Vets Who Code

Announcing big updates on Vets Who Code in our State of the Union Address! Get ready for an inspiring look at how we’re changing lives, one line of code at a time! ??

Vets Who Code is more than a coding program—we’re a lifeline. Jerome’s words below reflect the heart of our mission: real people, real challenges, and real opportunities. From veterans seeking purpose to families rebuilding after loss, we’re here to open doors. If this resonates with you, we invite you to stand with us. ?????? ?? Read his full post. It’s worth your time.

Celebrating Jean Bartik and the ENIAC Programmers: Pioneers of the Digital Age This Women's History Month, VetsWhoCode is honored to highlight Jean Bartik and the ENIAC Programmers, a group of brilliant women who were instrumental in the development of the first general-purpose electronic digital computer, ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). Their pioneering work laid the groundwork for the digital revolution, making them true architects of the modern world. ?????? Jean Bartik, along with her colleagues Betty Snyder, Marlyn Meltzer, Ruth Teitelbaum, Frances Spence, and Kay McNulty, were recruited to perform complex mathematical calculations and program the ENIAC. Initially hired as "computers," their role quickly evolved, and they became the first programmers, debugging and programming the ENIAC to solve critical problems for the U.S. Army during World War II. The achievements of Bartik and her team were monumental, yet their contributions were largely unrecognized for decades. They developed foundational programming techniques such as subroutines, loops, and conditional branching, which are still fundamental in computing today. Their work on the ENIAC revolutionized the computing world, reducing the time required for calculations from months to minutes, and opening new possibilities across various fields. Despite facing significant gender barriers in a male-dominated field, Jean Bartik and the ENIAC Programmers persevered and excelled. Their legacy is not only in the technology they developed but in the path they paved for future generations of women in STEM. They proved that women could excel in computing and engineering, challenging the stereotypes and restrictions of their time. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us honor the groundbreaking contributions of Jean Bartik and the ENIAC Programmers. Their innovation, determination, and pioneering spirit continue to inspire and remind us of the critical role women have played—and will continue to play—in shaping the technological landscape. ?? Learn more in the first comment ?? #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #JeanBartik #ENIACProgrammers #DigitalPioneers #WomenInSTEM #TechPioneers #Innovation #BreakingBarriers #WomenInTech #WomenLeaders #LegacyOfBrilliance https://buff.ly/hBPvGIN

Celebrating Annie Easley: Powering Progress with Brilliance and Determination ???? This Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode is excited to honor Annie Easley, a trailblazing mathematician, computer scientist, and rocket scientist whose work powered the United States into the future of space exploration and energy innovation. ?????? Annie Easley’s career at NASA (and its predecessor, NACA) spanned over three decades, during which she made invaluable contributions to cutting-edge projects, most notably her work on the Centaur rocket. Her calculations helped pave the way for the development of space shuttle launches and modern satellite systems—such as GPS and weather satellites—that are critical to today’s communications and navigation systems. Easley’s journey began in an era marked by significant racial and gender barriers. Despite these obstacles, she not only persevered but excelled, earning a degree in mathematics and transitioning from a “human computer” to a skilled programmer in languages like FORTRAN and SOAP. Her adaptability and technical brilliance also contributed to the development of energy conversion systems, including the battery technology used in early hybrid vehicles, illustrating her lasting influence on both aerospace and energy sectors. But Annie Easley’s impact went beyond her technical contributions. As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, she mentored countless young women and minorities, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Her work and dedication broke down the very barriers she faced, opening the door for future generations of innovators. This Women’s History Month, let’s honor Annie Easley’s legacy of innovation, resilience, and advocacy. Her contributions to NASA and beyond continue to inspire a world of possibilities and remind us all that barriers are meant to be broken. Join us in celebrating Annie Easley, a true pioneer whose brilliance and determination continue to light the path for future generations. ?? Learn more about Annie Easley’s groundbreaking contributions to space and energy innovation in the comments below! https://buff.ly/gjfbWu4

Looking Back to Move Forward: Revisiting Our 2020 JAMstack Radio Episode In 2020, our Executive Director, Jerome Hardaway, joined Brian Douglas on JAMstack Radio to share the story behind Vets Who Code — why the organization was founded, what makes our curriculum different, and how veterans were pivoting into tech careers during a global recession. At the time, Vets Who Code had helped 252 veterans learn software engineering and secure roles in the industry. As of 2025, that number has grown to well over 300 — and the mission continues. The episode dives into: ? Why Vets Who Code chose JAMstack and JavaScript early on ? The emphasis on real-world development practices, not just tutorials ? How accessibility, serverless, and API design are baked into the curriculum ? The mindset shift from "projects" to building products that solve problems It also highlights our core belief: “Code is meant to tell a story — one that the next developer can understand and build upon.” That conversation, recorded in a moment of global uncertainty, still resonates today — because the values haven’t changed: ? Mission-driven learning ? Community over competition ? Products over projects ? Veterans building real impact through software Whether you're hiring, mentoring, or looking to support the next wave of developers from non-traditional backgrounds — this is an episode worth revisiting. #VetsWhoCode #VeteransInTech #JAMstack #TechForGood #ProductOverProjects #CodeNewbie #WebDevelopment #InclusiveTech

Celebrating Dr. Mary Golda Ross: A Trailblazer in Aerospace Engineering & Native American Excellence ???? This Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode is proud to honor Dr. Mary Golda Ross, the first Native American female engineer and a pioneer in aerospace engineering. ???? Dr. Mary Golda Ross made groundbreaking contributions to the U.S. space program and is one of the first women engineers at Lockheed Martin. A proud member of the Cherokee Nation, she helped develop satellite systems, spacecraft designs, and rocket trajectories, playing an essential role in shaping the modern aerospace industry. Ross’s innovative work during the Cold War era paved the way for space exploration and defense systems, from the NASA space program to modern-day satellite communications and weather forecasting. Her brilliance in aerospace engineering continues to impact our world today. Despite facing significant challenges as a Native American woman in a male-dominated field, she remained a trailblazer who defied the odds and pushed the boundaries of what was possible. She also served as a mentor and advocate for future generations of women and minorities in STEM. As we celebrate Dr. Mary Golda Ross this Women’s History Month, let’s honor her legacy of perseverance, diversity, and innovation in technology and space exploration. ?? ?? Learn more about Dr. Mary Golda Ross and her monumental contributions to space exploration in the comments below! #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #MaryGoldaRoss #NativeAmericanExcellence #AerospaceEngineering #STEM #WomenInTech #PioneersInSTEM

Honoring the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC): Pioneers of Military Service in WWII This Women's History Month, VetsWhoCode proudly recognizes the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), an essential and groundbreaking group that paved the way for women’s integration into the U.S. military during World War II. ?????? In 1942, as the U.S. faced an unprecedented global conflict, the WAAC was created to allow women to serve in non-combat roles, freeing up men for combat duty. These brave women were assigned to a wide range of critical tasks, including clerical work, telephone operations, and vehicle maintenance. Their service was essential to the war effort, ensuring that the military’s infrastructure ran smoothly both at home and abroad. Although initially met with resistance, the WAAC proved indispensable. Their service laid the groundwork for the eventual full integration of women into the U.S. Armed Forces. By the end of the war, over 150,000 women had served in the WAAC, and their contribution was a pivotal moment in the history of the military and women's rights. As we honor these remarkable women, let us reflect on the barriers they broke and the opportunities they created for future generations. The legacy of the WAAC stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the invaluable contributions of women in the armed forces. ?? Learn more in the first comment ?? #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #WAAC #WomenInMilitary #WWII #PioneersInService #Trailblazers #WomenVeterans #MilitaryHistory #BreakingBarriers #WomenEmpoweringWomen #HistoryMakers #WomenOfValor

Eileen Collins: Breaking Barriers in the Sky and Beyond ???? This Women’s History Month, VetsWhoCode honors Eileen Collins, a trailblazing astronaut, U.S. Air Force pilot, and the first woman to command a space shuttle mission. Her career is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and breaking barriers in both the military and space exploration. From the Cockpit to the Stars Eileen Collins’ journey to the stars began in the U.S. Air Force, where she became one of the first women to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1978—just two years after the Air Force first allowed female pilots. She went on to become: ?? A C-141 Starlifter transport aircraft commander, logging over 5,000 flight hours ?? The first woman to become an Air Force Test Pilot School instructor ?? A colonel in the U.S. Air Force, paving the way for more women in aviation Her excellence in aviation led to her selection as a NASA astronaut in 1990, setting the stage for her groundbreaking achievements in spaceflight. Making History at NASA Eileen Collins didn’t just fly—she led. She made history in: ?? 1995 – Became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle (Discovery, STS-63), which included a historic approach to Russia’s Mir Space Station. ?? 1997 – Piloted STS-84, a crucial mission to resupply the Mir Space Station. ?? 1999 – Became the first female commander of a space shuttle mission (STS-93), leading the launch of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, one of NASA’s most advanced telescopes. ?? 2005 – Commanded STS-114, the first shuttle mission after the Columbia disaster, playing a key role in restoring confidence in the shuttle program. A Legacy of Leadership and Inspiration Collins retired from NASA and the Air Force, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations of women in aviation, STEM, and space exploration. She has since become a mentor, speaker, and advocate for women in aerospace and leadership roles. Her journey proves that barriers are meant to be broken. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor Eileen Collins—a woman who took flight in more ways than one, showing us all that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning. ?? Learn more about Eileen Collins’ historic achievements in the first comment. #VetsWhoCode #WomensHistory #EileenCollins #WomenInSTEM #BreakingBarriers #SpaceExploration #Leadership https://buff.ly/yGA8xV2

?? Fresh gear, same mission! Spring is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe—while making an impact. Every purchase from Hashflag Shop directly supports Vets Who Code, helping veterans transition into tech careers. ?? 100% of proceeds go to providing veterans with the coding skills, mentorship, and career support they need to succeed in software engineering. Whether you grab a hoodie, a tee, or a mug, you’re helping change lives. ?? Rep your support for veterans in tech. Wear the mission. Spread the word. ?? Shop link in the first comment! #VetsWhoCode #HashflagShop #VeteransInTech #ShopForGood #TechForGood #SpringRefresh #SupportVets #CareerTransition

?? Speed Up Your Debugging Process with GitHub Copilot ?? Debugging code can be one of the most time-consuming parts of development—but what if AI could make it faster and more efficient? Enter GitHub Copilot: your new debugging assistant. ??? Here’s how GitHub Copilot can level up your debugging process: ?? 1. Real-Time Debugging in Your IDE No more hunting for syntax errors or dealing with uninitialized variables. GitHub Copilot flags issues as you type, suggesting fixes instantly, saving you hours. ?? 2. Interactive Debugging with Copilot Chat Use natural language to troubleshoot: "Why is this function throwing an error?" Copilot Chat gives you instant, context-driven answers and even offers suggestions for refactoring code for better performance. ?? 3. Analyzing Pull Requests GitHub Copilot goes beyond IDEs—integrate it directly into pull requests to identify potential issues before merging, suggest code improvements, and even generate test cases for your functions. ?? 4. Slash Commands for Faster Fixes Command your AI assistant with simple slash commands like /fix to apply quick fixes, /tests to generate relevant test cases, or /explain to break down complex code. ?? Why It’s Perfect for Veterans in Tech Transitioning into tech from military service often means juggling new tools, languages, and workflows. With GitHub Copilot, you can speed up your learning process, gain insights faster, and focus on writing better code. ?? Pro Tip: Even if you’re not actively job hunting, using tools like GitHub Copilot helps you stay sharp and efficient, which can set you apart during interviews and in your current role. Want to learn more? Try out GitHub Copilot for free and see how it can optimize your workflow today! ?? #VetsWhoCode #TechForVets #GitHubCopilot #VeteransInTech #AI #Debugging #TechCommunity #CareerGrowth #SoftwareDevelopment #CodingJourney #Veterans #AIinTech