Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) held a graduation ceremony Dec. 8 for the 12th Human Exploitation Rescue Operation Child-Rescue Corps (HERO Corps) class. The class included seven military veterans, according to a news release published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Dec. 9.

The ceremony was attended by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deputy secretary John K. Tien, ICE acting director Tae Johnson, ICE acting deputy director P.J. Lechleitner, HSI acting executive director Steve Francis, HSI assistant director of cyber and operational technology Tracy Cormier, and HSI Cyber Crimes Center (C3) deputy assistant director H. Ray Shuler, alongside other agency officials and family and friends of the graduates.

“HERO Corps is an excellent example of what can be gained through fostering innovative partnerships between government agencies, Department of Defense partners, and nongovernmental organizations to support our wounded warriors’ transition to civilian life,” Francis said in a release. “The name of this program could not be more apt — the veterans who do this work are indeed heroes.”

“As veterans, leaving military service can often leave a void that duty, mission, and purpose once held, it is a longing to be a part of something greater than oneself and the opportunity to effect real change,” said graduate Zinasia Woolfolk in the release. “Thirteen weeks ago, my fellow HEROs and I regained a new sense of duty, mission, and purpose; our most important mission yet.”