CO-FOUNDER/CEO

"The freedom I longed for felt unsettling—but it also opened the door to something new."

In the fall of 2023, while stationed on the USS Nimitz, I began the Transition Assistance Program. I had dreamed of returning to civilian life for years—but when it finally happened, I wasn’t prepared for how overwhelming it would be.

Within a month, I was in a new city, working a new job, and trying to adjust to a life without structure. No more schedules or orders—just a future I had to figure out on my own.

As I searched for help with mental health, education, and VA benefits, I realized how frustrating and unclear the process could be. That’s when After the Mission was born.

Gabrielle—my girlfriend and a fellow Navy veteran—and I created a mentorship program we wish we’d had: one where veterans can get real support during their first year after service.

CO-FOUNDER/CLERK

“I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. But once I started figuring it out, I knew I wanted to help others do the same—faster, with support, and without feeling alone.”

When I left the Navy, I was so excited to start my new life. I couldn’t wait to finally use the benefits that had been promised to me for the last five years.

But what I wasn’t prepared for was how complicated the process would be. There were so many things to figure out—applying for disability compensation, using my education benefits, finding mental health support that actually worked for me.

I was free… but I also felt completely alone.

It never felt like there was someone who could walk beside me and guide me through it all.

That’s why we started After the Mission—to make this process smoother and less overwhelming, with real people who’ve actually been through it.

TREASURER

"There’s no handbook for what comes after the military—you just have to start where you are and figure it out one step at a time."

When I left the Navy in 2021, I thought I was ready for what came next. I’d been planning my transition for a while, and I was excited to get back to Michigan and start working in HVAC. But the shift from military to civilian life hit harder than I expected.

The structure I was used to—daily routines, clear expectations, a tight-knit team—was suddenly gone. In its place was a lot of freedom, and honestly, that was tough to navigate at first. I had to figure things out on my own, from settling into a new job to navigating the VA system.

Along the way, I realized how many other veterans were running into the same roadblocks I was. That’s what led us to create After the Mission—a way to make this transition smoother, clearer, and a whole lot less isolating.

DIRECTOR

"You’ve already proven your strength in uniform—now it’s time to use that same strength to build your future."

I joined the U.S. Navy in 2017 to better myself and create a new path forward. While I appreciated the camaraderie and teamwork that came with military life, I ultimately made the decision to separate. Transitioning out wasn’t easy—especially when you’re not fully prepared for what’s next.

It takes grit and resilience to push through the uncertainty, and I was fortunate to stay focused and keep moving forward. But not everyone gets the support they need. That’s where After the Mission steps in—to help you navigate what comes after service and make the most of what you’ve earned.

DIRECTOR