Holistic Resilience and Transition Strategies for Tactical Military Athletes
LEADERSHIP ARTIFACTS
As a leader, I commit to leading by example, both in my professional work and daily life. I vow to challenge myself and my team, approaching our work with humility, purpose, and intention. I will maintain a positive mindset in adversity, demonstrating resilience and striving for excellence. Embracing discipline and adaptability, I will remain a lifelong learner, embracing my mistakes and forging success through teamwork, loyalty, and unwavering integrity.
Artifact 3
EXSC 9500
The V.E.T.S Toolkit
Abstract
The Veterans’ Vision, Education, Translation, and Strategy (V.E.T.S.) The toolkit was developed to address a persistent gap in post-service transition planning for United States military veterans. Created through the Mindfully Tactical Foundation’s Warrior Empowerment, Lifestyle, and Leadership (WELL) Program and the Preparing, Advancing, Transitioning Heroes (PATH) Initiative, this two-track system empowers both veterans and the advisors who assist them. It offers mission-driven, research-informed planning tools to navigate education benefits, translate military experience into civilian pathways, and create actionable life strategies. The toolkit features self-guided worksheets, curated digital resources, and adaptive planning templates aligned with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. This leadership artifact documents the development, launch, and field application of the toolkit, highlighting its alignment with my professional vision to support holistic transition strategies for tactical military athletes. Additionally, it reflects the use of emotional intelligence, stakeholder collaboration, and systems-level thinking required to translate research into actionable programming. The V.E.T.S. Toolkit offers a scalable model for supporting veterans across higher education and community-based systems.
Keywords: veteran transition, leadership, GI Bill, strategic planning, reintegration
Artifact 2
EXSC 9250
Demonstrating Strategic Leadership and Policy Advocacy through the Development of Holistic Veteran Reintegration Initiatives in the WELL Program
Mindfully Tactical Documents
Abstract
This Leadership Artifact highlights strategic engagement, policy advocacy, and veteran reintegration initiatives through the Warrior Empowerment, Lifestyle & Leadership (WELL) Program. This initiative was designed as a structured, evidence-based framework to enhance education, mentorship, social integration, and physical and mental well-being for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Key initiatives like the PATH Initiative (Preparing, Advancing, Transitioning Heroes) and the LINK Initiative (Leadership, Integration, Networking, Knowledge) were established to provide veterans with academic, financial, and peer support systems. This project was submitted to Cory Shay at PennWest University and the North Carolina Veterans Council as part of my leadership outreach. The aim was to demonstrate my emerging subject matter expertise (SME) in holistic veteran reintegration, position the WELL Program for institutional collaboration, and advocate for policy-driven support systems that align with existing veteran transition services. The leadership process included relationship-building, strategic communication, and program structuring, drawing on insights from my doctoral research, tactical leadership experience, and policy engagement. The project has already led to improvements in program presentation, greater clarity in veteran support structures, and increased visibility for The Mindfully Tactical Foundation.
Keywords: veteran reintegration, leadership, policy engagement, veteran transition strategies, mentorship, peer support
Artifact 1
EXSC 9150
The LINK Initiative (Leadership, Integration, Networking, Knowledge)
Broken Arrow Support Group
Abstract
The LINK Initiative (Leadership, Integration, Networking, Knowledge) was developed as part of the leadership capstone for the EXSC 8300 course to support veterans in their transition from military to civilian life by establishing structured peer support systems. As the Project Coordinator, I led a multidisciplinary team to create a comprehensive resource guide and conduct pilot peer support sessions. This initiative aligns with my professional vision of empowering tactical military athletes and reflects my commitment to holistic well-being practices. Critical elements such as emotional intelligence, team cohesion, and adaptive leadership were integral to the project’s success, fostering trust, consensus-building, and team motivation. I applied leadership principles from "7 Lenses," including ethical transparency, respect, accountability, shared purpose, and ethical risk-taking, to resolve conflicts and improve team productivity. We sponsored a hole at a local charity golf tournament, supporting the Pine Forest men’s basketball team to extend our community outreach. This allowed us to set up a booth, distribute water, and share brochures, raising awareness for the program. This artifact also explores the importance of post-project debriefing, outlines the lessons learned, and reflects on the overall growth of my leadership skills throughout the process.
Keywords: leadership, veterans, emotional intelligence, team cohesion, trust-building, consensus-building