Breaking Barriers: A Glimpse into Lima Platoon

As Lima Platoon approaches midpoint of their 14-week Bootcamp, we wanted to take some time and  highlight some of the amazing students making up the current cohort! Lima has veterans from across the country representing the four different military branches.

Chase Thorpe is participating in Code Platoon through the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge Program. As Chase finishes his last few months of service in the Navy doing Network Security, Skillbridge allows him to pursue educational opportunities to ease his transition into civilian life. “I hope to round out my skill-set,” Chase said. “I want to further prepare myself for a software career in the civilian sector.”

Carole Ouedraogo is a veteran from the US Army where she trained in Quartermaster Logistics and Supply school. She went on to join the Ohio National Guard for three years. Upon completion of her service, Carole wanted to transition into a more IT-related field. Carole said once she found Code Platoon “The timing could not have been better!”

Mackey White split his six years in the US Marine Corp between serving as an infantryman and in a Marine Security Guard unit. Mackey joined Code Platoon to learn the skills necessary for a career as a software engineer. “There isn’t a place better to do that than Code Platoon,” he said.

After 21 years of serving in the United States Air Force as a weather forecaster, Aaron Wood was wondering what to do after he retires this Fall. The Master Sergeant also found Code Platoon through the DoD Skillbridge program and decided to pursue software development.

“I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of development and see where my career can take me,” Aaron said.

Keep up the great work Lima! We are looking forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish by the end of the program!

Brenna Koss is Code Platoon’s Development and Operations Coordinator. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Greensboro in Political Science and French. In her free time, Brenna loves to travel and spend time with friends and family. Follow Brenna on LinkedIn.