June 30, 2025
Lending a Hand with Mountaineer Food Bank
At CMI2, giving back to the community is a big part of who we are. While our primary focus is on defense innovation, we’re equally passionate about making a positive impact in our local communities.
In late June, some of our team members from the Adaptive Experimentation Facility at Fort Andrew, along with our 2025 Ignite program interns, teamed up to support the Mountaineer Food Bank in Clay County, West Virginia. It was a great example of our values in action: working together, serving others, and making a local impact.
A Day of Impact
On June 26, our volunteers got an early start at 6:30 a.m., ready to dive in. Everyone pitched in to pack, stack, and load up boxes of food essentials.
Thanks to their hard work, families across West Virginia were able to get the food support they needed. It was a reminder of how important community connections are when it comes to fighting food insecurity.
Special thanks and a shout-out to team leads Eric Thomas and Travis Ferrell for keeping everything running smoothly, and to Ignite interns Emmah Burchette, Mackenzie Edwards, and Madison Morton for their energy and dedication.
Empowering Future Leaders with Ignite
Our 2025 Ignite internship program is designed to provide Clay County High School students with hands-on experience and opportunities for growth.
Through this program, interns take on a variety of meaningful tasks that enhance and expand their skills and leadership abilities. They contribute to Experimentation by supporting special events and domestic operations, ensuring smooth execution and valuable insights. In Technology Integration, interns assist with course and site development as well as red teaming support, helping to enhance training and evaluation efforts. In the area of Community Involvement, they implement strategic partnerships, conduct community outreach like volunteering for the Mountaineer Food Bank, and lead engagement initiatives that strengthen ties between the institute and the local community.
By volunteering at events like lending a hand to support the Mountaineer Food Bank, our interns develop leadership skills and deepen their connection to the community. These experiences will stick with them for years to come.
Ongoing Commitment
Our work with the Mountaineer Food Bank isn’t just a one-time thing. Since 2023, our team has regularly volunteered to help distribute food in Clay County, making sure families continue to get the support they need.
We’re also proud that our own Walter “Wally” Hatfield, CMI2’s Vice President of Experimentation and Training, serves on the Mountaineer Food Bank Board of Directors. His involvement underscores our commitment to supporting and engaging local organizations.
Ultimately, these efforts exemplify our long-term commitment to supporting and strengthening communities across West Virginia.
