Finding your next mission after military service

We often speak of love at first sight in the context of romance, but I experienced that feeling when it came to my calling. From the moment I looked skyward at my first Navy Blue Angels Air Show when I was five years old, I was in awe. A few decades later, I found myself in the cockpit of one of those famed F/A-18 Super Hornets — flying in formation over my hometown and in love with my mission. 

Over the next quarter century, I rose through the naval ranks, eventually taking command of Pensacola’s historic naval air station. As the first Blue Angel (and African American) to hold the position, my path upward wasn’t always easy — but it was clear. From the moment I first put on my uniform, I knew where I wanted to go: up. 

That changed in 2016 when, after nearly three decades of service, I retired from the military. I was honored to serve this great nation for 27 years in many capacities, but decided it was time to move on to my next chapter while continuing to serve others. I knew my passion was leading teams, helping them drive to achieve better results and  outcomes. I wanted to continue to challenge my leadership skills in a different way. Ultimately, I still wanted to serve the military in some way.

Supporting servicemembers in civilian life

After overseeing a 25,000-person military installation, I knew I had much to offer: a competitive skillset, a commitment to service and teamwork and deep leadership experience. But, like many of the 200,000 servicemembers who transition to civilian life every year, I wasn’t sure how to make the leap out of the military — personally or professionally. 

As I prepared to retire, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop working. I needed a job, but I wasn’t sure how to find one — or even where to start looking. Like many in my proverbial boat, I wasn’t sure how to translate my skills and experiences into applications for jobs with corporate titles. When I did land my first post-service job, as the General Manager (GM) at a public utility company, I wasn’t sure what to make of corporate culture and office life. 

Perhaps most importantly, I wasn’t sure how — or where — to capture the mission and purpose that guided my journey in the military. 

After serving three years as a GM with a public utility company I was called to a new purpose at Navy Federal Credit Union. Now, instead of protecting our national security, I help members of the military community, especially  those who, like me, are transitioning out of service.  

There are some businesses where you can ask 100 people, “What is your mission? What is the focus of your organization?” And you may get 100 different answers. At Navy Federal, if you ask that question to the more than 25,000 of our employees, you will get the same answer: Our members are the mission.

As a veteran, being able to work in an organization where we are all focused on the same level of world-class member service makes it so much easier for me to stay committed to what the actual goal of our work is.

At Navy Federal, we offer products and services that help our members achieve their life goals, whether that’s paying off a car loan or sending a child to college. We place a special focus on transitioning servicemembers to civilian life. We offer financial advisors who can help create financial plans that integrate your military benefits with your civilian financial goals. We’ll help you make the most of every benefit you’ve earned.

Strategic partnerships

I’m thrilled to further this mission as head of our new department of Military Affairs and Strategic Partnerships. We’re strengthening our focus on helping members achieve financial and housing goals, amplifying our philanthropic impact in military communities and advocating for policies that help us serve their unique needs.   

We’re partnering with groups that provide community support and raise awareness around challenges facing transitioning servicemembers and military communities, such as the USO, The Mission Continues and The Bob Woodruff Foundation. 

At the same time, we’re building on existing programs and partnerships with DogTag Bakery, a fellowship program that teaches entrepreneurship skills to veterans, military spouses and caregivers as they find purpose after service; the Honor Foundation, which helps men and women transitioning out of Special Operations forces; Portraits For Patriots, which provides free professional headshots to veterans and families; and others.

Community impact

We practice what we preach, supporting transitioning servicemembers on the inside, too. Nearly half of our branch employees have direct ties to the military, a percentage that continues to increase through partnerships with SkillBridge, a program of the Department of Defense, and Hiring our Heroes. We also provide support for military spouses and conduct in-house research to identify the best careers after service, the best places for veterans to launch businesses and more.  

It’s no surprise that we’re often recognized for our commitment to the military community. This year alone, we’ve been named a best bank for veterans by the Motley Fool, a best VA lender by Money.com, a best employer for veterans by Military Times and a top veteran-friendly company by U.S. Veterans Magazine. 

In short, we understand and appreciate the incredible value that members of the military bring to the workplace and their communities — as well as the challenges they face as they separate from service. At Navy Federal, we’re committed to making that transition as smooth as possible, so all can find a sense of security, not to mention meaning, purpose and fulfillment — and maybe, if they’re as lucky as I am, a second life calling.  

For more information on Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org.

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