Mission Transition: A Podcast for Veterans https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com Mission Transition: A Podcast for Veterans returns for season two - featuring everyday Veterans as they navigate the transition from military service to the civilian world. What went well? What didn’t work? What advice should be passed down so active duty service members are better prepared to succeed? A solid job and foundation for Veterans helps avoid financial instability, career stress, family stress, homelessness and suicide. This podcast is proudly produced by Still Serving Veterans, where we provide no-cost, veteran-to-veteran career help. Be it resumes, interview prep, job search, salary negations - SSV does it for free and gets you where you need to be to best support yourself and your family. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:39:48 -0600 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en us Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Business:Careers 1440 episodic Still Serving Veterans Still Serving Veterans No false https://feed.podbean.com/MissionTransitionVeterans/feed.xml https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/17685985/Mission_Transition_4_7k8sc.png Mission Transition: A Podcast for Veterans https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com 144 144 From Long-Haired Rugby Player to Brigade Commander: What Came Next From Long-Haired Rugby Player to Brigade Commander: What Came Next https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/from-long-haired-rugby-player-to-brigade-commander-what-came-next/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/from-long-haired-rugby-player-to-brigade-commander-what-came-next/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:39:48 -0600 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/61aed3ee-4016-3a36-9300-1db182fb05af James Welch, former Brigade Commander to host Corey Hopkins, talks about what inspired him to join the military originally, and what has happened since getting out. 

]]> James Welch, former Brigade Commander to host Corey Hopkins, talks about what inspired him to join the military originally, and what has happened since getting out. 

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 2087 3 1 full From Mechanic to Sergeant Major: Miguel Hernandez on Life After the Army From Mechanic to Sergeant Major: Miguel Hernandez on Life After the Army https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/from-mechanic-to-sergeant-major-miguel-hernandez-on-life-after-the-army/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/from-mechanic-to-sergeant-major-miguel-hernandez-on-life-after-the-army/#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:41:50 -0600 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/efa9c360-3fad-37ee-90d5-3da064f84a38 After 21 years in the U.S. Army, retired Sergeant Major Miguel Hernandez knows what it takes to rebuild life after service. From enlisting as a mechanic to leading soldiers worldwide, Miguel’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. In this episode of Mission Transition, powered by Still Serving Veterans, host Cory Hopkins talks with Miguel about: How his Army journey began with a recruiting mix-up Lessons learned as a leader and mentor across multiple commands The emotional and practical challenges of military retirement Why networking and humility are key to a successful transition Whether you’re preparing to leave the military or already navigating civilian life, Miguel’s insights will help you plan your next mission with confidence. 🎧 Mission Transition shares real conversations with veterans about life after service — because transition isn’t the end of the mission, it’s the start of the next one. 👉 Subscribe for more inspiring veteran stories. 📩 Share your story: social@ssv.org #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #MissionTransition #StillServingVeterans #ArmyVeteran #LifeAfterService

]]> After 21 years in the U.S. Army, retired Sergeant Major Miguel Hernandez knows what it takes to rebuild life after service. From enlisting as a mechanic to leading soldiers worldwide, Miguel’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. In this episode of Mission Transition, powered by Still Serving Veterans, host Cory Hopkins talks with Miguel about: How his Army journey began with a recruiting mix-up Lessons learned as a leader and mentor across multiple commands The emotional and practical challenges of military retirement Why networking and humility are key to a successful transition Whether you’re preparing to leave the military or already navigating civilian life, Miguel’s insights will help you plan your next mission with confidence. 🎧 Mission Transition shares real conversations with veterans about life after service — because transition isn’t the end of the mission, it’s the start of the next one. 👉 Subscribe for more inspiring veteran stories. 📩 Share your story: social@ssv.org #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #MissionTransition #StillServingVeterans #ArmyVeteran #LifeAfterService

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 1829 8 full Recruiting Skills, Civilian Success: Preparing for Life After Service Recruiting Skills, Civilian Success: Preparing for Life After Service https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/recruiting-skills-civilian-success-preparing-for-life-after-service/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/recruiting-skills-civilian-success-preparing-for-life-after-service/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:28:30 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/436b30aa-9817-3230-b394-6201b94828ed In this episode of Mission Transition, we sit down with retired Sergeant First Class Walter Drysdale as he reflects on his 20 years of service and the lessons learned during his journey out of the Army. Walter shares why he joined the military later in life, how recruiting duty gave him transferable skills for the civilian workforce, and the pivotal role family played in his decision to retire.

]]> In this episode of Mission Transition, we sit down with retired Sergeant First Class Walter Drysdale as he reflects on his 20 years of service and the lessons learned during his journey out of the Army. Walter shares why he joined the military later in life, how recruiting duty gave him transferable skills for the civilian workforce, and the pivotal role family played in his decision to retire.

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 1604 2 5 full Family & The Military Transition Family & The Military Transition https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/family-the-military-transition/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/family-the-military-transition/#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:33:50 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/04f1cfe1-8a7e-3008-8503-8986b49a2339 In this episode of Mission Transition, Corey Hopkins from Still Serving Veterans interviews retired Air Force Colonel Mark Jones. They talk about the pivotal moment that led him to retire in 2025, driven by family considerations, particularly his sons' schooling needs. Jones outlines his extensive preparation for retirement, including attending TAP classes and networking, emphasizing the importance of patience, humility, and effort in job searching. Jones also highlights the strategic process his family used to choose Huntsville, Alabama, as their new home, considering factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and school quality. The interview also touches on the importance of networking in transitioning successfully and the support provided by SSV. 

]]> In this episode of Mission Transition, Corey Hopkins from Still Serving Veterans interviews retired Air Force Colonel Mark Jones. They talk about the pivotal moment that led him to retire in 2025, driven by family considerations, particularly his sons' schooling needs. Jones outlines his extensive preparation for retirement, including attending TAP classes and networking, emphasizing the importance of patience, humility, and effort in job searching. Jones also highlights the strategic process his family used to choose Huntsville, Alabama, as their new home, considering factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and school quality. The interview also touches on the importance of networking in transitioning successfully and the support provided by SSV. 

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 1951 2 3 full Transition Truths: Humility, Hope, and New Beginnings Transition Truths: Humility, Hope, and New Beginnings https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/transition-truths-humility-hope-and-new-beginnings/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/transition-truths-humility-hope-and-new-beginnings/#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:36:01 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/7580a5be-3e63-3af8-b67b-c307512ef6b6 In this episode of Mission Transition, host Cory Hopkins sits down with Dr. Willie Wilson to discuss the highs and lows of leaving the military. From the loss of identity and the challenges of job hunting, to the importance of education, family, and support networks, Dr. Wilson shares hard-earned lessons and practical advice for veterans at every stage of their transition. 

 

Conversation Points:

Military to Civilian Transition

Career and Education After Service

Family and Personal Sacrifice

Humility and Resilience

Support Systems and Resources

Entrepreneurship and Giving Back

 

 

]]> In this episode of Mission Transition, host Cory Hopkins sits down with Dr. Willie Wilson to discuss the highs and lows of leaving the military. From the loss of identity and the challenges of job hunting, to the importance of education, family, and support networks, Dr. Wilson shares hard-earned lessons and practical advice for veterans at every stage of their transition. 

 

Conversation Points:

Military to Civilian Transition

Career and Education After Service

Family and Personal Sacrifice

Humility and Resilience

Support Systems and Resources

Entrepreneurship and Giving Back

 

 

]]> From the loss of identity and the challenges of job hunting, to the importance of education, family, and support networks, Dr. Wilson shares hard-earned lessons and practical advice for veterans at every stage of their transition. Still Serving Veterans false No 2373 2 2 full Taking Time vs Being Prepared for the Civilian Transition Taking Time vs Being Prepared for the Civilian Transition https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/taking-time-vs-being-prepared-for-the-civilian-transition/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/taking-time-vs-being-prepared-for-the-civilian-transition/#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:07:33 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/441c7d40-fd37-33a3-81d1-0b35930acb01 Host Corey Hopkins and guest Mike Davenport discuss the first few weeks and months of the military transition and how a healthy mix of time and preparation helped Mike navigate his new life. 

]]> Host Corey Hopkins and guest Mike Davenport discuss the first few weeks and months of the military transition and how a healthy mix of time and preparation helped Mike navigate his new life. 

]]> Host Corey Hopkins and guest Mike Davenport discuss the first few weeks and months of the military transition and how a healthy mix of time and preparation helped Mike navigate his new life. Still Serving Veterans false No 2217 2 1 full Value Systems, Finding Your Why & More With Bill Korman Value Systems, Finding Your Why & More With Bill Korman https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/value-systems-finding-your-why-more-with-bill-korman/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/value-systems-finding-your-why-more-with-bill-korman/#comments Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:33:44 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/76be7dd0-146f-349e-b261-6807c653aaf7 The "feeling lost" when transitioning out of the service is real. It can be even more real after you start your first few jobs out of the service. Host Dave Lakin sits down with Bill Korman, a Navy Veteran who shares the lows and highs of his own transition along with how he's giving back to Veterans. 

Still Serving Veterans (no cost transition help) - https://ssv.org/

Lawrence "Bill" Korman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/builtforlife/

Built For Life Financial Agency - https://bflagency.com/team/bill-korman/

 

 

]]> The "feeling lost" when transitioning out of the service is real. It can be even more real after you start your first few jobs out of the service. Host Dave Lakin sits down with Bill Korman, a Navy Veteran who shares the lows and highs of his own transition along with how he's giving back to Veterans. 

Still Serving Veterans (no cost transition help) - https://ssv.org/

Lawrence "Bill" Korman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/builtforlife/

Built For Life Financial Agency - https://bflagency.com/team/bill-korman/

 

 

]]> The ”feeling lost” when transitioning out of the service is real. It can be even more real after you start your first few jobs out of the service. Host Dave Lakin sits down with Bill Korman, a Navy Veteran who shares the lows and highs of his own transition along with how he’s giving back to Veterans.  Still Serving Veterans - https://ssv.org/ Lawrence ”Bill” Korman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/builtforlife/ Built For Life Financial Agency - https://bflagency.com/team/bill-korman/ Still Serving Veterans false No 2240 7 full A Place for Veterans with Riccoh Player A Place for Veterans with Riccoh Player https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/a-place-for-veterans-with-riccoh-player/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/a-place-for-veterans-with-riccoh-player/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:31:02 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/29c53bd0-023d-3d9f-bf55-980bb4992ecb A decorated Marine transitions to being a Public Affairs Officer to Secretary of Defense, award winning video producer, entrepreneur and so much more - Riccoh Player has done it all. But he has not lost sight of his roots and he wants to make sure Veteran tribes stay in tact well after military service comes to and end. 

Mission Transition learns about Riccoh and his ParadeDeck.com project among other insightful takes on advancements in the VA. 

Looking for your tribe? Want to connect with military changemakers, content makers & more? Be sure to check out ParadeDeck.com!

]]> A decorated Marine transitions to being a Public Affairs Officer to Secretary of Defense, award winning video producer, entrepreneur and so much more - Riccoh Player has done it all. But he has not lost sight of his roots and he wants to make sure Veteran tribes stay in tact well after military service comes to and end. 

Mission Transition learns about Riccoh and his ParadeDeck.com project among other insightful takes on advancements in the VA. 

Looking for your tribe? Want to connect with military changemakers, content makers & more? Be sure to check out ParadeDeck.com!

]]> A decorated Marine transitions to being a Public Affairs Officer to Secretary of Defense, award winning video producer, entrepreneur and so much more - Riccoh Player has done it all. Still Serving Veterans false No 1698 1 6 full Call of Duty & Activision's Support of Veteran Employment Call of Duty & Activision's Support of Veteran Employment https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/call-of-duty-activisions-support-of-veteran-employment/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/call-of-duty-activisions-support-of-veteran-employment/#comments Thu, 02 May 2024 13:59:25 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/cafa2313-68f6-3350-b7cd-18c8e419796f This episode featuring Call of Duty Endowment Executive Director Dan Goldenberg touches on the current state of Veteran employment through data, sometimes the lack of it as well as what should be done to improve transition outcomes for service members moving forward.

Learn more about how Call of Duty Supports Vets: https://www.callofdutyendowment.org/

Get free career help from a fellow Veteran: https://ssv.org/

 

]]> This episode featuring Call of Duty Endowment Executive Director Dan Goldenberg touches on the current state of Veteran employment through data, sometimes the lack of it as well as what should be done to improve transition outcomes for service members moving forward.

Learn more about how Call of Duty Supports Vets: https://www.callofdutyendowment.org/

Get free career help from a fellow Veteran: https://ssv.org/

 

]]> Did you know Call of Duty (the video game) has a major philanthropic wing that helps Veterans secure better, family supporting jobs? Hear all about it in this newest episode! Still Serving Veterans false No 2362 1 5 full LTG (R) Neil Thurgood LTG (R) Neil Thurgood https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/ltg-r-neil-thurgood/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/ltg-r-neil-thurgood/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:55:16 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/5a4fad35-a2b0-32f6-82bd-cc9087b92887 Highlights & Points of Interest:

- What qualities transfer from military service to the business world?

- The notion that all Veterans are bulls in a China cabinet.

- Having different mentors at different stages of your post-military life.

- Continuing service through other routes when you leave military service to avoid isolation.  

You don't want to miss this insightful and powerful conversation! We are also looking for service members with TOUGH & Insightful transition stories. You don't have to be a ranking officer either! Email us at social@ssv.org. Your story could change lives!

 

]]> Highlights & Points of Interest:

- What qualities transfer from military service to the business world?

- The notion that all Veterans are bulls in a China cabinet.

- Having different mentors at different stages of your post-military life.

- Continuing service through other routes when you leave military service to avoid isolation.  

You don't want to miss this insightful and powerful conversation! We are also looking for service members with TOUGH & Insightful transition stories. You don't have to be a ranking officer either! Email us at social@ssv.org. Your story could change lives!

 

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 2515 1 4 full SMA (R) Jack Tilley SMA (R) Jack Tilley https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/sma-r-jack-tilley/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/sma-r-jack-tilley/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:50:07 -0500 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/1347bcc2-af3a-3df2-a7a8-4937257c731c Host Dave Lakin sits down with SMA Jack Tilley, host of Your Next Mission. 

The pair discusses a wide-range of relevant military transition topics. One major point being the importance of finding your tribe and not waiting for the transition to simply happen. Planning 2-years out is not wrong by any means and is even becoming more common.

]]> Host Dave Lakin sits down with SMA Jack Tilley, host of Your Next Mission. 

The pair discusses a wide-range of relevant military transition topics. One major point being the importance of finding your tribe and not waiting for the transition to simply happen. Planning 2-years out is not wrong by any means and is even becoming more common.

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 1989 1 3 full Financial Literacy During the Transition & the Desire for Coaching, NOT Counseling Financial Literacy During the Transition & the Desire for Coaching, NOT Counseling https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/financial-literacy-during-the-transition-the-desire-for-coaching-not-counseling/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/financial-literacy-during-the-transition-the-desire-for-coaching-not-counseling/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:33:40 -0600 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/402fa142-2be4-38e1-a3f8-a4221127b661 The military transition can go so badly. We see this with Veterans becoming homeless almost immediately. That's exactly what happened to Dr. Steven Crane. Despite having a roadmap to a rewarding civilian career set as he made the transition, the unexpected led him to the streets.

Clearly, the story turns. Now with several Doctorate degrees, Steven is connecting Veterans to resources and hoping he can help his fellow brothers and sisters secure a better financial future.

Notable Links:

SSV.org

flbagency.com

the360veteran.com

]]> The military transition can go so badly. We see this with Veterans becoming homeless almost immediately. That's exactly what happened to Dr. Steven Crane. Despite having a roadmap to a rewarding civilian career set as he made the transition, the unexpected led him to the streets.

Clearly, the story turns. Now with several Doctorate degrees, Steven is connecting Veterans to resources and hoping he can help his fellow brothers and sisters secure a better financial future.

Notable Links:

SSV.org

flbagency.com

the360veteran.com

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 3080 1 2 full Setting Expectations Setting Expectations https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/setting-expectations/ https://MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/e/setting-expectations/#comments Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:43:23 -0600 MissionTransitionVeterans.podbean.com/ed4f54aa-c088-3bcb-8ba3-b51ab76a6c98 Mission Transition launches with an in-house discussion with retired US Navy Rear Admiral Richard "Rich" Landolt, now the President and CEO of Still Serving Veterans. 

Host Dave Lakin introduces SSV and asks Landolt about the evolution of technology in the hiring process as well as the importance of setting expectations when transitioning out of the military. 

 

]]> Mission Transition launches with an in-house discussion with retired US Navy Rear Admiral Richard "Rich" Landolt, now the President and CEO of Still Serving Veterans. 

Host Dave Lakin introduces SSV and asks Landolt about the evolution of technology in the hiring process as well as the importance of setting expectations when transitioning out of the military. 

 

]]> Still Serving Veterans false No 1866 1 1 full