HKY4Vets’ Post

EDGES OF THE RETIREMENT 4 Retirement, is about moving from a position of authority to a position of influence. I know, I know -- everything else but work is about influence. Influence -- being able to influence and being able to be influenced -- does more for our collective fabric than authority. Submission & subsuming to authority, abdicates many decisions for you. We collect that decision making into rank, into position. I for one -- am going from leading a staff of 300 members & 300-400 students on any given day, to leading a staff and manager of one. Hi, I'm the one. But it's not about replacing -- it's about gathering the positions & places you've been, then releasing them all to go back into the wild. Life, is always about influence. But more so covert influence than overt influence. As a cadet, we learned about positional vs personal power. Personal power is always there, always on the skin. Positional power is what covers the person -- the honorarium and regalia that come into the room, before the person shows up. People choose and want different aspects of their power to show up before them. Even the jobs we choose, connote a part of positional power onto them. We choose jobs and careers -- not just for the easy days, but for the days we never imagined as well. To be called upon -- is as much position as it is personal. But the reason, the quick response card, the initial report -- is different based on who we were vice who we're returning to be. #military #transition #uscg #coastguard #workforceagility

Retiring With Honor: Ranking the 15 Best (and 15 Worst) States for Veteran Retirees Best ~ ~ ~ Best: Virginia Best: Florida Best: Minnesota Best: Maryland Best: New Hampshire Best: Alaska Best: South Carolina Best: Maine Best: South Dakota Best: Connecticut Best: North Carolina Best: Alabama Best: Hawaii Best: Massachusetts Best: Utah Worst ~ ~ ~ Worst: Vermont Worst: Nevada Worst: District of Columbia Worst: Oregon Worst: Washington Worst: New Mexico Worst: Mississippi Worst: California Worst: Rhode Island Worst: Iowa Worst: Illinois Worst: Ohio Worst: New York Worst: Georgia

Last Friday marked the conclusion of an incredible journey as I celebrated my retirement from the Air Force at The Eagle Pub in Cambridge. It was more than just a ceremony—it was the culmination of 21 years, 8 months and 8 days of service, growth, sacrifice, and unforgettable experiences. To everyone who joined me, thank you for making this milestone all the more meaningful. Your presence was a reminder of the bonds forged over the years, the shared laughter, the trials, and the countless missions that shaped who I've become. Reflecting on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. From the early days of uncertainty to the moments of clarity that only come with perseverance, every step has been a lesson in resilience, leadership, and purpose. Air Force Special Operations taught me the importance of dedication, teamwork, and finding meaning even in the toughest of circumstances. But this chapter would never have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, colleagues, and those who stood beside me when the path ahead seemed most daunting. As I step into this new chapter, I carry forward the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the unyielding belief that the best is yet to come. Thank you all for being a part of this journey. Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and the pursuit of purpose beyond the uniform. To the next big step on humble beginnings and finding meaning and purpose. #Retirement #NewBeginnings #AFVeteran #SpecialOperations #Gratitude #Purpose

I appreciate the CAPT’s thoughts, but find them to be too well-trod a path: “take care of your people,” “mentor and teach others to mentor,” and “keep a journal of quotes.” While this is all decent advice, I would like to see the second part of this: the how. Human beings are wired to learn through story. Instead of “here’s what I did and why it was great”, sub in “this is how I was mentored (or not) and learned the importance of teaching mentorship.” Instead of “take care of your people,” try “here’s how I was taken care of.” Change “keep a journal of quotes” to “when someone does something that impacts you as a leader, whether for better or worse, writing it down helps you to remember the impact of your actions on those you are trusted to lead.” The bones are there, but the real gold is in the marrow.

EMBRACING THE NEXT EDGE It was a good run. Like any run -- You run your race, get your medals, then get out the way. And today, I get out of the way. Today, after more than 23 years of military service, I hang the uniform up, forever. You think about it and plan for it, then it happens. Granted -- military culture doesn't hand out Gold Rolexes when you hang the uniform up. I served in a culture too late for that fancy of a gift. But, If you think about the Gold Rolex cultures -- honoring a career wasn't about the gift. Retirement was about the legacy, the litany of the laudatory. Those great hours in the arena, come after those dark hours to get there. It was about sacrificing, & returning to, the freedom. Once more into the fray. Once more, to keep going. Forward, always. The tradition of these gifts, can call back to at least the arenas of Ancient Rome. Gladiators who earned their freedom, would take a wooden sword, a Rudis, with them into retirement. Having fought their fight, they earned their freedom, then left the arena for a new generation. They left the arena, to probably never return as fighters themselves. They entered whatever the "Old Guard" or vanguard was called in their eras. Then you're there. And you have to ask yourself, what do I do with that? How do you inspire another generation to face their darkest hours? How do you prevent over commiting yourself, while you're staring at your own progression & decline? How do you know, when you know? Those questions come to each of us, in their own way. And those questions, always come. But for a brief moment, for a small pause, all of those questions are fully and perfectly answered. Then once more, you choose a new fray. It was a great run. And the die has been cast. #coastguard #uscg #training #retirement #military

We're doing our FINAL PCS this summer as we're retiring from the Navy, and I have to share this resource I've used every move for years. The Powerhouse Planning Move Binder has your back. This useful guide helps you stay organized and on track, gather all your information in one place, feel strong and confident, and manage everything in your move from your home, family, and pets.   Download the free POWERful Move Binder: https://bit.ly/49DLV2B   #StrategicPlanning #PowerhousePlanning #EntrepreneurialJourney

I had a conversation with my friend Jerry Holmes yesterday, and it really made me think about the struggles we face when transitioning. Even now, two years post-retirement from the Army, I still feel them. Leaving a life of service in Special Operations can feel like stepping into a void. After years of intense purpose, commitment, and shared missions, many of us struggle to define the next chapter. The skills and experiences gained from countless deployments and training—suddenly seem disconnected from civilian life, and the absence of a clear mission can leave many feeling lost. But here's the truth I have found: You don’t have to go it alone. The tools you’ve developed are incredibly valuable, and the opportunities ahead are vast. Reaching out for support—whether from fellow veterans, mentors, or organizations—can unlock new paths you may not have considered. There is a purpose waiting for you in this next phase, one that draws on your experience and strength. Don't underestimate the value you bring. Your best chapter is yet to be written.

I announced my retirement from the military 3 years before my upcoming retirement date. In doing so, I knowingly limited my career options and potential. I know many members who wait until the very last minute to share that they are retiring, but for me telling people I was retiring was more so to convince myself that it was real. It forced me to begin planning early for my upcoming transition. Here is Episode 01 of my new series, "Veterans in Transition."

Renewing My Mission: From Air Force to Commercial Real Estate 🦅 The eagle, a symbol of strength, vision, and renewal, has always been close to my heart. During my years in the Air Force, I embodied its spirit—rising above challenges, maintaining focus, and constantly evolving. As I transitioned into the world of commercial real estate investing, I found myself embracing a new journey of renewal. Just like the eagle that periodically sheds its feathers to emerge stronger, I’ve renewed my purpose by applying the discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking honed in the military to the world of real estate. This renewal wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about reinventing myself, adapting to new challenges, and finding a way to make an impact in a different arena. Every investment is an opportunity to soar higher, with a renewed vision and a commitment to creating lasting value. To anyone facing a transition, remember: like the eagle, we all have the power to renew ourselves, to rise again, and to see the world from new heights. #VeteransInBusiness #RealEstateInvesting #MilitaryTransition #Renewal #EagleSpirit

From Navy Supply Corps Officer to Multifamily Investor. Life is full of surprises and unexpected turns! Five years ago, if you had asked me what I planned to do after retiring from the military, entrepreneurship or real estate investing would have been nowhere on my radar. But here I am, after five years of: - Educating myself in financial literacy, - Networking with incredible business leaders, - Engaging with hundreds of investors, - Witnessing growth in my own bank accounts, - Making a positive impact in the community. I am deeply grateful for these experiences. They have profoundly reshaped my plans for the next chapter and my outlook on life. As I transition into my "retirement," it's funny to realize that life won't be slowing down. Instead, it's full speed ahead to create bigger impacts! PS. Whether you are retired or still serving, Whether you have 1 year or 20 years remaining, time is now to plan your financial future. I am committed to sharing the lessons learned with the military community. Let's connect!