Special Operators Transition Foundation

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Special Operators Transition Foundation

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.

06/19/2026

Last week, the SOTF team was in Denver for our networking event series. While there, Josh, Keith, and I decided to start one morning with a little team PT: the Manitou Incline. Nearly 2,800 railroad tie steps, more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and an average grade of 41-45%. The Incline was on my list of "hard things I'll do this year," and it absolutely lived up to the billing.

The physical challenge was not for the faint of heart (literally). Going from Fort Drum's 600-ft elevation to Colorado's 6,600-ft elevation and tackling a climb like that will humble anyone. But the harder challenge wasn't physical—it was all mental. I got into my own head and wanted to stop. Rest. Catch my breath. It's humbling to look up from your pity party and see people older than you cruising by with the ease of mall-walking.

The value of proximity to people who refuse to quit can't be understated. Josh and Keith refused to let me stop. Not because they carried me (it came close at one point). They didn't. But they reminded me that I am capable of doing hard things. That having the opportunity to attempt something like this is a privilege that many people don't have. Most importantly, they reminded me of something bigger: the purpose behind the climb.

The Incline wasn't really about a hike or the views. For me, it was about being the kind of person who chooses to do hard things. The kind of person who keeps moving when discomfort, doubt, and self-limiting thoughts start creeping in. When I reached the top, the accomplishment was mine. Nobody else could take those steps for me.

The people we spend the most time with shape our standards. Our character. What we believe is possible. One of the best parts of the people I surround myself with is that they refuse to let me settle for less than my best.

When your purpose is clear, and your goals require growth, who you surround yourself with matters. Find people who won't let you stay comfortable. People who remind you of your potential when you've forgotten it yourself; who challenge you to do the hard things. Whether it's a brutal workout, a major career transition, or the pursuit of a meaningful goal, success ultimately comes from within. But the right people help bring out the best version of you along the way.

Find your people. Chase your purpose. Do hard things.

P.S.: The 3-mile run back down is worth EVERY step up!

Sarah Vanderleest
Director of Operations
Special Operators Transition Foundation

06/17/2026

The inaugural Denver Networking Series is complete!

Around 100 professionals, patriots, and SOTF Fellows gathered over a three-day span to build meaningful connections and strengthen pathways into Colorado's business community. The result: a room filled with professionals who believe in investing in talent, leadership, and service.

The agenda centered on a simple but important question: What do Special Operations veterans bring to the business community, and what problems can they solve within our organizations and communities?

The answer was delivered by those who have spent their careers solving complex problems in demanding environments.

We heard from SOTF Fellows Jeremiah Jones, Andrew Hilton, and Kevin Rowlette as they shared their current career journeys and how they are translating their military experiences into civilian success. We also heard from SOTF alumni Grant Jerry, Nick Sorin, and Davis Driver Jr., who reflected on their successful transitions and how they have integrated their leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills into Colorado's business community.

The lasting impact came after the discussion ended: new relationships were formed, networks were expanded, lessons and stories were exchanged, and professionals from diverse industries discovered common ground. Everyone walked away with connections that will endure long after the event.

A special thank you to Scott Bemis for leveraging his network-of-networks to bring together an exceptional group of business leaders, employers, and supporters committed to helping our Fellows succeed.

We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors who made this event possible:
• Wipfli, Title Sponsor of the Denver Networking Series, whose support enabled us to host this event series for Fellows and members of the business community.
• Visa, Fellowship Opportunity Sponsor, whose generosity enabled three Fellows to travel from out of state and participate by covering their travel and lodging expenses.

To everyone who attended, thank you for helping build the kind of community that creates opportunities, fosters lasting relationships, and ensures our nation's Special Operations veterans continue to lead and serve in new ways.

06/16/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Spencer Chlebina has successfully transitioned into a Solutions Engineer role with Echodyne.

Spencer is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant after 7 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Spencer’s accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Spencer served 7 years as a US Army Special Forces Communications Sergeant, deploying across the Indo-Pacific region on a variety of missions working by, with, and through local partner forces.

🇺🇸 Spencer delivers results-oriented Influence as a Solutions Engineer for APAC-focused defense tech firms. Spencer excels at bridging complex communication gaps between ground personnel, technicians, department heads, buyers, and executives to tailor strategies, facilitate business and secure contracts.

🇺🇸 Spencer holds a BS in Information Systems from Drexel University and has led organizations across Asia. He is fluent in Thai and Lao and is currently learning Bahasa Indonesia.

🇺🇸 Spencer launched an English-learning program for Thai soldiers to improve interoperability with their US partners and hopefully expand their post-service options. He is also a member of the Lanna Hash House Harriers Running Club out of Chiang Rai, Thailand.

"The SOTF team helped me to prepare for and make a smooth transition from Special Operations into the civilian world. Their guidance on resume building, interview prep, and their vast network of contacts around the world gave me the opportunity to ensure success post-transition. I had a very specific goal: to work in defense tech sales and live in Thailand. I accomplished that goal through the mentorship and contacts I made through the SOTF network."

To learn more about Spencer’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on Linkedin.

06/13/2026

Before the United States was a nation, there were already Soldiers fighting for its future.

June 14th marks both Flag Day and the 251st Birthday of the United States Army.

The Army was formed in 1775, more than a year before independence was declared. Even before the country officially existed, Americans were already willing to serve and sacrifice for what it could become.

A flag represents those ideals. Service is what carries them forward.

That tradition continues today across our Army, including within the Special Operations community, and in the lives of our military veterans who continue to lead long after their time in uniform.

Today, we honor both the symbol and the service behind it.

Happy Flag Day and Happy 251st Birthday to the United States Army. 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

AI can improve presentation, but it cannot manufacture substance.

We're entering an AI hiring arms race.

Candidates use AI to optimize resumes. Employers use AI to screen them. Yet exceptional talent can still be overlooked when hiring becomes a keyword-matching exercise.

Special Operations veterans are a great example. Many use AI to translate years of leadership, decision-making, risk management, and mission ex*****on into language the private sector understands. That's a smart use of technology.

But a polished resume is only the invitation.

The qualities that drive long-term success, such as character, judgment, adaptability, humility, and the ability to lead under pressure, can't be generated by AI.

The best hiring leaders look beyond formatting and ask better questions:

• Can this person perform in ambiguity?
• Can they solve problems when conditions change?
• Can they build trust quickly?
• Can they elevate the people around them?

AI can help people communicate their value. It cannot create value where it doesn't exist. Technology should enhance human judgment, not replace it.

What qualities do you look for that no resume or AI tool can fully capture?

Kerry Black
SOTF Director of Corporate Engagement
Phase III Coach

06/10/2026

We are honored to have Kim Campbell serve as a Board Member at SOTF. Her unwavering commitment to supporting our Special Operators and their community is deeply rooted in her own life experiences.

As you read her story below, you'll gain a greater understanding of the passion that drives her dedication to our mission and to the warriors and families we serve.

"One thing I didn’t fully anticipate when I retired from the military was how much I would miss the sense of purpose, camaraderie, and mission that came with serving alongside incredible teammates every day. Transition can be exciting, but it can also feel daunting at times. You spend years focused on something bigger than yourself, and then suddenly you’re trying to figure out what that next mission looks like.

That’s one of the reasons supporting the Special Operations Transition Foundation means so much to me. SOTF helps veterans and families navigate some of the most challenging moments of transition and reminds them they don’t have to do it alone. Joining the Board also gave me a new way to continue supporting the troops on the ground and the broader military community. That continued connection to service, teamwork, and helping others find their footing again has given me a renewed sense of passion and purpose."

-Kim Campbell, SOTF Board Member and USAF Combat Veteran

Thank you, Kim. Your leadership, guidance, and unwavering support help make our mission possible. We are proud to have you as part of the SOTF family and thankful for the impact you continue to make alongside our dedicated Board of Directors.

06/09/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce Tyrelle Robinson has successfully transitioned into a Full Stack Developer with Logistics Management Institute (LMI).

Tyrelle Robinson is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service from the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant after 8 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Tyrelle's accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 During his tenure, he served as both a PSYOP team leader and PSYOP team member in the 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, supporting operations in the Middle East and across Africa. He later served as a Software Engineer at 1st Special Forces Command, contributing to operationally focused software solutions.

🇺🇸 Tyrelle brings a mission-focused approach to problem-solving, leveraging his experience working with diverse stakeholders to translate real-world needs into effective, user-focused solutions.

🇺🇸 Tyrelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, is a Palantir American Tech Fellowship Honor Graduate, and holds multiple technical certifications spanning cloud, networking, and foundational IT systems.

🇺🇸 Outside of work, Tyrelle dedicates most of his personal time to bowhunting, jiu jitsu, and spending time with his wife and son.

"The SOTF Team provided outstanding mentorship and was always available with timely, practical advice. Their guidance was instrumental in helping me refine my interview approach and successfully navigate the job offer process. I especially appreciated their tailored and 24/7 support for my unique situation, as well as the networking events that created meaningful opportunities to connect with industry professionals and other fellows. This level of support made a direct impact on my transition. I highly encourage anyone transitioning out of uniform to take full advantage of everything SOTF has to offer."

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

06/08/2026

At SOTF, we know meaningful impact happens when passionate people come together around a shared mission. That's exactly why our SOTF Task Forces exist.

Our Nashville Task Force continues to demonstrate what local leadership and community engagement can accomplish. Working alongside SOTF staff, leaders like Nick Ridings and the members of our Nashville Task Force are helping expand the reach of our mission and create opportunities for the community to support Special Operations veterans as they transition into their next chapter.

This August, those same dedicated supporters, leaders, and advocates, along with SOTF staff and community partners, are bringing an incredible event weekend to Nashville, featuring our Benefit Gala + Concert, followed by a Golf Tournament the next day.

We're grateful for the leadership, energy, and commitment of the Nashville Task Force and everyone helping make this event weekend possible.

Interested in joining us in Nashville this August? Learn more about the Benefit Gala + Concert and Golf Tournament here: https://hubs.ly/Q04kx-Yv0

06/06/2026

"Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 6, 1944

Eighty two years ago today, more than 156,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy in one of the most significant military operations in history. Eisenhower's words were directed not to generals or politicians, but to soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Many were barely out of high school. Some were still teenagers.

They answered a call greater than themselves, knowing the risks and carrying the hopes of a free world.

Today, we remember those who sacrificed everything on D Day, and we honor the men and women who continue to serve our nation in uniform. The courage, commitment, and selfless service that defined that generation can still be found in today's military community.

As a veteran transition foundation, we believe supporting service members as they move into their next chapter is one way we honor the legacy of those who came before them. The freedoms we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years were secured by generations willing to serve, sacrifice, and lead.

We remember their sacrifice. We honor their service. We continue their legacy.

06/05/2026

Invest in Your Relationships… Be Interested Less Interesting

One of the greatest myths we tell ourselves is that successful people make it on their own.

After 34 years in uniform, I've never met a successful leader who got there alone… not in the military… not in business… not in life.

Behind every promotion, every command, every successful organization, and every meaningful transition are relationships – a network of people who invested their time, wisdom, trust, and belief in someone else's future.

Over the years, I've learned that the most meaningful relationships aren't transactional. They're built on genuine interest in others.

Too often, we approach networking focused on how we can be interesting to someone else. The strongest connections I've experienced, both in uniform and beyond it, came from being genuinely interested in the people across the table. Their story. Their challenges. Their aspirations. Their purpose.

The same is true for the Special Operators we serve at SOTF. Every Fellow who successfully navigates the transition from service to the private sector is supported by a community: a coach who challenges them, an alumnus who shares a lesson learned, a business leader who offers guidance, a donor who chooses to invest in their future, and a spouse who stands beside them through uncertainty.

None of us succeeds alone.

Next week, we'll gather Fellows, Alumni, friends, supporters, and business leaders from across Colorado. On the surface, it may seem like a series of networking engagements and workshops, but it's genuinely something much more important. It's a reminder for all of us that the strongest communities are built when people choose to invest in one another.

This is how opportunities are created, how transitions become transformations, and how missions continue long after the uniform comes off.

Hands down, the most important asset in any transition is never your resume or portfolio; it's your relationships.

Invest in them… be interested.

Keith Pritchard
SOTF Director of Development

Address

1643B Savannah Highway #421
Charleston, SC
29407

Telephone

+18508555940

Website

http://www.sotf.org/

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