MissionEmpowering every transitioning service member with the support and information needed to achieve success as Veterans.The transition out of uniformed service is difficult, whether you served four years or forty. Our mission is to support active duty service members in their journey back into civilian life. We connect new Veterans with trained sponsors from their destination community with a focus on the 12 months between leaving the military and reintegrating into civilian life as a new Veteran. We give you the tools to achieve your goals, along with a sponsor to guide you along the way. A program by Vets for Vets.
VisionOur vision is to create a seamless transition for every Veteran, providing timely support and connection to communities for successful integration.The current process to transition from military service to life as a Veteran is broken. There is too much information, often delivered too late, to provide a smooth landing. We are building a community where every new Veteran has the tools, information, and guidance they need at the time they need it to achieve their goals in the next chapter of their life, and every destination community knows these new Veterans and their families are coming and can proactively receive them and connect them to the benefits and services they earned.
Core Values
We pledge to adhere to the highest moral standards as we undertake the responsibility to serve our Veterans as they have served us. We pledge accountability to our Veterans and partners and transparency in all of our actions.
We trust communities, counties, and states to best integrate transitioning service members into their unique social fabric. We will equip our partners with the appropriate tools and resources to support this effort and create an environment that allows the Veteran and his or her family to thrive.
We sincerely appreciate our Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made for our country. They have endured countless hardships that few of us will ever understand. We cannot repay them, but we can care for them. We can be with them, and we can make sure they realize what they mean to us.
We pledge to adhere to the highest moral standards as we undertake the responsibility to serve our Veterans as they have served us. We pledge accountability to our Veterans and partners and transparency in all of our actions.
We trust communities, counties, and states to best integrate transitioning service members into their unique social fabric. We will equip our partners with the appropriate tools and resources to support this effort and create an environment that allows the Veteran and his or her family to thrive.
We sincerely appreciate our Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made for our country. They have endured countless hardships that few of us will ever understand. We cannot repay them, but we can care for them. We can be with them, and we can make sure they realize what they mean to us.
Our Team
Mike Eastman
Brigadier General (retired) Mike Eastman is the Executive Director of Onward Ops and the ETS Sponsorship Program. Mike joined the team after a thirty year Army career, which included assignments as the Commanding General of Train, Advise and Assist Command South in Kandahar, Afghanistan and as Deputy Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. He holds advanced degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Command and General Staff College. Married to a Navy Veteran, Mike is the proud father of three.
Our Approach
Community
We will only be successful with the support of our military, our Veterans, and our local communities. Our mission is to unite and organize these efforts as we support our Veterans during their transition.
Good Stewardship
We will protect the investments of time, energy, and material support shared with us by our many partners and participants. Our practices of good stewardship will ensure that we maximize our abilities to support our Veterans.
