Background and Military Transition

• Naval Service (1985–1993): Served as a surface nuclear officer on the USS Arkansas; spent 18 months in a shipyard overhaul—physically and mentally draining work.
  
• Pentagon Internship: After sea duty, transferred to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-8) and later Crystal City; used this period to prepare for civilian life.
  
• Transition Decision: Exhaustion from operational tempo and desire to explore law/business led to his decision to separate.

 Education Path

• UVA Dual Degree: Initially pursued law school with intent to go into intellectual property law. Discovered a deeper interest in business and added an MBA, extending his time in school but broadening career options.

   

 Civilian Career Journey

• Management Consulting: Joined A.T. Kearney, gaining exposure across industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, energy, CPG).
  
• Startup Experience: Transitioned to a tech startup during the dot-com boom—gained insight into business planning, sales, and execution.
  
• Energy Industry: Entered the electric utility sector as a plant manager; leveraged his Navy nuclear background and transitioned into multiple leadership roles in operations, construction, and regulatory affairs.
  
• Current Role: Advising a private equity group building a biomass-to-renewable-fiber manufacturing facility in Texas—integrating energy, sustainability, and innovation.

Core Lessons from Christopher K. Burke

1. Guard Time & Health: These are finite and critical for longevity and impact.
   
2. Mentorship Matters: Don’t navigate transitions alone. Seek mentors deliberately.
   
3. Take Advantage of Resources: Use VA benefits, educational opportunities, and networking to prepare.
   
4. Prepare Early: Take classes before separating—e.g., accounting, business basics.
   
5. Interests Evolve: Your passions may shift. Stay curious and open to new paths.
   
6. Be Mindful: Embrace reflection and self-awareness—important for aligning purpose and energy.
   
7. Culture is Key: Civilian workplaces lack military structure—learn to build or shape culture.
   
8. Be an Autodidact: Lifelong learning is essential. Teach yourself, then use mentors as guides.

 Discussion Highlights

• On Social Media and Mindfulness: Participants discussed the tension between staying digitally visible and preserving deep focus and creativity.
  
• On Networking: Emphasis was placed on keeping professional relationships “fresh” and using informal networks to access opportunities.
  
• On DEI & Industry Entry Points: Burke confirmed the presence of DEI roles in the energy industry and emphasized that technical degrees are helpful but not essential—business, regulatory, and legal roles are also accessible.

Closing Thoughts

Christopher K. Burke’s story resonated across generations. Whether entering or exiting a career, his message underscored intentionality, mentorship, and curiosity as the foundations of meaningful transition. He remains committed to giving back through mentorship and supporting NNOA’s mission.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

1. Purpose-Driven Career Transition:

• Transitioned from Navy pilot to test pilot at Gulfstream after deciding he wanted to continue flying but not as a commercial airline pilot.
  
• Valued mission, purpose, and working with high-performing teams.
  
• Sought meaningful, team-oriented work post-military and found it in experimental aviation testing.

2. The Power of Networking:

• Job at Gulfstream came from a Naval Test Pilot School classmate’s referral—first and only job interview post-retirement.
  
• Reinforced the importance of maintaining positive relationships throughout one’s career—“don’t burn bridges.”
  
• Recommends reaching out early, even if informally.

3. Preparation for Transition:

• Began planning two years out—started a LinkedIn profile and began organizing his experience.
  
• Used old FITREPs and resumes to build a detailed LinkedIn and resume base.
  
• Worked with peers who transitioned earlier for resume feedback.

4. Compensation and Negotiation:

• Knew people at Gulfstream who helped him understand the pay structure.
  
• Negotiated relocation benefits, despite rigid HR rules, by making a business case and leveraging internal advocates.
  
• Emphasized looking beyond salary: housing costs, taxes, insurance, and relocation assistance matter.

5. Medical & VA Disability:

• Started VA disability process as early as permitted (six months before retirement).
  
• Worked with a knowledgeable VA rep to file claims accurately and comprehensively.
  
• Having his disability rating finalized on retirement day saved him $16,000 in VA loan funding fees when buying a home.
  
• Emphasized the benefit of having all medical records organized before separation.

6. Life After the Military:

• Found civilian work culture less focused on mentorship and professional development.
  
• Missed the military’s team-oriented leadership style and investment in junior personnel.
  
• Highlighted significant tax impacts post-retirement, including property and income taxes.
  
• Encouraged proactive tax planning, particularly around dual income during terminal leave and first year out.

7. Benefits Strategy:

• Strongly recommended considering the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)—it’s irrevocable if declined at retirement.
  
• Urged discussion and decision-making with spouses.
  
• Used Tricare for health and company-provided dental/vision coverage.
  
• Advocated for life and long-term care insurance early in career, while still healthy.

Notable Advice:

• Start your transition prep two years out.
  
• Keep medical documentation up to date and under your control.
  
• Know that VA disability is likely, and even a low rating can have major financial benefits.
  
• Plan for taxes—retirement income is taxable in some states, and dual incomes (e.g., during terminal leave) can be a surprise.
  
• Don’t rely on finding a job post-retirement; secure one before you exit, if possible.

Discussion and Q&A Highlights:

• Clarification that SBP elections require spousal consent and are typically irreversible if declined.
  
• Importance of knowing your state’s military tax benefits (e.g., South Carolina no longer taxes military retirement).
  
• Strategies for handling your medical records during base transitions—get digital copies before you leave.
  
• Pitfall: Civilian organizations may not prioritize leadership development or mentorship like the military does.
  
• Strong encouragement for young service members to get life and long-term care insurance early.

Closing Message:

Captain Jones reinforced that networking, preparation, and seeking help are critical to a smooth transition. He credited much of his success to mentors, timely advice, and maintaining strong personal and professional relationships throughout his career.

Andy Harrell’s Career and Transition Journey

• Military Career:
  • Served 11 years on active duty and 9 years in the Navy Reserves as an SH-60B helicopter pilot.
    
  • Retired as an LCDR in 2010.

• Transition Decision:
  • Declined a Navy retention bonus, felt uncertain about long-term career prospects in the military.
    
  • Stayed in the Reserves (which helped secure a civilian job and remain connected).

• Early Civilian Career:
  • Landed his first post-military job through college alumni networking.
    
  • Second job came via Reserve contacts, working as a defense contractor.

• Key Realization:
  • Noted the cultural and value shift between military and civilian workplaces—profit vs. service.

Entrepreneurship and AHA

• Founded AHA in 2003 while still employed and in the Reserves.
  
• Worked double duty for 4 years before going full-time in his business.
  
• Secured SBA 8(a) certification in 2007, spurring growth.
  
• Inc. 500 Recognition: Ranked #182 fastest-growing private company in 2010.

• Trigger to Entrepreneurship:
  • Faced potential layoff despite good performance.
    
  • Chose to take control by founding a business.
    
  • Early success came through subcontracting with his former employer.

Transition Advice & Discussion

Networking & Relationship Building

• Repeatedly emphasized relationships and networking—both in college and military.
  
• Encouraged using platforms like LinkedIn and revisiting past professional contacts.
  
• Stressed the value of NNOA and TAT as lifelong professional networks.

Mindset Shift

• Transitioning service members must reframe their thinking:
  • From “service-first” to “value and profit-driven.”
    
  • From hierarchical to more fluid organizational cultures.

Financial Preparation

• Andy emphasized avoiding pay gaps by planning carefully and building business while working.
  
• Start early. Don’t wait until after retiring to think about finances, insurance, or employment.
  
• Choose cost-of-living-friendly locations post-service.

Participant Insights & Concerns

• Stephen (Marine Major):
  • Transitioning due to non-selection for promotion.
    
  • Managing TAP, VA claims, and medical records while on tight timeline.
    
  • Seeking guidance on resume, job search, and life insurance options.

• Lloyd “Chili Mac” Mack (Navy Captain):
  • Retiring in November after 30 years.
    
  • On a “rediscovery journey” to understand passions and redefine post-service identity.

Advice Offered:

• Start early with VA claims and gather all documentation.
  
• Digitize records if possible and break large files into smaller ones for submission.
  
• Apply for life insurance before VA disability ratings are finalized (for better rates).
  
• Explore resources: MOAA, Navy Mutual, First Command, Onward to Opportunity, LinkedIn Premium, etc.

Closing Messages

• Mentorship Matters:
  • Several attendees credited NNOA and senior mentors with helping them advance in their careers.
    
  • Networking and community remain vital even after retirement.

• Andy Harrell’s Final Thoughts:
  • Be proactive, plan thoroughly, and be relentless in maintaining professional relationships.
    
  • Your military experience is valuable—learn how to translate it and sell it.
    
  • Keep building skills and don’t let fear paralyze you.

Resources Mentioned

• LinkedIn Premium (1-year free for veterans)
  
• MOAA Career Fairs
  
• First Command & Navy Mutual (for insurance)
  
• Onward to Opportunity (O2O) transition training
  
• NNOA Transition Assistance Team & Archived Fireside Chats