Mission Transition: A Podcast for Veterans

From Mechanic to Sergeant Major: Miguel Hernandez on Life After the Army

After 21 years in the U.S. Army, retired Sergeant Major Miguel Hernandez knows what it takes to rebuild life after service. From enlisting as a mechanic to leading soldiers worldwide, Miguel’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose. In this episode of Mission Transition, powered by Still Serving Veterans, host Cory Hopkins talks with Miguel about: How his Army journey began with a recruiting mix-up Lessons learned as a leader and mentor across multiple commands The emotional and practical challenges of military retirement Why networking and humility are key to a successful transition Whether you’re preparing to leave the military or already navigating civilian life, Miguel’s insights will help you plan your next mission with confidence. 🎧 Mission Transition shares real conversations with veterans about life after service — because transition isn’t the end of the mission, it’s the start of the next one. 👉 Subscribe for more inspiring veteran stories. 📩 Share your story: social@ssv.org #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #MissionTransition #StillServingVeterans #ArmyVeteran #LifeAfterService

Recruiting Skills, Civilian Success: Preparing for Life After Service

In this episode of Mission Transition, we sit down with retired Sergeant First Class Walter Drysdale as he reflects on his 20 years of service and the lessons learned during his journey out of the Army. Walter shares why he joined the military later in life, how recruiting duty gave him transferable skills for the civilian workforce, and the pivotal role family played in his decision to retire.

Family & The Military Transition

In this episode of Mission Transition, Corey Hopkins from Still Serving Veterans interviews retired Air Force Colonel Mark Jones. They talk about the pivotal moment that led him to retire in 2025, driven by family considerations, particularly his sons' schooling needs. Jones outlines his extensive preparation for retirement, including attending TAP classes and networking, emphasizing the importance of patience, humility, and effort in job searching. Jones also highlights the strategic process his family used to choose Huntsville, Alabama, as their new home, considering factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and school quality. The interview also touches on the importance of networking in transitioning successfully and the support provided by SSV. 

Transition Truths: Humility, Hope, and New Beginnings

In this episode of Mission Transition, host Cory Hopkins sits down with Dr. Willie Wilson to discuss the highs and lows of leaving the military. From the loss of identity and the challenges of job hunting, to the importance of education, family, and support networks, Dr. Wilson shares hard-earned lessons and practical advice for veterans at every stage of their transition. 
 
Conversation Points:
Military to Civilian Transition
Career and Education After Service
Family and Personal Sacrifice
Humility and Resilience
Support Systems and Resources
Entrepreneurship and Giving Back
 
 

Taking Time vs Being Prepared for the Civilian Transition

Host Corey Hopkins and guest Mike Davenport discuss the first few weeks and months of the military transition and how a healthy mix of time and preparation helped Mike navigate his new life. 

Value Systems, Finding Your Why & More With Bill Korman

The "feeling lost" when transitioning out of the service is real. It can be even more real after you start your first few jobs out of the service. Host Dave Lakin sits down with Bill Korman, a Navy Veteran who shares the lows and highs of his own transition along with how he's giving back to Veterans. 
Still Serving Veterans (no cost transition help) - https://ssv.org/
Lawrence "Bill" Korman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/builtforlife/
Built For Life Financial Agency - https://bflagency.com/team/bill-korman/
 
 

A Place for Veterans with Riccoh Player

A decorated Marine transitions to being a Public Affairs Officer to Secretary of Defense, award winning video producer, entrepreneur and so much more - Riccoh Player has done it all. But he has not lost sight of his roots and he wants to make sure Veteran tribes stay in tact well after military service comes to and end. 
Mission Transition learns about Riccoh and his ParadeDeck.com project among other insightful takes on advancements in the VA. 
Looking for your tribe? Want to connect with military changemakers, content makers & more? Be sure to check out ParadeDeck.com!

Call of Duty & Activision's Support of Veteran Employment

This episode featuring Call of Duty Endowment Executive Director Dan Goldenberg touches on the current state of Veteran employment through data, sometimes the lack of it as well as what should be done to improve transition outcomes for service members moving forward.
Learn more about how Call of Duty Supports Vets: https://www.callofdutyendowment.org/
Get free career help from a fellow Veteran: https://ssv.org/
 

LTG (R) Neil Thurgood

Highlights & Points of Interest:
- What qualities transfer from military service to the business world?
- The notion that all Veterans are bulls in a China cabinet.
- Having different mentors at different stages of your post-military life.
- Continuing service through other routes when you leave military service to avoid isolation.  
You don't want to miss this insightful and powerful conversation! We are also looking for service members with TOUGH & Insightful transition stories. You don't have to be a ranking officer either! Email us at social@ssv.org. Your story could change lives!
 

SMA (R) Jack Tilley

Host Dave Lakin sits down with SMA Jack Tilley, host of Your Next Mission. 
The pair discusses a wide-range of relevant military transition topics. One major point being the importance of finding your tribe and not waiting for the transition to simply happen. Planning 2-years out is not wrong by any means and is even becoming more common.