OpenAI-backed workshop brings hands-on AI training to Virginia veterans

Veterans Forge, OpenAI Academy, OpenAI for Government, Carahsoft, and The AI Collective brought nearly 100 veterans and active-duty service members together in Virginia for practical AI training, pointing to growing demand for workforce-focused upskilling outside traditional education routes

OpenAI Academy, Veterans Forge, Carahsoft, and The AI Collective have delivered a hands-on AI training event in Virginia for nearly 100 veterans and active-duty service members, as workforce groups and community organizations push to widen access to practical AI skills.

The event, held at Carahsoft in Reston, focused on applied generative AI and ChatGPT use, with participants learning directly through workshops rather than passive content. The session highlights a wider shift in AI skilling, where nonprofits, local communities, and industry partners are stepping in to deliver fast, targeted training for groups at risk of being left behind by workplace change.

Ted Patterson, Product & GTM Engineer at reelist and Regional Director & Founding Member at The AI Collective, wrote on LinkedIn: “Just wrapped an OpenAI Academy event here in Virginia, and I’m 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩 from the energy in the room. 🔥 Nearly 100 veterans and active-duty service members picked up essential AI skills, and took a strong step into the future.”

He framed the event as an example of what can happen when local partners align around workforce access, adding: “This is what real collaboration looks like, and this is the kind of work that puts Virginia on the map in the AI era.”

Veterans targeted for practical AI upskilling

Veterans Forge describes itself as a nonprofit focused on helping veterans build skills in AI and future technologies, with an emphasis on hands-on training, mentorship, and transition into civilian tech careers. In this case, the training was delivered with support from OpenAI Academy, OpenAI for Government, Carahsoft, and The AI Collective.

The event appears to have centered on practical AI use rather than high-level discussion. Patterson noted in his LinkedIn post that attendees had gained “essential AI skills,” while follow-up comments invited participants to request material from a lesson on custom GPTs.

Other attendees also described the workshop as an entry point into applied AI. Zully G. Goya Paz, An Executive Strategy & Operations Leader and USAF Veteran, wrote on LinkedIn: “Today I learned how to build my own AI agents—and it was only the beginning.” She connected that directly to employability, adding: “Access to free, hands-on AI education helps our community stay competitive, explore new career paths, and continue serving through innovation.”

Nick Kesler, who attended the event, placed the training in a workforce context, writing on LinkedIn: “The goal is simple - make sure veterans aren’t left behind as AI reshapes the workforce. Today is a meaningful step in that direction.”

Community-led delivery is becoming part of the AI skills picture

The event also shows how AI training is increasingly being delivered through regional networks rather than only through colleges, employers, or national programs. The AI Collective describes itself as a nonprofit grassroots community spanning founders, researchers, operators, and investors across major tech hubs, while its Hampton Roads branch is positioning itself as a local access point for AI events, support, and partnerships.

Patterson made clear that the Virginia event is not being treated as a one-off, writing that similar momentum would be brought to Hampton Roads next. S

Carahsoft’s role as venue host also points to the growing overlap between public sector technology ecosystems and workforce skilling. The company works across government, education, healthcare, and private sector technology markets, making it a natural meeting point for public-interest AI training efforts.

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