SOTF - Special Operators Transition Foundation

Transition briefs at SOF units nationwide are one way we serve future SOF veterans! Our Director of Programs, Joshua Johnson, visits a SOF unit of active duty Operators and shares a broad-scope picture of what transition is like, how SOTF can support the Operator's unique needs in transition, and how mission success is a guarantee. If you or someone you know is stationed at JBLM/the Seattle area and is in SOF, come to our Transition Brief on Friday!

The SOTF Team is excited to announce Nicolas van Tulder has successfully transitioned into a Group Lead – Threat Prevention and Resilience role with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Nicolas is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the United States Army as a Captain after nine years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Nicolas’ accomplishments includes: 🇺🇸 Nicolas served as a Cavalry and Civil Affairs officer. During that time, he was the Special Operations Liaison to the US Embassy in Africa and led training and advising teams in Ghana and Ukraine. 🇺🇸 Nicolas delivers a deliberate perspective as a leader of diverse teams through rigorous intellectual curiosity, which helps teams see new possibilities and frame flexible solutions. 🇺🇸 Nicolas dedicates his time to building veteran and professional communities in the Portland area with the Project Management Institute and NW Veterans in Technology. He enjoys exploring the PNW’s unparalleled outdoors and bringing communities together to explore Portland’s endless food and beverage scene. 🇺🇸 “The SOTF team provided intensely individualized support to explore and articulate my passions and unique value proposition. They provide invaluable exposure to professional mentors and opportunities I never would have found alone. Ultimately, the SOTF team connected me to the opportunity of a lifetime and fully prepared me to seize it.” - Nicolas van Tulder To meet Nicolas, connect with him on LinkedIn!

Happy Independence Day, America! We hope you spend today enjoying the precious freedoms secured for us by our service members. 🇺🇸

Check out some of these talented SOTF Fellows owning their transitions! They've completed Phase I (exploring their soft skills) and are now entering Phase II of the SOTF program, which is focused on developing the hard skills of interviewing, writing resumes, networking, and more. Help them in their transition by connecting with them here on LinkedIn!

"When networking, find out what kinds of problems an organization is facing. When interviewing, explain how you are the solutions to those specific problems." - Jesse Calder On Wednesday, Joshua Johnson and Kerry Black conducted a SOTF Transition Workshop in Seattle, generously hosted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Britnie Clark and SOTF Alum Nicolas van Tulder put it together, and the day was flawless! We kicked off the day with an in-depth look at PNNL's day-to-day life, including company culture, roles that best match our Fellows' skills, and the type of work the Lab does. Tim Babcock, Seán J. Kreyling, Lauren Smith, and Kevin Gorecke shared their time and expertise with us. We began the afternoon with SOTF Alum Galen Takamura, of 8x8, Aaron Hansen M.Ed. of Visa, and Chris Whitmer of Boeing. Each of these panelists shared where Fellows would be best fit in their company and the opportunities available. Our third session focused on Jeremy Babcock (currently hiring at JFrog!), Joseph DeLuca (also currently hiring at Amazon), and Microsoft team members Ian M. and Jesse Calder. As a result of this workshop, Fellows have already found themselves recruited by the individuals and companies who joined us! The potential that arises from these workshops is indescribable, and we owe it all to the industry professionals who share their time with us. The Fellows in high demand from this workshop are: Eddie Langford, Robert Hanley, Florian L., Austin King, Matthew Root, Benjamin T., Ben Watson, Ivan Hernandez, and Jorgen Smith. Connect with these talented guys before they're off the market!

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Keyto Cooper III has successfully transitioned into an Account Manager role with Cisco. Keyto is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the United States Army as a Sergeant after 6 years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Keyto’s accomplishments includes: 🇺🇸 Keyto served in the Army with the 2nd Battalion in the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army. During his tenure, he served in different infantry roles and eventually became a Fire Team Leader. 🇺🇸 Keyto builds and maintains relationships as a trusted advisor who helps make critical decisions that directly impact the organization's success. 🇺🇸 Keyto holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance. 🇺🇸 Keyto enjoys spending time with his family and is passionate about helping others successfully transition out of the military. 🇺🇸 "I cannot thank the SOTF team enough for their support and guidance through this transition process. They provided me with every tool I needed to succeed. The preparation with the team helped me have great confidence in myself during this major change." - Keyto Cooper III To learn more about Keyto's incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn!

If you ask the most seasoned Special Operations veteran what the hardest thing they've ever had to do is, many will say it was transition out of the military. We make that tough task easier. It'll never be glamorous or simple, but we make it navigable. How? By working 1:1 with each Operator and partnering with America's best businesses looking to leverage the invaluable talent Operators bring. Use your talents to get involved at www.sotf.org Video by Jaerett Engeseth at Eyes & Ears Creative https://lnkd.in/eXC9v_gp

The SOTF Team is honored to announce that Brian Ellis, PhD has successfully transitioned into a Senior Consultant role with UHY Consulting. Brian is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a CW5 after 27 years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Brian’s accomplishments includes: 🇺🇸 Brian retired as a Master Aviator from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) During his career, Brian served as a Standardization Instructor Pilot at every echelon from platoon to theater level. He also served as a Senior Warrant Officer Advisor and Maintenance Test Pilot in the 160th. He deployed to combat four times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He also participated in hurricane relief efforts for Katrina and Rita in 2005. 🇺🇸 Brian brings formidable expertise to drive organizational efficiency and raise the level of skilled judgment in the teams with whom he works. 🇺🇸 Brian holds an AS and BS in Professional Aeronautics, a master's degree in Adult Education, and a PhD in Higher Educational Leadership and has been an advisor to executive-level leadership throughout the majority of his career. 🇺🇸 During his free time, Brian enjoys hiking with his wife Beth (who also served in combat as a Black Hawk pilot) and spending time with their two young children and Brian’s teenage boys from a previous marriage. 🇺🇸 "The SOTF Team provided me with extremely high-level and personalized coaching and mentoring to help guide me to my next career. The individualized program was a superior experience because it was tailored specifically to me and my unique situation. It gave me the tools to clearly and concisely articulate the experience I gained during my service and the value I will bring to my new role. I sincerely appreciate all the time and energy the SOTF Team put into me and helping me make my transition successful! I encourage any transitioning SOF operator to reach out to the SOTF and leverage their team's unparalleled support." - Brian Congratulations, Team Ellis, on a successful transition!

No context needed. 🇺🇸 . . United States Military Academy at West Point

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Benjamin Channels has successfully transitioned into a senior military operations analyst role with Systems Planning & Analysis (SPA). SPA provides advanced analytics, data-driven solutions, and strategic policy and program support, among other things, to help inform decisions that have had and continue to have strategic and lasting impacts on national security. Benjamin is a seasoned Special Operations Aviation leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Benjamin’s accomplishments includes: 🇺🇸 Benjamin retired from the US Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, where he was hand-selected to command a strategic support Battalion and two Army Special Operations Companies. He also served in various roles, including on the Joint Staff, Human Resources Command, and as a Liaison to an East Coast-based SEAL team. 🇺🇸 Benjamin delivers exemplary strategy as an operational analyst for the Defense industry to continually raise the bar of excellence in standards for the client and the team. 🇺🇸 Benjamin holds a Masters Degree in Military Operational Art and Planning from USAF Air Command and Staff College 🇺🇸 Benjamin spends time with his three young children and is in the process of launching a non-profit called Reveille Guitar Project, dedicated to teaching Special Operators the art of guitar building. 🇺🇸 "SOTF played a pivotal role in facilitating a soft land for me post-retirement. Through their guidance, I discovered the importance of introspection, aligning with my core values, beliefs, and family aspirations before embarking on my next career journey. Thanks to the invaluable support of the SOTF team and their extended network, I swiftly found my path forward, eliminating the uncertainty that once clouded my post-retirement plans." - Benjamin Congratulations, Channels Team, on a successful transition into the next chapter!