Friends of THF: I hope that you and your families are doing well, keeping cool over the summer, and enjoying some vacation!
As THF celebrates our eighth anniversary this year, we are also celebrating the opening of our eighth campus. Though it may take a while to fully sink in – having six physical locations and two virtual programs –we are moving full speed ahead with these new beginnings at THF! This summer, we launched a second virtual program (THFv) to run simultaneously with our existing program to serve more members of the SOF community who are outside the reach of our physical campuses. Remote Fellows now have more opportunities to prepare for their transition experience with The Honor Foundation in the spring, summer and fall. To spearhead these virtual programs we welcomed THF Alumnus (retired SEAL Command Master Chief) Bob Newman to join Mindy Hill to execute our threemonth Additionally,curriculum.weare thrilled to open campuses near Eglin AFB, FL and in Tampa, FL in August to serve the men and women in uniform in these communities. THF Alumni (retired Green Beret) Cally Wood and (retired SWCC Master Chief) Dan Snyder will be leading the way as the Directors of these programs, along with THF Alumnus Kelsey Segalini as the Program Coordinator in Eglin and Kathleen Watson as the Director of People in Tampa. A massive thank you to the Wounded Warrior Project for their continued support to the SOF community and bringing the THF mission to Florida!! Our fundraising efforts have also expanded across the nation. Over the past few months, we’ve been spotted in Nashville for our first-ever benefit dinner there, and popped over to Dallas with the Surefox team for an impactful (and toasty) networking event. This fall, be on the lookout for the THF Team in San Diego, Austin, Houston and Washington, D.C. for more THF events! Read more about our fall schedule in the following pages and at honor.org/event.
Summer 2022 Issue 007 Pg. 04 Here We Grow Again: Meet the newest addditions to the THF Family Pg. 07 Programs CongratulationsUpdate:to our Spring and Summer 2022 Fellows! Pg. 13 Spotlight on 8x8: Meet another valued Employer Partner of The Honor Foundation THF Briefing A Message from Matt Stevens, CEO
As always, thank YOU to all of our supporters, volunteers, partners, donors, faculty, coaches, mentors, the THF board, staff and their families for standing by our side and giving us the power to continue our mission to serve the Special Operations community with honor, for Withlife!honor and respect, Matt Stevens THF CEO Pictured: THF Team at San Diego CampusPictured: Surefox and The Honor Foundation in Dallas
Transitioning from uniform takes time, patience, dedication and focus. THF is here to support your journey so you do not have to undertake your experience alone. When you are within 24 months of separation THF is your best resource to prepare, and execute your transition! THF is here to serve you for life, Apply now!
The Honor Foundation (THF) is a career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces that effectively translates your elite military service to the private sector and helps create the next generation of corporate and community leaders. We are here to serve you with honor for life, ensuring your next mission continues to make an impact on the world.
OF DIRECTORS
BOARD Harry Leonhardt Chairman J.Scott Adams Dave Alberga Heidi Fearon-Barker Matt Bigge Marc Brown John JeromeJustinBurnhamConnollyDavidJankeKing Lyla LTG(ret)FrankKohistanyMullerMike Nagata Samantha Rist Jon GregSkinnerSmithLarrySolomonMattStevensRichardWells
THE HONOR FOUNDATION IS A 501(C)(3) TAX EXEMPT, NATIONAL NON-PROFIT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION. TAX ID # 46-2952873
Page 3 www.honor.org Contents 2722211813100704 Here We Grow Again Programs ConnectionsUpdateOutside of the Classroom Spotlight On: 8x8 Fuel for our Mission: Event recaps Expanding our Reach Upcoming Events: Fall Fundraisers THF in the News
THF STAFF Matt Stevens CEO Michael Halterman VP of Operations Janie Livesay VP of Programs & Curriculum Kelly McGraw VP of Impact Lindsay Cashin VP of People Kathy Leming Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications Bob Newman Director of Virtual Programs Cally Wood Director of Programs Eglin Daniel Snyder Director of Programs Tampa Michael Higgs Director of Programs San Diego Mindy Hill Director of Virtual Programs Phil Gant THF Intern Fort Bragg Sean Carano THF CampInternLejeune Anna Silverman Program Coordinator Fort Bragg Jillian Staats Program Coordinator Virtual Kelsey Segalini Program Coordinator Eglin Ryan Nixon Program Coordinator Virtual Stephanie Haines Program Coordinator Virginia Beach Stephanie Nguyen Program Coordinator San Diego Ashley Brown Director of People Virginia Beach Hillary Hays Director of People San Diego Kathleen Watson Director of People Tampa Rachel Drew Director of People Fort Bragg Samantha Stapleton Manager of People Camp Lejeune Hailey Juneau Impact Coordinator Jessica Hunt Director of Impact West J.P. Tuthill Director of Impact Central Renee Booth Director of Impact East
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“You can’t find your place in this world if you’re not being yourself.”
Bob DirectorNewmanofVirtual Programs
Anna ProgramSilvermanCoordinator, Fort Bragg Anna was born and raised in Chicago but has lived in Southern Pines, NC for the last nine years with her husband and two children. Her husband is an Air Force PJ stationed at Fort Bragg. She received her PMP certification in December and has a bachelor’s degree in biology. Samantha Stapleton Manager of People, Camp Lejeune Samantha has a Communication,inbackgroundPsychology,andLeadershipwithanemphasisontrauma,PTSD/PTSandTBI--specificallywithin the Special Operations community and vulnerable youth populations. She believes that a part of transitioning from military service is rediscovering who your authentic self really is, outside of what was “issued” to you.
Here
Cally DirectorWoodof Programs, THF Eglin Cally retired from the U.S. Army after serving 20 years, 17 of them as a Green Beret with 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and is also a THF Alumnus from Group 47. He currently resides in Gulf Breeze, Florida, where he loves to engage in his hobby of amateur deep-sea fishing with his wife Sonjia.
Bob retired in May 2019 after serving for nearly three decades as a U.S. Navy SEAL. He has served as a OperationsSpecial leader throughout his career, building high-performing teams and conducting our nation’s most sensitive operations. Before his retirement, he served as the Command Master Chief of both SEAL Team TWO and SEAL Team Eighteen. He then went on to run a leadership development firm where he brought his leadership acumen to more than a dozen companies in the private sector. Bob has brought his “human first” leadership style home to the Honor Foundation and helps run our Virtual Program to deliver world class remote transition education for our Special Operations service members.
Jillian ProgramStaatsCoordinator, THFv A Navy brat, transfer student, forever ”new girl”, and JillianVirginiatransplantrecenttoBeach,isveryexcitedtoembarkonhernextchapter supporting the mission of The Honor Foundation. Bringing a background of design, marketing, administration, and a decade of support roles, she is thrilled to bring her experience to the Virtual Program as a Program Coordinator! Kathy TampaDirectorWatsonofPeople,Campus Kathy is a high energy, solvingstrongpeople-personcreative,withrelationshipmanagementandproblemskills.Sheiscommittedtobuilding strong teams and creating trusted partnerships. Strategy, action and results-oriented with attention to detail and ability to navigate organizational politics, are her strong suit. Kathy is unafraid of challenges We Grow Again Meet the newest additions to the THF family.
Exercise Science from Florida State University and a M.S. in Logistics Management from Florida Institute of Technology. Kelsey was a fellow in THF Group 51 and believed so passionately in our mission that she jumped at the opportunity to join the team as the Program Coordinator for the Eglin campus.
Sean Carano THF Intern, Camp Lejeune Sean is a proud father, Marine Raider, and THF Alumnus. He resides Wilmington,inNCwithhisthreechildren.Seanisacombatveteran who has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds a BA from the Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) and an MA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his children and training for Spartan races and triathlons.
Kelsey EglinProgramSegaliniCoordinator,Campus
Dan DirectorSnyderof Programs, Tampa Campus After serving 31 years in the U.S. Navy, Dan retired from active-duty on December 31, 2021. Dan joined the Navy to be an analyst,intelligencebutafter the events of September 11, 2001, he screened and was selected to join Naval Special Warfare as a Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC). He served in that role for 20 years leading at every level within the SWCC community, ultimately retiring as the Command Master Chief of Special Boat Team TWENTY. Dan has a M.S. in Strategic Leadership and attended the Columbia Business School’s Executive program for Digital Business in 2018. Dan was a fellow in The Honor Foundation Group 39 and has joined the THF team as Director of Programs of the Tampa, Florida Campus. Rachel DirectorDrewofPeople, Fort Bragg Rachel is coming to THF with over 14 years of classroom strong,experienceteachingwhereshewasaleaderinbuildinglastingrelationshipsin the classroom and community. She is a lifelong learner that strives to bring order and consistency to chaos. A SOF military spouse for 12 years, Rachel has a deep respect and understanding for the extraordinary talents this community has to offer. She is ready to share her passion for talent development, problem solving, and relationship building with the Fort Bragg Community.
Page 5 www.honor.org and excited to bring her experience and energy to The Honor Foundation.
Kelsey was raised in Melbourne, FL. She served as an Army SheSpecialOfficerLogisticsintheOperationscommunityforovereightyears.hasaB.S.in
THF Board of Directors
Richard serves on the board of directors of the Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization focused on assisting combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured veterans and their families, as well as on the board of the Honor Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on assisting Special Operations Forces transition from active duty to the private sector.
Richard Wells
THF Board of Directors Richard Wells has over 20 years of experience in investing and advising managers of high companies.technologygrowthHejoinedInsightin
Lyla Kohistany
ASergeantMasterGregorySmithistheCEOofTIGREGlobalSolutions,Inc.GregstartedhiscareerwiththeUnitedStates Air Force in 1990. In September 2001, he was part of the first team to deploy overseas after the terror attacks on 9/11. In 2013 Greg was selected as Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command Europe, where he led forces in Ukraine, Turkey, and Syria. In 2015, Greg became the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for NATO Special Operations Headquarters. Greg finished his military career serving as USSOCOM’s Senior Enlisted Leader. He is currently the CEO of TIGRE Global Solutions, Inc. He and his wife reside in Orchard Park, New York and enjoys running, hunting, and Buffalo Bills football.
Retired Command Chief
Here We Grow Again cont’d
Richard worked in product management for enterprise data protection products at Veritas Software (now part of Symantec), and in field sales for Paciolan Systems (now part of Ticketmaster). He previously was with Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV) and began his career with Mercer Management Consulting.Richardreceived a BS from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude) and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Page 6 The Honor Journal
2005 and focuses on investments in application software, infrastructure management, DevOps, and Priorcybersecurity.toInsight,
Lyla is an
THF Board of Directors
Advisor.CulturalStrategistInclusionandIntelligenceBorninKabulandarefugeeoftheSovietconflict,shebeganhercareerin2001asaU.S.
Navy Surface Warfare Officer, but the attacks on 9/11 prompted her to serve as a Counterterrorism Analyst working alongside U.S. and NATO Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan. Lyla currently works with USSOCOM as a Senior Cultural Advisor for Afghanistan, and is a key speaker on global forums and media platforms. She is the co-founder and director of two national nonprofits; PROMOTE and Honor the Promise. Her extensive memberships include global, national, and local leadership programs, volunteering as an Ambassador for the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation, and service on the Advisory Council for the Global SOF Foundation. Lyla is also pursuing a Doctor of Education, is a Star Wars aficionado, enjoys travel, and spends every free moment with her niece and nephews.
Greg Smith
Fellows! Pictured: Group 48 Pictured: Group 50 Pictured: Group 51 Pictured: Group 52 Pictured: Group 49
The Honor Foundation is proud to celebrate the achievements of our Fellows who completed the program this spring and summer -- both virtually and in-person: Group 48 (San Diego), Group 49 (Camp Lejeune), Group 50 (Fort Bragg), Group 51 (Virtual), Group 52 ( Virginia Beach), and Groups 53 & 54 (Summer Virtual) – 301 Alumni. THF is honored and grateful to play a part in the transition journey of these remarkable men and women. These Special Operators are not only leaving as THF Alumni with a renewed sense of purpose and an arsenal of tools to successfully complete their next mission in life, but also with bonds and friendships that last well beyond their time spent at THF. 2022
Program Updates & Graduations Congratulations to our Spring and Summer
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COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKAGE DEADLINES Spring
If you are or know a member of the Special Operations Forces community who is 12-18 months from leaving active duty service, please encourage them to apply to our program by visiting honor.org/apply. 2023: December 15, 2022 April 15, 2023 (*virtual cohorts 1,
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only) Fall 2023: August
New THFDeadlines:Applicationisnowacceptingapplicationsfor2023Cohorts!
In addition to each graduation offering a unique experience, they are a milestone for both our mission and the Fellows in the program, as it brings together worldclass Tribes of faculty, coaches, mentors, leaders in the military community, employers, and supporters. Transition involves more than just the Fellow -- the journey is shared with family, friends and a network of advisors who are standing by and eager to serve those who have served us. Thank you to all those who have shared the special evening with THF -- Fellows and their families, Alumni, THF board members, staff, coaches, mentors, donors, faculty, and all honored guests. A special thank you to our honored commencement speakers Jon Skinner, CEO of PSP Partner; Pierre Naude, CEO of nCino; Harry Leonhardt, General Counsel at Poseida Therapeutics & THF Board Chairman; CAPT Matt Hickey (US Navy, Ret.); H. Malcolm Stewart, former President & COO of Camden Property Trust; John Burnham, Intel Strategy and Mission Command Integration at Accenture Federal Services; and Harold Bologna, Retired Navy SEAL and current Guide for the Warrior PATHH program at the Travis Mills Foundation for their inspiring words! Thank you to the Navy SEAL Foundation , PayPal , Carrington Charitable Foundation , Wounded Warrior Project , Surefox North America and Bob Woodruff Foundation for your continued support, the THF Board of Directors, THF Tribes of Support, all of our Nonprofit and Community Partners, THF Alumni and honored guests. These celebrations would not be possible without you.
2023 Completed Application Package Includes: 1. Submit online application 2. Submit two letters of recommendation from a peer/superior/THF Alumni 3. Submit a basic resume 4. Schedule an Interview with campus Program Director *Instructions for steps 2-4 will be sent upon completion of online application
Summer 2023:
THF Camp Lejeune at nCino
A special shout out to Blue Mind Coworking Space for allowing us to continue to create a collaborative learning environment with your members during business hours!
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Pictured: THF Tampa at Baldwin Risk Partners
THF Florida: THF Opens Campuses at Eglin and Tampa
This fall, the Camp Lejeune campus will have a new home for classes – at nCino!
The Honor Foundation is thrilled to announce its program expansion to Florida! Two new locations, near Eglin Air Force Base and Tampa, FL -- will be powered in part by THF’s partner, Wounded Warrior Project. These new campuses will expand THF’s offerings to serve the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Special Operations Command - Central (SOCCENT) and all other Special Operations Forces in those areas.
THF Eglin and THF Tampa will be the seventh and eighth campuses for The Honor Foundation, with other locations in San Diego, Virginia Beach, Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg, and two virtual campuses as of summer 2022.
Thank you to nCino Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Naude; President and Chief Revenue Officer, Josh Glover; and Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Involvement, Zedrick Applin, for this incredible opportunity and space to host our Fellows.
A New Home For THF Camp Lejeune
THF’s People Team organized a hybrid of Treks -- with several campuses having the opportunity to do inperson visits while all cohorts participated in virtual treks -- all to provide a learning opportunity to Fellows across all THF campuses. This spring, Fellows visited Nashville, TN and Austin, TX in addition to businesses in their own backyard – Orange County, San Diego, Virginia Beach, Wilmington and Cary.
OutsideConnectionsof the ClassroomFellowstravelto
THF Treks are one of the pillars of the THF Program -- an opportunity for Fellows to immerse themselves in various companies and organizations to learn about roles, culture, operations and a variety of industries. With this experience, Fellows are able to meet with business leaders in their area and travel to a metropolitan city to expand their knowledge, create new connections and practice their networking skills –all to help with their transition after active duty service.
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Nashville and Austin for Treks
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THF sincerely appreciates your valuable time, efforts and continuous support of the organization and the military community.
THF cannot be more grateful to all the individuals and companies who helped make these events a success for the spring groups:
Thanks again for sharing your time with the Fellows!
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Our impact is growing. Year-over-year, with the additions of new campuses and seminars, The Honor Foundation continues to march forward to reach more transitioning members of the U.S. Special Operations Forces community. In 2022, we made visits to Army SOF at Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Carson, CO; Joint Base Lewis McCord, WA; SEALs in Coronado, CA; Raiders at Camp Lejeune, NC; Joint SOF in Tampa, FL and many more. A special thanks to the JANUS program, USSOCOM Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition), Chris Lord and Jeff Pottinger for sharing your expertise to the men and women in the SOF community!
Our 2022 Reach:
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Info Sessions Workshops Seminars
These are companies and organizations who have hired men and women from our program and/or who have generously given us their time, resources and connections in an effort to help build a stronger network for our Fellows after service — a community post community.
We’re excited to introduce another valued Employer Partner of The Honor Foundation and an Alumni who is now part of their family.
“Hiring from the Special Operators community allows us to source talent with intangible skills that prove hard to find elsewhere: grit, flexibility, and problem solving in imperfect and stressful conditions, to name a few. They know when to lead, when to follow, and do all things with integrity. Special Operators bring an invaluable combination of skills to an ever changing business environment, and we welcome their expertise here at 8x8.”
Jake Miller (JM): a.Relax. You’ve earned this transition. You are marketable and you will find your job, your career, your purpose. Allow yourself time and latitude to explore the quality of life you’ve been preparing for for all these years. It took you several years to learn, practice, and gain proficiency in your military career. You should expect a similar learning curve going through and past transition.
Spotlight On: 8x8
Matt Herber (MH): Be patient. You are leaving a career where you are the SME and potentially entering an industry that you will not understand. Give yourself time to get adjusted and to begin a new learning process.
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An interview with: Sam Wilson CFO Galen Takamura Sr Project Manager, QTC Transformation Natalie BonDurant Investor Relations Sydney Fox Talent Acquisition Mike Weiner Director, Global Financial Services
Q1 What advice do you have for those who are experiencing transition?
Matt Herber THF Alumnus 8x8 Equity and Payroll Operations Lead Jake Miller THF Alumnus 8x8 Sr. Manager, Internal Audit and Sox Compliance
JM: Developing my WHY, finding my PURPOSE, and listing my PREFERENCES. They were all very different than what I had in mind before THF. I came to realize that my purpose and preferences prior to THF were only aligned with my “status quo”. I had not considered anything other than contracting and working overseas because that was my comfort zone and what I’ve known for 22 years. After discovering my WHY and listing preferences I found that I wanted something very different. Focusing on happiness and quality of life after transition became my priority. It led me to pursue career options closer to home and even working from home became an option.
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MH: Deployments allowed me to see different parts of the world and create a new perspective on what things I find important in life. It expanded my horizons and helped me grow as a person. My emotional intelligence definitely benefited from an increase in empathy.
Galen Takamura (GT): We are fortunate to leverage incredible Veteran Support Organizations like THF, providing immediate access to support systems to expedite learning through mentorship, insights, and an expanded network. Do everything you can to get around others supportive of your goal to transition. Identify and seek out those who have what you want and inspire you to grow. Also, work towards bypassing the standard resume submission process by networking and building meaningful relationships to gain direct access to recruiters and hiring managers - this is how I was afforded an opportunity at 8x8. Finally, you will be highly successful and be excited about paying it forward, as so many have done ahead of us. It’s normal to be unsure of your choice and yourself as you venture into the unknown. What you think you want today may not be what you want a year from now, and that’s ok. Remain open-minded and enjoy the experience of exploration. Most importantly, if you’re married, ensure you are in constant communication with your spouse, as the transition is a family effort.
The transition will be one of the most challenging things you’ve done to date. Leaving a tight-knit community, having to learn something new, the stress of a job hunt, financial uncertainty, and a lack of being understood can leave anyone apprehensive. Just as you would on any deployment or operation, keep moving forward to better your position. Reach out to anyone willing to talk, network, ask questions, and above all, set dreamexpectationsmanageable-youlikelywon’tlandyourjobonthefirstgo!
Mike Weiner (MW):
Sam Wilson (SW):
Treat it like a mission. It has an objective, intelligence, supplies, operations, etc.
Q2 What experience shaped who you are?
- Jake Miller
“Allow yourself time and latitude to explore the quality of life you’ve been preparing for for all these years. It took you several years to learn, practice, and gain proficiency in your military career. You should expect a similar learning curve going through and past transition.”
b.Have frequent and candid conversations with your spouse about your goals, preferences, values, etc. Transition can feel very lonely so we have to take advantage of our fellows and mentors as well. The THF coaches are incredible and can be an excellent sounding board for you.
Lastly, being in the military taught me to learn through experience. All the lessons I’ve had post-Army have been lesions because I was willing and able to do an AAR.
GT: Having my first kid affected how I viewed my priorities and changed my perspective on life. After missing too many milestone events of my daughter’s first three years, the desire to be present drove my decision to depart a profession I enjoyed and respected. However, I have no regrets, as I work in a fully remote capacity today and cherish every moment with my wife and kids.
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The Honor Journal MW: I can’t say there is just one. Our individual experiences and perspectives make us who we are today, big and small. If I were to generalize, I would say the military was the biggest contributor to who I am today. Sydney Fox (SF): As Mike said, I don’t think that there is one experience that I could pinpoint and say that made me who I am. But generally speaking, I think the military has heavily influenced my life and who I am today. Growing up as a military brat, I was raised to face hard things head-on and with a go-get ‘em attitude. I was surrounded by a diverse group of people and learned how to find common ground with anyone I talked to. Now as an adult, I am a military spouse. Between being thousands of miles away from family, training, and a deployment - I have learned how to be adaptable, strong, and have a positive outlook even when things are really just… shitty.
Natalie BonDurant (NB): LIFE! Finding a lesson or opportunity for growth in the toughest of situations.
“Just as you would on any deployment or operation, keep moving forward to better your position. Reach out to anyone willing to talk, network, ask questions, and above all, set manageable expectations - you likely won’t land your dream job on the first go!” - Mike Weiner
Q3 What is your favorite interview question? MH: Tell me about yourself….and not reciting your résumé but talking about where you come from and who you are as a person. MW: Please tell me about the most challenging situation you’ve had to overcome, either professionally or personally. I also really like Galen’s and will steal that from now on. SF: What are you really good at, but never want to do anymore?
SW: I grew up in a military household and happily took an ROTC scholarship. The military made me successful, and in particular, being Ranger qualified. Small unit tactics are the most significant leadership lab in the world. It teaches mission accomplishment, no excuses, being a good teammate, being a leader, and so much more. Being a Ranger teaches the ability to suck it up, get it done, plan, communicate, and most of all, leading the way.
GT: Tell me about a time you failed. I like this question because I have many failure stories to choose from. I can’t say I’ve never enjoyed failing, but I value the lessons learned and the character developed through adversity. NB: +1 to Galen (great minds!) I love this question because it also allows for a follow up “so what did you do next?/ how did you fix it?” It allows the interviewee to elaborate on how they problem solve.
SW: What was your favorite job? I want to see if the job we are interviewing for fits.
MH: Max flex! As with any mission, your day to day tasks or projects can quickly change due to unforeseen consequences of actions that might not have been yours.
Q5 yourmakesWhatthecultureatcompanyspecial?
Q4 What similarities did you find between your role at 8x8 and your previous experience in the SOF community?
JM: Teamwork and camaraderie are valued at 8x8. Your ideas and experiences are welcomed. The team room may be virtual but team members take care of each other.
“From an organizational perspective, it is clear from the top down that people come first. From a team perspective, I am impressed with the intelligence and capability of teammates, with everyone willing to go beyond their scope to support the collective whole.”
MH: 8x8 emphasizes the importance of promotesbalancework/lifeandit.
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They have also demonstrated the desire for more SOF personnel at the company because they understand the potential.
Read the full Spotlight On 8x8 feature at honor.org/spotlight-on-8x8/
MW: We’ve built a small, tight-knit community of SOF veterans who support each other on a weekly, even daily basis. Instead of having to interact with hundreds of people, we’ve built a small network across the company of truly valuable employees who can get things done behind the scenes. It helps break down the bureaucracy and red tape while keeping a positive, small team-like atmosphere.
GT: From an organizational perspective, it is clear from the top down that people come first. From a team perspective, I am impressed with the intelligence and capability of teammates, with everyone willing to go beyond their scope to support the collective whole.
NB: I’ve seen several roles at 8x8 shaped around the expertise of the SOF Veteran community. With the help of organizations like THF and with the support of leaders like Sam, 8x8 has been able to translate the experiences and expertise of the SOF community to achieve various business goals.
Also, the community of SOF veterans already at 8x8 are some of the best people/coworkers I’ve worked with throughout my career, they’re continuing efforts to support one another, and the broader community is really awesome to watch and inspires others to get involved.
You have to quickly adapt to the new situation, learn via drinking from the fire hose, and finish the job.
JM: Leaders and managers value their people.
- Galen Takamura
Page 18 The Honor Journal Fuel for our Mission: Tito’s Vodka 3rd Annual Barefoot Brawl Threat Tec Charity Golf Classic THF Nashville Benefit Dinner Spring 2022 Texas de Brazil National Fundraising Campaign THF Dallas Networking Event Presented by Surefox North America Veterans United Home Loans of Hampton Roads
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From in-person events such as our Nashville Benefit Dinner and our Dallas Networking Event with Surefox to the Freedom Project spring campaign, the THF Impact Team has been busy helping to keep our community of supporters involved and tied to our mission. We are humbled by the outreach, encouragement and participation to all who take part in our events, and thankful to those who have extended their personal networks to THF.
United and BAE. The success of these initiatives gives us the opportunity to serve more Fellows and help them achieve a successful transition.
We are also grateful for our growing partnerships with companies and grantors around the country such as Navy SEAL Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Surefox North America, Paypal, Capital Factory, Texas de Brazil, Navy Federal Credit Union, Bob Woodruff Foundation, LB Charitable Foundation, Cushman, Verizon, Gov X, Threat Tec, Texas A&M University, Novatech, Bass Berry & Sims, Colliers International, South Rock Ventures, Veterans
& Lizzie Bommer The Bondick Family The Carroll Family Steve & Mara Fredrickson Brian & Jennifer Fetterolf The Gomez Family The William Kallop Family The Kendall Family Skip McKee and Meg Reynolds The Miller Family Brett Paschke & Family The Van Gorp Family
For questions about the Leadership Circle, contact Kelly McGraw (757) 753-3108 kelly@honor.org , Thank you to everyone who has given their time, talent and financial support to THF in 2022 so far!
Page 20 The Honor Journal In 2022 The Honor Foundation stood up our first giving society, THF Leadership Circle. Thank you to these dedicated individuals and families who have committed to annual Leadership Circle financial support for the SOF community.
Matt & Sharla Wilson FrankNickdeVenogeKhera
The Skinner Family Roy & Emily Burns
Be on the lookout for an event near you! In the next few months – we’re hitting San Diego, Austin, Houston, Washington, D.C., New York and more! We look forward to seeing you at our events soon!
Eric
THF + Wounded Warrior Project
“Surefox is proud to be a dedicated sponsor and, to partner with The Honor Foundation,” said Brian Sweigart, Chief Operating Officer, Surefox. “After getting to know THF in 2021, we are beyond impressed by the work they do to support our transitioning military veterans, specifically the Special Operations community. Their efforts to provide a meaningful transition platform to our veterans completely align with Surefox’s goals and values. We are incredibly excited about the partnership between our organizations coming up in 2022!”
“We are thrilled to be working alongside Josh, Brian, and the entire team at Surefox North America – a phenomenal organization that supports our nation’s veterans in a significant way,” said THF CEO Matt Stevens. “It’s an honor for The Honor Foundation to serve our Special Operations Forces in their transitions to civilian life and it’s humbling that Surefox sees the value of that mission. We’re grateful for their support and excited to grow our impact on the lives of transitioning Special Operators.”
We are excited to announce an expanded partnership with Surefox North America earlier this year – a security consulting firm founded in 2016 by combat veterans who saw an industry-wide need for the planning, skills, and support veterans could provide. The company blends military professionalism with its clients’ unique cultures to provide tailored security solutions with discretion, integrity, and professionalism. The Surefox vision to be a company of choice for military veterans searching for a career and culture that values their skills and expertise aligns with the THF mission to support and serve our military community.
“Wounded Warrior Project understands the needs of wounded veterans, service members, caregivers, and military families are growing, and that no single organization can meet these challenges alone,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Linnington. “By working together with others, we can create a truly integrated and collaborative ecosystem of support, ensuring the military and veteran community is able to thrive long term.”
The Honor Foundation is thrilled to once again be named as community partner grant recipient of the Wounded Warrior Project to support the transitioning members of the Special Operations Forces community. This partnership plays a monumental role in the launch of our THF Eglin and THF Tampa Campuses this fall.
Expanding Our Reach
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Thank you Wounded Warrior Project for being an advocate of The Honor Foundation and our commitment to “serve others with honor, for life, so their next mission is clear and continues to impact the world.” We will go #furthertogether by combining our efforts to help military veterans succeed in their journey after active duty service.
THF + Surefox North America
Page 22 The Honor Journal September 17 | San Diego, CA 2nd Annual Swim for SOF Presented by Surefox September 30 | Austin, TX Austin Benefit Dinner October 7-8 | San Francisco, CA Fleet Week October 13 | Charlottesville, VA Benefit Breakfast October 27 | Houston, TX Houston Benefit Dinner Presented by Malcolm H. Stewart November 1-30 | Nationwide Pints for Patriots November 16 | Washington, DC Salute to SOF Presented by Surefox November 17 | New York, NY NYC Benefit Dinner November 29 | Nationwide Giving Tuesday 2022 December | Nationwide End-of-Year Giving Campaign Upcoming Fundraising Events & Campaigns Shop THF! Now available at shop.honor.org !
SOFx is a valued partner of The Honor Foundation and a great help to our recruitment efforts for future Fellows of our program.
So before you, your friends or family members are ready to checkout, make sure to link THF to your account and give those transitioning members in the SOF community a reason to smile too!
Another Way to Give!
Support Though AmazonSmile
Every time you select The Honor Foundation as your charity of choice through AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to helping Fellows and future Fellows of our program.
The Honor Foundation has partnered with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to help run our vehicle donation program. We are grateful and excited to move forward together to serve the Special Operations Forces community, especially with an experienced nonprofit who has been processing vehicle donations for more than 16 years.
Receiving Amazon packages on your doorstep isn’t the only reason to smile!
Thank you for helping to spread awareness of our program, SOFX!
Please consider subscribing to their free newsletter for the latest news and opportunities across Special Operations and the Private Military Contractor world. Sign up is on the home page : www.sofx.com and they will not rent, sell or share your data.
SOFx Supports THF
Page 23 www.honor.org
If you’d like to donate your vehicle, call 844-55-HONOR or visit The Honor Foundation’s homepage to submit a secure online donation form. You may also email donorsupport@careasy.org.
Page 24 The Honor Journal THF Today:
Page 25 www.honor.org NEW THF VIDEOS 2022 | The Honor Foundation Advice to Future Fellows of THF
Page 26 The Honor Journal NEW THF VIDEOS cont’d THF: A Warrior’s Path to Transition (Snapshot) Be sure to visit The Honor Foundation’s Vimeo channel for more videos!
WyomingWATE-TVWKRG-TVKSNW-TVFox8News
Now THF TheTheCoVABIZRippleMatchReturnMobileCoinwww.newstalkflorida.comBlogtoBaseMagazineCombatStoryGotYourSixPodcastNavySEAL.comCrossfitInvictusBlogHappeningNextGovXExecutiveBizPilotPRNewswireAddressingtheElephantin the Room SOFCastPodcastReturntoBase Podcast Visit the THF Blog and follow us on social media for more press hits and blog posts!
Page 27 www.honor.org THF in the News: TageBiospaceTalks Business podcast AFP Treasure Coast Special Operations Association of “JobAmericaEntrepreneurTalkwith Jeannie” podcast PR WFMZ-TVBenzingaWeb IND-69 SpokeBusiness Chief One New Page Global Edition NewsBlaze US Claiborne Progress Military Times Army Times Yahoo YahooAirForceNewsTimesMarineCorpsTimesNavyTimesMarketWireNewsFinancialContentFinanceHarrisWhitesellConsultingMaximizePodcastCarringtonCharitableFoundationnewsletter Intimidated Podcast Navy Times Air Force Times THFOutsiderblog: Spotlight on Dataminr Tennessee Oracle’sSDVoyagerTitansMAVEN Podcast Columbus Business First Transition Drill Podcast Wounded Warrior Project 10NewsMashed San Diego Oracle Blog PR Web D 69NewsBenzingaPRMagazineWebFox40SNNNewsOracle’sMAVEN podcast Transition Drill Podcast TheFidelityConsumer VC Podcast PR KFOR-TVNewswire
WHAT: Open Water Charity Swim WHY: To raise awareness and funds to support the Special Operations Community WHERE: Coronado Bay | Tidelands Park | USS Midway WHEN: September 17, 2022 | Race 7am–11am PST | Celebration to follow All proceeds from this event will support The Honor Foundation (THF), a nonprofit career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces that helps them translate their elite military service to the private sector and helps create the next generation of corporate and community leaders. Swim from Coronado to San Diego with Navy SEALs and elite operators from the Special Operations Forces community. Special Operators comprise the top 1% of our military and have led the War on Terror over the last 20 years. They served us and now is our chance to serve them. The Honor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, national non-profit charitable foundation. Tax Id # 46-2952873 THE HONOR FOUNDATION | honor.org | San Diego, CA 92121 For more information please contact Jessica Hunt | jessica@honor.org 619.947.1888 2ND ANNUAL SWIM FOR SOF EVENT
