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Special Operators Transition Foundation assists SOF veterans with the successful transition into their next great careers.

"Pick your bus before you pick your seat on the bu

"Pick your bus before you pick your seat on the bus" - Bridget Miller, @oracle
One of the greatest takeaways from our Nashville Workshop last week was when Bridget encouraged our Fellows to find their passion...their "why." That's the bus. Once they know the bus they want to be on, they can pick their seat (the company, job title, or industry).
What's your bus? What drives you?
Videography by @jaerett of Eyes and Ears Creative

For this week's #military Transition Tuesday, we'd

For this week's #military Transition Tuesday, we'd like to congratulate Justin Chandler! Justin is a native of Texas. He enlisted in the Army as a Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer in 2003. During his 12 years in this role, he deployed twice to Iraq for a 12- and 15-month combat rotation with the 3rd Infantry Division and three years with NSA Georgia.
Following his time in Military Intelligence, Justin attended Special Operations Civil Affairs Assessment and Selection. After being selected and completing training, Justin was assigned to the 91st and 97th Civil Affairs BN (SO)(A) and the 83rd Civil Affairs BN, 18th Airborne Corps. During his time with Civil Affairs, Justin served on two overseas rotations and various training events in Africa and Southeast Asia, where he supported sensitive activities and Department of State projects.
“The Special Operations Transition Foundation was an amazing resource during my transition from active duty. Each program phase helped me develop and leverage skills to build a robust network, find mentors, and identify and target industries that complimented my past experiences," Justin says. "The SOTF community and network are invaluable and something I will be a part of and utilize for the rest of my private sector career. Justin advises, "I highly encourage transitioning SOF vets to join the program. You must own your transition, but SOTF is a team you want in your corner.”
With the help of SOTF, Justin accepted a position as Senior Project/Program Manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Blue Cross NC is an independent, fully taxed, not-for-profit licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving 4.3 million members with healthcare benefits. In his new role, Justin will aid in developing and managing projects to serve those members better.
Please join us in congratulating Justin!

In remembrance of the tragedies of 9-11, The Speci

In remembrance of the tragedies of 9-11, The Special Operators Transition Foundation would like to say thank you to all who were affected by this day. To the families of those who lost their lives, to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who took the fight to those who did us harm. To their families who suffered during deployments and worse. We thank you for your courage and strength. We thank you for your sacrifice and commitment to our American values.
We proudly stand next to you, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, as we support those who have given so much.
Our thoughts are with you this day, and our prayers are with you always.

We couldn’t be more excited for the Nashville is

We couldn’t be more excited for the Nashville is Grateful 2023 golf tournament and Country Music Jam Fest coming up on September 18 at the Old Hickory Country Club!🎻 The golf tournament is sold out, but we have a great line-up including the War Hippies for the Country Music Fest and tickets available here: https://sotf.ticketspice.com/2023-nashville

It's #Military Transition Tuesday! Steve Love, a n

It's #Military Transition Tuesday! Steve Love, a native of Illinois, enlisted as an Army Infantryman in 1990.
In 1994, Stephen attended the US Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection course, and then the 18C Special Forces Engineer Sergeant Course. Stephen was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group Mountaineering Team. In 2000, Stephen attended the US Army Warrant Officer Course and then the US Army’s Rotary Flight School program. He was awarded the Army Aviation Badge and Aeronautical designation of a CH-47D (Chinook) Army Aviator. In 2001, he was assigned to Camp Humphreys, Korea, as a Chinook Pilot in Command.
In 2002, Stephen became a MH-47 (Chinook) pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment where he spent the next 21 years. He achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 before his retirement.
“Many soldiers transitioning from active-duty service hear stories of how difficult the process can be. The Army has a decent program called TAP that meets the needs of most transitioning soldiers. The program fails to assist those looking for next-level positions that fill a desire and purpose. For me, this is where The Special Operations Transition Foundation stepped in. From the beginning of the program, my thought of who I was and what I could achieve was presented to me in an amazingly orchestrated way. Each program phase helped me develop and leverage skills to build a robust network, find mentors, and identify and target industries that complimented my past experiences. As I continue to mentor other soldiers, I continually communicate my appreciation for the members of SOTF and how valuable they are for transitioning Special Operators.”
With the help of SOTF, Stephen accepted a position as Principal Program Coordinator, in support of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS), with Cruz Associates, Inc. (CAI). In his new role, Stephen will interpret and refine requirements to deliver capabilities to the warfighter that are visionary, relevant, timely, fiscally responsible, maintainable, and supportable throughout their life cycle.
Congratulations, Steve! We're honored to have been part of your transition journey.

Are YOU ready for this years Golf Tournament in Na

Are YOU ready for this years Golf Tournament in Nashville?⛳️ September 18 is right around the corner! Get involved: https://sotf.ticketspice.com/2023-nashville

Don’t miss out on this event, tomorrow evening i

Don’t miss out on this event, tomorrow evening in Denver, CO. Welcome special operators looking to make Colorado their home after they finish serving our country. Come hear George Piro- lead interrogator for Saddam Hussein share his fascinating story. Tickets here: https://sotf.ticketspice.com/colorado-is-grateful-sponsorships

#military Transition Tuesday, Lance Burnett, a ret

#military Transition Tuesday, Lance Burnett, a retired Air Force Special Operations Colonel with over 26 years of service, served operationally as an MC-130H navigator in Asia, Europe, and South America. Following staff tours at Air Force Special Operations Command and Headquarters, Lance commanded the 550th Special Operations Squadron. In the latter part of Lance's career, he served at Headquarters, Special Operations Command Africa, and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) before his final assignment at HQ, U.S. Special Operations Command, where he retired in September 2022.
Following his career transition, Lance joined Deloitte Consulting as a Manager in Core Business Operations. Lance found the firm's values, commitment to excellence, and dynamic and collaborative work environment very similar to what he had experienced in his military career.
Lance joined the Special Operators Transition Foundation in July of 2021. Lance attended the service-provided transition assistance program but still felt unprepared to pursue a challenging career with a private company. "My first conversation with Tommy Stoner and Dennis Hayashi alleviated many of my concerns right away, and Melba Holliday at the Atlantic Leadership Group shared her experience from working with corporate executives to help me bring my unique attributes into sharp focus. I was impressed with the concentration on experienced service members and special operators, the phased approach they take with each fellow, and the network of industry partners and resources the organization makes available to its fellows," says Lance.
"The transition from military life is challenging, whether you are separating or retiring, and the task of preparing oneself and one's family for a multitude of issues is daunting. The mentoring and expertise the team brings to help operators identify potential career opportunities and effectively market themselves are incredible. I was humbled to have the opportunity and grateful for the outcome," Lance says.
Congratulations, Lance! It's an honor be part of your transition journey.

Don’t miss your chance to win this custom-made r

Don’t miss your chance to win this custom-made rifle!
https://sotf.ticketspice.com/sotf65-grand-sweepstakes

For this week's #MilitaryTransition Tuesday, we wo

For this week's #MilitaryTransition Tuesday, we would like to congratulate Rick Hodges on his new position with Cadre General Contractors.
“I cannot thank the SOTF team enough for their role in my military transition. With the help of SOTF, my level of self-awareness increased tenfold. I highly recommend taking full advantage of the executive coaching you’ll receive and using that new knowledge about yourself as a compass when choosing a job. The SOTF team was all extremely professional, but even more important, they all genuinely cared about me and my future success. I never felt they were merely going through the motions; that sincerity made this transition so much easier. I want to especially thank Melba Holliday, PCC, CRP, FCA and Dennis Hayashi for always being there for me anytime I needed them. Even after my work was complete with Melba, I could still reach out and meet with her if I needed anything, which meant the world to me. Dennis was there, too, anytime I had a question or needed advice on anything professional, he was there. I cannot say enough good things about the entire staff at SOTF, and I will be forever grateful for all their help in my transition. Transitioning into the civilian world can be scary, but the team at SOTF made the transition a lot less intimidating. If you are a SOF veteran, I highly recommend working with SOTF in your transition. I can guarantee you will not regret it.” - Rick Hodges

Seattle, you've been good to us. Very good. Last

Seattle, you've been good to us. Very good.
Last week we hosted a workshop and networking social for our Fellows in the Seattle area. From practicing their self-marketing skills face-to-face with peers and industry professionals, to informational interviews, to networking, the day was packed with valuable opportunities for self-growth. Our Fellows may be Special Operators trained for long and complex missions, but a SOTF Workshop manages to tire them out!
We had a variety of industry professionals curated to the needs of our Fellows in attendance, including:
- SOTF Alum Brandon Ulrick with Slalom Consulting
- Chris Whitmer with @boeing
- Christopher Brown with the Washington State Fire Academy
- SOTF Alum Kaley Sirak Harder with Raft AI
- Jeremy Babcock with @ibm
- Bryan Barnett with @stillguamish.tribe
- Aaron Shepherd with @edwardjones
- Sean Kreyling with @pnnlab
Aaron Jones and his team at @edwardjones generously sponsored this event and its Operators in attendance, and @thewacseattle graciously hosted us.

You're invited to join us for a webinar presenting

You're invited to join us for a webinar presenting @AAFMAAmortgageservices, covering the financial changes to expect during and after transition.
TOMORROW at 6pm EST
This webinar is tailored to service members, veterans, AND spouses - if you can’t make it but your spouse can, please share the invite! All are welcome.
Register here:
https://bit.ly/aafmaaforsotf

#MilitaryTransitionTuesday James Grady is a nativ

#MilitaryTransitionTuesday
James Grady is a native of Texas. He enlisted into Active Duty from San Antonio in July of 2002 and completed Infantry Basic, Airborne School, and Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) and was assigned to the 3rd Ranger Battalio, The 75th Ranger Regiment , U.S. Army. James completed eight combat deployments with the 75th RR, holding various positions from machine gunner, fire team leader, and special operations canine handler.
In 2013, James applied for and was selected to the Green to Gold – Active Duty Option program and was admitted into Columbus State University ROTC. He graduated, was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in 2015, and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) - US Army. James most recently completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 2 (RASP2) and was selected for assignment back to the 75th Ranger Regiment, this time as a Commissioned Officer. He will retire in July of 2023 after serving 21 years on active duty and almost 17 years in Special Operations as both Enlisted and Officer.
“The Special Operators Transition Foundation was a tremendous resource during my transition from active duty. Each program phase helped me develop and leverage skills to build a robust network, find mentors, and identify and target industries that complemented my past experiences. The SOTF community and network are invaluable and something I will be a part of and utilize for the rest of my private sector career. I highly encourage transitioning SOF vets to join the program. You must own your transition, but SOTF is a team you want in your corner.”
With the help of SOTF, James accepted a position as a Debt Capital Markets Associate with Drexel Hamilton. Drexel Hamilton is headquartered in New York City and is the only 100% Service-Disabled Veteran owned and operated investment bank specializing in training Veterans for a career in the finance industry. In his new role, James will assist in every aspect of capital markets analysis and underwriting and works remotely from his home in Columbus, GA.
Congratulations James! It was such an honor to be part of your transition journey!

It's Transition Tuesday! Today, we would like to c

It's Transition Tuesday! Today, we would like to congratulate Pierce Roberts. Pierce is a native of Sonoma, California. In 2014, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a dual degree in International Relations and German and was commissioned as an Army Aviation Officer. Following U.S. Army Flight School, Pierce served as a platoon leader and executive officer in the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Pierce attended Special Operations Civil Affairs Selection and Assessment (CAAS) in 2018 to pursue his passions in line with his college education. With a Thai language focus, he deployed twice as a CMOC Deputy Chief and a Team Chief to Southeast Asia in support of Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC). In 2022, Pierce decided to transition from the military and continue his career in Aviation.
“SOTF provided a strong foundation for my transition from the Army. Their team of experts garnered a tailor-made experience to fit my professional needs while serving as a guiding mentor to becoming a better-rounded person. The process of exiting military service can be daunting and discourage taking leaps of faith to pursue lifelong dreams, but the SOTF team gave me the courage to be bold and dare to try. I am grateful for my experience and cannot wait to give back to this organization.”
With the help of SOTF, Pierce accepted a position at Allegiant Airlines.
Congratulations, Pierce! We're honored to be part of your transition from the military and look forward to seeing all the great things you do at Allegiant!

For those who are transitioning out of the militar

For those who are transitioning out of the military, you won't want to miss this free virtual discussion. RSVP now at: https://lnkd.in/gdUxUFxK

Transition Tuesday-Brian Hughes is a native of Mas

Transition Tuesday-Brian Hughes is a native of Massachusetts. He was commissioned as an Aviation Officer in the Army from East Tennessee State University ROTC in 1993. After graduation, Brian completed Aviation Officer training and served as an Air Cavalry Officer.
In 2001, Brian was selected to join the 1-160th Special Operations Regiment(Airborne) “Night Stalkers,” where he completed months of rigorous training. Upon graduation, Brian was assigned to B Company, 1-160th SOAR (A) as an AH-6 “Little Bird” Special Operations Light Attack Platoon Leader in the only unit of its kind in the U.S. Department of Defense. Brian spent the next 20 years in various positions of greater responsibility with the Special Operations, Joint and conventional communities. He finished his career as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Special Operations Command Africa in Stuttgart, Germany.
“Special Operations Transition Foundation is and was an incredible resource and opportunity to learn about myself and the future during my transition from active duty. Each phase helped me develop and leverage skills to build an amazing network, find mentors, and identify and target industries that accentuated my past experiences. The SOTF community and network are indescribably valuable and something I look forward to being a part of, supporting, and utilizing for the rest of my civilian career. I strongly encourage transitioning SOF vets to join the program! Your transition is your own, but having a resource of dedicated and passionate supporters on your side, willing to drop what they are doing for you, is a value beyond description. The SOTF is only improving; get on board and grow in your transition!”
With the help of SOTF, Brian accepted a position as Solutions Development Manager for the Special Operations Portfolio at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated. GA-ASI is the Nation’s leader in providing world-class armed and unarmed Unmanned Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance support to our Special Operations warriors and international customers.
Congratulations, Brian! We're incredibly happy for you and grateful to be part of your transition journey.

Check page 15! Thanks to Golf Central Magazine for

Check page 15! Thanks to Golf Central Magazine for including our Nashville golf tournament on September 18! For more information on how you can join, please visit: https://sotf.ticketspice.com/2023-nashville

Check out our Q2 2023 SOTF Summer Newsletter - and

Check out our Q2 2023 SOTF Summer Newsletter - and learn how you can win a custom-made AMBI Precision Rifle while supporting our nation's heroes; also, see a list of our upcoming events in cities near you.
https://mailchi.mp/sotf.org/q2-2023-sotf-summer-newsletter-13719388?fbclid=IwAR3h95lK3mvOFk7Yrzxokqn-leu4sYCGyBCtjaIEWLlLvDUH1NeLtN7s-9s_aem_ARiIg0fF7CRf0S9z7BaJACOAlXeG4aYswctzboTxeXe5AA9_FFPnaO1rxJMXN5dXa94

Instagram post 17983184174485345

Instagram post 17983184174485345

"I think of a Hero as someone that understands the

"I think of a Hero as someone that understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom." ~Bob Dylan~
The Special Operators Transition Foundation wants to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July. We hope you get the opportunity to spend this special day with the ones you love.
Please don’t forget about the brave men and women that are away from their families to ensure we all stay safe and free.

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