Special Operators Transition Foundation

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Special Operators Transition Foundation

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Special Operators Transition Foundation, formally Your Grateful Nation is a veteran-run public charity helping U.S.

Since 2013, the Special Operators Transition Foundation™ (SOTF) has provided the most tailored veterans transition program for top-tier Special Operations leaders in order to strengthen America’s best businesses and communities with elite veteran talent. special forces transition from military to civilian life and corporate America.

10/13/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Noel Glass has successfully transitioned into a Senior Project Engineer role with Clune Construction.

Noel is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) after 20+ years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Noel's accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Noel began his military career in the Infantry before spending a decade in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Special Operations community. Throughout his career, he served in leadership positions across the Ranger Regiment, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the broader Intelligence Community.

🇺🇸 During his final assignment as a Senior Project Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., Noel led high-visibility projects, synchronized efforts across joint and interagency partners, and managed complex initiatives supporting national security objectives. Over the course of his career, he completed nine deployments while leading teams in some of the world's most demanding operational environments.

🇺🇸 Noel holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Political Science from Liberty University. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and completed numerous military and industry certifications, including the Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM C) certification.

🇺🇸 Outside of work, Noel enjoys spending time with his wife, their five children, and three grandsons. He is passionate about serving his community and helping transitioning service members find purpose and opportunity beyond military service.

"The Special Operators Transition Foundation had a profound impact on my transition. As Rangers, we often talk about being quiet professionals. We stay hungry, remain humble, and take care of people. That is exactly how SOTF operates. They serve without seeking recognition, and they continue supporting veterans long after the transition is complete. SOTF changed the trajectory of my transition, and I will always be grateful. I look forward to giving back and helping the next generation of service members as they begin their own journey."

To learn more about Noel's leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

10/09/2026

Over the past week, I've been fortunate to witness SOTF bring people together in Chicago, Destin, and Rye, New York. Three very different communities, three completely different events, one common thread: the power of people who simply show up. Not everyone walked through the door knowing exactly what our SOTF Fellows needed. Some didn't know how they could help, what they could offer, or if they had anything of value to contribute, but they showed up anyway.

They listened. They asked questions. They made connections. And perhaps most importantly, they raised their hands and said, "Ask me."

There's something incredibly powerful about that simple gesture. It doesn't require a title, a checkbook, an impressive network, or a perfectly formulated plan to help. It just requires a willingness to be present and an openness to serve. The message our Fellows receive from folks simply showing up speaks volumes.

We often underestimate the value we bring to others. A conversation, an introduction, a fresh perspective, or even a few words of encouragement can change the trajectory of someone's next chapter. That's something I see time and again at SOTF. The most meaningful connections don't always begin with someone knowing how to help; they begin with simple willingness.

So, show up. Just as you are.

You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to know exactly where you fit. You just have to be willing to raise your hand and say, "Ask me." Come and find us at a SOTF event, and let's see how you can help our Fellows in a meaningful way.

Sarah Vanderleest
Director of Operations

10/08/2026

Today, on DAF Day, we recognize the donors who choose to support the SOTF mission through their Donor-Advised Funds.

A DAF gives individuals and families the ability to recommend grants to organizations that reflect their values and philanthropic priorities.

For SOTF, that support helps provide best-in-class training, education, and business connectivity to Special Operators as they transition into their next careers.

If supporting Special Operators through their transition aligns with your giving priorities, consider recommending a grant to SOTF through your DAF.

🇺🇸 Give through your DAF: https://hubs.ly/Q04ztT9q0

To those who already support SOTF in this way, thank you for your trust in our mission and for choosing to stand behind the men and women we serve. Your support helps us continue providing the resources, relationships, and opportunities that make a meaningful difference in their transition.

10/07/2026

The Emerald Coast brought our Fellows together for another successful workshop, this time, in Destin!

Our Fellows came together for a day of candid conversations, practical guidance, and direct access to business leaders who shared their experience and perspective as our Operators prepare for life beyond military service.

A special thank you to our hosts at the Doolittle Institute for opening their doors and providing a space where our Fellows and panelists could gather, learn, ask questions, and build meaningful connections. These in-person opportunities are an important part of helping our Fellows better understand the civilian landscape and prepare for what comes next.

We are also incredibly grateful to Northern Gulf Services for supporting the workshop and Fueling our Fellows by providing breakfast and lunch for our Fellows, staff, and panelists. Their generosity helps offset the costs of bringing these workshops to our community and allows us to focus our resources where they matter most: supporting our transitioning Special Operators.

And a special thank you to SOTF alumnus Torrey Peterson for representing NGS and continuing to give back to the community that supported his own transition. Seeing our alumni return to invest their time, experience, and relationships in the Fellows coming behind them is what makes the SOTF network so special.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Destin another meaningful day for our Fellows. 🇺🇸

Black Powder Search
Business Sergeant
Top Flite Home Loans
Apex Service Partners
F3EA, Inc.
Anduril Industries
Northern Gulf Services
Shark Team
Planned Systems International, Inc.
Awayday Vacation Rentals
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)
GE Aerospace

10/06/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Silas Ostaff has successfully transitioned into a Project Management role with SAIC.

Silas is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant Major after 28 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Silas' accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Silas retired as a US Army Senior Enlisted Advisor, Sergeant Major, out of the 10th Special Forces Group. During his 24-year tenure in 10th SFG (A), he served as a Battalion Operations Sergeant Major, Company Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Sniper Master Trainer, Team Sergeant, Communications Sergeant, and Sniper Instructor at the JFK Special Warfare Center and Schools.

🇺🇸 Silas delivers decisive ex*****on as an operational executive candidate for the industrial defense industry to drive profitable improvements in products, processes, and client experience. Silas excels at swiftly understanding key drivers of opportunity and solutions, taking confident action with clarity of purpose, and translating strategy into results without hesitation.

🇺🇸 As a leader, Silas’ mission is to lead autonomous teams with a relational approach, clear direction, and generative guidance that motivates the team to realize their potential at scale.

🇺🇸 In his free time, Silas enjoys competitive shooting, pursuing additional education and technical certifications, and cabin weekends in the mountains with his wife.

“The SOTF program enabled the first critical steps in reinventing my value proposition to the Defense Industry, where I can continue to serve National objectives with key industry partners. Reflection and introspective awareness are decisive in personal growth, and the SOTF personnel, as well as Melba and Edwards Holiday with the Atlantic Leadership Group, guided my exploration through the transition process. I am grateful for the time and resources the SOTF program provided to enable my success.”

To learn more about Silas' incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

10/05/2026

10 Fellowships funded. One incredible day in Chicago. 🇺🇸

Last week, the SOTF community came together in Chicago for the Midwest Sporting Clays Classic, hosted by SOTF Board Member Lenny Dacanay—and what an impact this group made.

Lenny has an extraordinary ability to bring great people together around a meaningful mission. Thanks to his leadership, generosity, and world-class networking, the event raised enough to fully fund 10 SOTF Fellowships, helping 10 Special Operations veterans take the next step toward meaningful civilian careers.

We were also honored to welcome Alan C. Mack - Author, decorated U.S. Army Chinook helicopter pilot and author of Chinooks in the Dark. Al shared stories from his remarkable career and gave our guests a glimpse into the leadership, courage, and experiences behind his new book.
A tremendous thank you to the companies and Patriots who showed up in support of SOTF, including:
Wells Fargo
Northern Trust Careers
Darley Defense
Miniat
Lockton Companies
Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
Bannockburn Global Forex
CDW Corporation
ML Realty
UBS
Porter Pipe & Supply
Payroc
Scales
Nsource
Flying Food Group LLC
USI
AAR Corp
…and many more.

Lenny, thank you for opening your network to SOTF, championing our Fellows, and rallying the Midwest around our mission. Ten Fellows will have access to SOTF’s individualized transition support because of what this community accomplished together.
That’s professional patriotism in action. 🇺🇸

10/02/2026

After many years in the corporate world, I’ve learned that most organizations are not short on strategy.

We have plans, technology, talented people, and ambitious goals. But even the best strategy means very little without leaders who can turn it into ex*****on.

As organizations invest in AI, technology, transformation, and growth, I believe we should also be asking whether we have the leaders who can establish priorities, align teams, make decisions without perfect information, adapt when circumstances change, and ultimately deliver results.

It’s also worth considering how we identify those leaders.
Industry experience and functional expertise matter, but they don’t always tell us how someone will lead when the plan stops working.

That’s something I’ve come to appreciate about the Special Operations leaders we work with at SOTF. They have spent years operating in complex environments where they are expected to understand the objective, establish priorities, empower others, adapt quickly, and execute.
The terminology may differ in the corporate world, but the leadership capabilities remain remarkably relevant.

As organizations think about the next 12 to 18 months, perhaps the question isn’t simply, “Who do we need to hire today?”

It’s also, “What leadership capabilities will we need tomorrow, and are we building relationships with those people now?”

Great strategy without ex*****on is simply intention.

Where does ex*****on tend to break down in your organization, and what have you found actually helps?

Kerry Black
SOTF Director of Corporate Engagement

10/01/2026

Destin, this is one you’ll want to experience from the water. ⛵🇺🇸

Join SOTF on Wednesday, October 7, for an afternoon on the water at the SOTF Regatta. Watch the race aboard one of Legendary Marine’s boats, then head to Schooner’s for food, drinks, and great company, all while supporting Special Operators and their families.

Come for the race. Stay for the patriotism. 🇺🇸

Register to join us: https://hubs.ly/Q04yKt9R0

09/30/2026

California showed up for our nation’s Special Operators. 🇺🇸

Last week, SOTF spent time in Los Angeles and San Francisco, connecting with an incredible community of patriots committed to supporting the men and women behind the mission.

In the Bay Area, SOTF was honored to be the beneficiary of an annual fundraising event hosted by Board Vice Chairman Dan Poritzky and Board Member Clint Kollar. SOTF Fellows and alumni looking to make the Bay Area home after service also had the opportunity to expand their networks and build meaningful connections.

A special thank you to Jeff Jacobs, Dan Poritzky, and Clint Kollar for their leadership, and to everyone who joined us in supporting our nation’s Special Operators.

Want to help us continue the mission? Learn more, get involved, or support SOTF at https://hubs.ly/Q04ywLs70. 🇺🇸

09/29/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce Steve Cheap has successfully transitioned into a Safety Officer (CBRNE) role with The City of Houston. Steve is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the U.S. Army as a SFC after 20 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Steve’s accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Steve served in both the Infantry and Special Operations Civil Affairs communities throughout his career, progressing from an Infantry Mortarman to senior leadership positions within Civil Affairs. His military service includes multiple deployments and assignments throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen.

🇺🇸 Steve has invested in his professional development throughout his military service, obtaining a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Crisis Management, and a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

🇺🇸 Steve now dedicates his time to his family and to continuing to serve his community.

“The transition from a 20-year military career into the civilian workforce came with challenges that were very different from anything I had experienced in uniform. The SOTF Team helped me translate my military experience into something civilian organizations could understand while providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout the process.

"What stood out to me most, however, was that their support extended beyond my career transition. When my family encountered major and unexpected health issues during an already challenging period in our lives, the SOTF Team was there for us. They reached out, checked on my family, and made it clear that if we needed assistance, they were ready to help in any way they could. That meant more to me than any résumé review, job lead, or professional connection.

"SOTF showed me that their commitment to transitioning service members is about more than finding the next job; it is about taking care of the service member and their family. I’m incredibly grateful for the support they provided to my family and me as I transitioned into my next chapter with the City of Houston, and I encourage other transitioning service members to take advantage of the community, resources, and network SOTF provides.”

To learn more about Steve’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Address

1643B Savannah Highway #421
Charleston, SC
29407

Telephone

+18508555940

Website

http://www.sotf.org/

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