Holistic Resilience and Transition Strategies for Tactical Military Athletes
TEACHING ARTIFACTS
My teaching philosophy centers around effective communication, audience appreciation, risk-taking, intrinsic reward, lifelong learning, collaboration, adaptation, feedback, mentoring, and improvisation. I encourage students to challenge themselves intellectually and take risks while recognizing that each student has unique learning styles and needs. Staying current with teaching methods and collaborating with colleagues and students is essential for achieving shared objectives and enhancing the learning experience. Feedback is critical for growth and development, and I prioritize student feedback to improve my teaching. I value mentorship and being adaptable to meet the changing needs of my students, even in limited resource situations that require improvisation.
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The Mindfully Tactical Pilot Course
Mindfully Tactical Course
Abstract
The Mindfully Tactical Pilot Course is a three-week introduction to an eight-week program designed to help veterans transition to civilian life. It combines mindfulness, strategic thinking, and PTSD management techniques to enhance emotional resilience, mental focus, and daily performance. Veterans with diverse educational and life backgrounds participated, helping to shape the course into a practical and accessible resource. Based on initial feedback, the course was improved with a more user-friendly interface, an introductory video, and easier access to materials. It has also been recognized for aligning with the objectives of the Intrepid Spirit program, which supports medically retiring soldiers. This connection strengthened the course’s relevance to genuine reintegration challenges. The course is grounded in the Building Resilience and Advancing Veteran Empowerment (BRAVE) Framework and Warrior Empowerment, Lifestyle & Leadership (WELL) Program, providing veterans practical means to incorporate mindfulness into their lives for lasting benefits. Final feedback was collected on February 17, 2025, and those insights informed the development of the eight-week curriculum. With an emphasis on holistic wellness and sustainable growth, the pilot course lays the foundation for future educational initiatives aimed at fostering tactical resilience and post-service success purpose.
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Keywords: mindfulness, strategic thinking, PTSD management, veteran transition, holistic resilience, brave framework, WELL program
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Mindfully Tactical: Resilience Beyond the Service
Abstract
The teaching artifact, Mindfully Tactical: Resilience Beyond the Service, explores resilience and mental well-being for veterans and tactical professionals transitioning from military to civilian life. Presented as a podcast, this event delves into the importance of mental resilience, social support, and mindfulness practices in managing post-military challenges. Drawing from personal experience and research, the podcast highlights strategies for coping with PTSD, rebuilding identity, and fostering community support through structured programs like the Veteran Peer Support Enhancement Program. The event aligns with my vision of holistically empowering tactical athletes and veterans, emphasizing the role of emotional intelligence, peer networks, and mindfulness in improving long-term well-being. Through interactive dialogue with a veteran guest, the podcast offers real-life applications of these principles, providing listeners practical tools to thrive beyond military service. The Mindfully Tactical website, where the podcast is hosted, can be accessed at www.mindfullytactical.org. Keywords: resilience, veterans, social support, PTSD, mindfulness