Columbus Technical College, along with community leaders, elected officials, and military partners, gathered today for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Workforce Development Center. The event took place at 10:00 a.m. at the future site of the facility, located at 2329 Fort Benning Road in Columbus.
The new VECTR Workforce Development Center will serve as a vital resource for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, as well as the broader community, by offering career training, academic programs, and workforce readiness services. The facility is named in honor of Col. Ralph Puckett Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and decorated Army Ranger whose legacy of service continues to inspire generations.
President Martha Ann Todd of Columbus Technical College welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the partnerships that have made the project possible. “This facility will bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers, ensuring our veterans and military-connected students have the tools they need to succeed,” said President Todd.
Guests also heard heartfelt remarks from Col. Puckett’s widow, Mrs. Jeannie Puckett, who reflected on her husband’s lifelong commitment to service and the importance of continuing his mission to support military families and veterans.
The ceremony included remarks from the mayor of Columbus, military representatives, and project partners, followed by the ceremonial turning of the soil. Guests also had the opportunity to view renderings of the state-of-the-art facility, which will feature specialized labs, classrooms, and career resource areas.
The Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. VECTR Workforce Development Center is expected to open in the summer of 2026, further solidifying Columbus Technical College’s role in supporting workforce growth and economic development in the Chattahoochee Valley.
