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Key Speakers:

  • Captain Donald Nesbit (Retired): Host and team leader, introduces the event.

Commander George Floyd (Retired): Main presenter, shares his career journey, transition experience, and actionable guidance.

Commander George Allen Floyd’s Background:

  • Served 33 years in the Navy, beginning as an enlisted nuclear machinist and commissioning through the “Hip Pocket” scholarship.
  • Held numerous leadership roles across four aircraft carriers and various surface combatants.
  • Supported counter-IED efforts in Iraq (2006) as part of a Navy augmentation team.
  • Final tour: Helped establish the NROTC program at the University of Hawaii, retiring on the USS Missouri.
  • Currently a senior scientist at Savannah River National Laboratory (Dept. of Energy), working on nuclear materials, environmental protection, and global security.

Key Themes and Guidance:

1. Transition Planning:

  • Start early; ideally 18–24 months out.
  • Use a structured timeline even if time-constrained (start from the beginning regardless of how close separation is).

2. Resources for Veterans:

Floyd presented a digital guide containing valuable hyperlinks. Highlights include:

  • Onward to Opportunity: Offers free certifications (PMP, cybersecurity, HR, etc.).
  • American Corporate Partners (ACP): One-on-one mentorship tailored to desired industry.
  • LinkedIn Premium for Veterans: Free for 1 year, vital for visibility. Floyd got hired through a LinkedIn cold call.
  • VA Education Benefits: Including VetTec (tech training with stipend), if funded.
  • SkillBridge: Paid internship opportunities before retirement.
  • BOOTS TO BUSINESS: Entrepreneurial training for aspiring veteran business owners.
  • Rülin Course: Peer-based mentoring and elevator pitch development for senior transitioning service members.

Five Questions to Ask Yourself (Self-Reflection Guide):

  1. What do I want to accomplish next?

  2. What skills/certifications do I need?

  3. What time will I commit to my growth?

  4. Who is my network?

  5. What is my deadline for goals (to turn dreams into goals)?

Five Promises to Make:

  1. Revisit your answers until satisfied.

  2. Be honest with yourself and others when you need help.

  3. Stay mentally, physically, and spiritually fit.

  4. Give yourself grace through setbacks.

  5. Use every available veteran resource.

Final Motivational Thought:

Commander Floyd shared Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” quote, emphasizing the value of daring greatly and not being deterred by critics who aren’t in the fight.

Audience Engagement:

Participants (active-duty members and soon-to-retire officers) shared their transition plans, concerns, and experiences. The team encouraged networking, leveraging clearances, and mentoring through personal and professional connections.

Takeaways:

  • Preparation, mentorship, and mindset are critical to a successful military-to-civilian transition.
  • There are ample no-cost resources tailored specifically for veterans.
  • Transition is challenging, but with deliberate effort and support, it’s highly manageable.