The Gilbert Foundation: Helping Our Veterans Become Certified in Current or New Trades Most veterans have developed specialized skills and accumulated years of experience while in the military. But unfortunately, those skills don’t always directly translate to positions in the civilian world. And even when they do, many businesses require that their employees also secure expensive certifications to qualify for their jobs. The mission of the Gilbert Foundation, a non‐profit 501(c)(3) headquartered in Richmond, VA, and founded by U.S. Navy veteran Nicholas Pinero, is to bridge that gap between military service and civilian employment. We fund training for job-seeking veterans in trades that require certifications that cannot be funded through the Post 9-11 G.I. Bill or in cases where benefits have been expended.* The Gilbert Foundation also partners with companies that require specific trade certifications to not only help veterans find employment but also help these companies fill their positions with hard-working, qualified employees. It’s a win-win for the entire community!