Here at Cisco, we've always been proud to support our veterans. Whether it's hosting a Veterans Career Transitioning Day or providing training and certifications to give veterans a step up in today's competitive workforce, we have been lucky to be involved with so many wonderful programs over the years that give back to the men and women who have served our country. One of these great programs is the White House's Joining Forces initiative.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched the Joining Forces program in 2011 to raise awareness and rally around service members, veterans, and their families through wellness, education, and employment training and opportunities. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to serve transitioning military personnel across the country.

Back in 2013, Cisco and other major technology companies teamed up with Joining Forces to launch the IT Training and Certification Program for veterans. This program was designed to help vets prepare for and find jobs post-military by equipping them with valuable technology-related skills and certifications.

This Thursday, May 5, my colleague Michael Veysey and I will join other technology executives in the Rose Garden of the White House for an event on Joining Forces' latest efforts aimed at supporting service members and their families. Michael and I will have the distinct pleasure of announcing the latest pledge made by Cisco to empower all those partaking in the program.

Through our partnership with Joining Forces, we seek to leverage the unique experience and qualifications that military personnel possess, and help them apply those skills to high demand cyber jobs in the U.S. With the training and certifications Joining Forces provides, these veterans and their families are on course to transform today's workforce.

Be sure to check the Joining Forces website, the Cisco newsroom, and our @CiscoFederal Twitter handle and Facebook page on Thursday for the big announcement!