WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

The Cycle to Success

It all began in the 60s when a 12-year-old boy, proud owner of a Schwinn bike, asked his parents, “Can I ride across the US on my bike?”

After 50 years, the resounding answer is now “YES!” At What’s Next, we have the privilege of interviewing exceptional Americans who have served our country and those who have served them. This month, we are thrilled to introduce you to Scott Watson, a veteran and cyclist.

Putting the Pedal to the Pavement Scott, a Naval Academy graduate, served as a submarine officer. Currently, as in, actually now, he is on a bike ride across the U.S. We caught up with him (literally) in the middle of his tri weekly 55 mile bike ride. He pulled over on the side of the road to take our call to talk about transition and we know that you will be glad he did.

Scott’s military journey started with a desire to follow his older brother into the Coast Guard academy. However, his father suggested exploring the Naval Academy, which he found appealing. After graduating in 1983, he transitioned into the reserves after his submarine career.

Getting on the Right Path

Scott attributes his successful transition into the civilian workforce to transition classes he took and the professional contacts he developed while in the military. Seeking advice from those who had already transitioned proved beneficial. He sought out those who had transitioned out 3-5 years ahead of him for advice and it worked. He was recruited out of the military by Eastman (Kodak) where he was surrounded by patriots who appreciated the military and sought to hire veterans.

Beware of Bumps Ahead

But it wasn’t always this smooth. In contrast, Scott made a career move later to a small private equity firm where he was the sole military veteran.

He was called for a two week deployment which proved to be very disruptive for the company. He says, “Being in a super dynamic, high level, private sector role within a smaller company was a challenge as the company needed to back fill my role in my absence.” Having no contact with Scott during his two-week deployment, the company struggled! While the inevitable roadblocks will appear, it’s essential to have a mindset to be prepared and go the distance.

Scott offers a few key points to help you in your journey:

1. Be mission oriented. Go on the mission. Accomplish the mission. Leave it all on the field. Find what you want to do, and pursue it with no excuses.

2. Maintain your integrity. Between his Christian upbringing and military experience, Scott had a strong foundation. Companies hire workers they can trust when no one is looking.

3. Never bilge your shipmate. Take ownership of your own mistakes. Never let a shipmate get blamed for something you are responsible for. Don’t blame others for your shortcomings or failures.

4. Find a great network. Start with alumni associations, which consist of like-minded individuals who are eager to assist one another.

5. Try different things. Embracing new opportunities opens doors and helps you grow. Scott’s multiple career pivots, from big to small companies and startups to pharmaceuticals gave him the tools to be where he is today.

Going the Extra Mile! (Or, 3,423 Miles)

On the topic of trying new things, let’s get back to riding across the US on two wheels, powered by one’s own legs. We asked the quintessential burning questions.

Why? Scott says, “It’s been a lifelong ambition and I’m thrilled to say that after 50 years of dreaming about it, I’m joining a few of my USNA brothers, and we’re going to just do it. Not only does it fulfill a lifelong personal dream, but it also supports a great cause.

Who are you supporting?

They chose to raise funds for veterans through “Operation www.navy-cycling.com

Heal Our Patriots,” a program that has helped over 1,500 couples overcome marriage difficulties.

After presenting the idea to their organizer, John Hultz, they got the green light.

Their goal is to send 16 couples, equivalent to approximately $100k in funding. The program allows combat-wounded veterans to reconnect with their spouses and engage with other couples who have faced similar struggles in the Alaskan outdoors. With an impressive success rate of over 80%, the program has proven transformative for these couples. Now that’s something to ride for!

Where and when? Their journey begins in Whidbey Island, WA on August 22. 2023. They aim to arrive in Annapolis, MD on October 5, covering a distance of 3,423 miles.

If you are a post-9/11 veteran seeking assistance for marriage concerns, know that there is help available for you. To follow and support Scott and his team, visit www.navy-cycling.com or find them on the following social media channels:

Twitter: @navycycling83

Facebook: Navy ‘83 Ride Across America

Instagram: @Navy83Ride

YouTube: NavyCycling83

More information and QR Code on the next Page >

Questions, looking for resources or answers?

Reach out to Eve at: eve@bandofhands.com www.linkedin.com/in/eve-nasby-given-hiring-expert www.bandofhands.com