs for which he was qualified. A happy accident changed all that.

"I started to do woodworking as a hobby out of my basement. The first thing I made was a box for my wife for our anniversary. Then she asked for a cutting board. She loved them so much that she showed the pictures off at work, and her coworkers all started asking me to make them things," said Flannery. "That is when a light bulb went off in my head - this was it, this was my path and the thing that left me feeling fulfilled at the end of the day."

Now, Flannery - who is married and the father of a three- and 12-year-old - is planning to put the skills he is learning at the Wood Technology Program to use in starting his own business.

"The new age of woodworking relies on CNC machinery and because of the technology, my physical issues no longer stand in my way of a bright future," Flannery said.  

"We believe in being part of the solution to the manufacturing skills gap. Our goals with this scholarship program are simple: Grow the American manufacturing industry. And support veterans returning to civilian life and in search of their next career," Doherty said.

Flannery said the scholarship will help go a long way in helping him to afford the training he needs. "My family and I will benefit greatly from this - and in more than just monetary value," he said. 

The Manufacturing Institute, in its publication, From Military Front Lines to Manufacturing Front Lines: Veterans and Your Workforce, concluded from research it conducted, that ex-military personnel make excellent manufacturing workers. The report specifically calls out certain traits that veterans typically possess that meld well in the manufacturing industry such as: ability to readily learn new skills and concepts; leadership skills; understanding of the value of teamwork; performing well under pressure; respect for procedures; being attuned to global and technological trends as well as health and safety standards; along with others.

The natural fit of veterans with manufacturing has also been called out by other military and manufacturing organizations including Military.com – the largest online military and veteran membership organization with more than 10 million members.

For More Information Contact:
Jonathan Alonso, Marketing Director, [email protected]

SOURCE CNC Machines

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