The Next Ridgeline 2.0 program commences with an introductory session aimed at equipping Green Berets with a comprehensive understanding of the VA claims process. This topic is prioritized due to its high demand among Green Berets seeking assistance. Facilitated by a Green Beret Foundation Veterans Service Officer (VSO), as well as aGreen Beret Foundation Board of Directors Member who is a retired Green Beret providing emotional and spiritual health coaching, this session addresses the complexities and challenges of navigating the VA claims process. Participants learn about various types of claims available to transitioning Green Berets, including Benefits Delivery at Discharge, Fully Developed Claim, and Standard Claim, as well as the necessary documentation required to support their claims, particularly in relation to injuries sustained during service in classified locations. Led by a Green Beret Foundation VSO, this initial session serves to establish rapport between the cohort and Foundation staff, while also laying the groundwork for an informed and successful claims process.
Elizabeth Hash, a 19-year Army Veteran. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has honed her skills in serving and supporting fellow veterans, assisting them in navigating the intricate landscape of benefits, education, and VA disability claims. Her professional journey boasts a diverse background spanning management, human resources, talent acquisition, and digital marketing, all with a focused dedication to the veteran community. Recognized for her disciplined approach and empathetic leadership style, Elizabeth is committed to enhancing the lives of veterans. Her strengths lie in strategic relationship building, harnessing technology-driven solutions, and crafting comprehensive training programs. With a wealth of experience at her disposal, Elizabeth endeavors to empower veterans with the tools and knowledge necessary for success beyond their service.
During the Health and Wellness phase of the Next Ridgeline 2.0 program, experienced Green Berets who have successfully transitioned to civilian life as experts in emotional, spiritual, and physical health will offer education, guidance, and advocacy. This phase aims to provide ongoing support for Green Berets in managing injuries and conditions stemming from their service. The program’s objective is to promote holistic health by complementing care received through the Military Health System and the Veterans Health Administration.
Travis Wilson entered the Army as an Airborne Medic in 1995 before being selected to attend the Special Forces Q course in 1999. Throughout his remarkable 21-year Army career, with 14 years dedicated to Special Operations, Travis navigated his transition into the civilian community, starting a nationally known Supplement Nutrition Company called Alpha Elite Performance, with two products designed specifically to help the warfighter. Two of these have been approved for use by the Special Warfare Center and schools. Travis continuously relies on his education in exercise science and his love of health and wellness, which he shares with the community.
Recently, Travis transitioned from CEO of AEP to Director of Mission and Program Delivery at the Green Beret Foundation. His unwavering commitment to the Foundation and its mission makes him an invaluable asset and a dedicated leader.
The military-to-civilian transition encompasses not only the individual Green Beret but their entire family. In our program’s third session, “Family Matters,” participants address essential aspects such as children’s education, state benefits and taxes, job prospects for themselves and their partners, life insurance, wills, and building civilian support networks. Co-facilitated with our Program Partner, Home Base, participants learn about family resiliency programs. Green Beret Foundation staff also provide insight into available support for Green Beret families.
The fourth session emphasizes financial readiness, and is co-facilitated by Wells Fargo. This ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of financial wellness for their families and direct access to subject matter experts for ongoing support in establishing an individual financial plan. Topics will also include life insurance options and exploration of VA Home Loans, often overlooked during active duty.
The fifth session is divided into two parts to thoroughly explore educational and career opportunities for a meaningful transition. Professional subject matter experts familiar with Green Berets’ knowledge, skills, and abilities will lead discussions in sectors of interest such as cybersecurity, engineering, finance, and more.
I am the president and founder of Hart Design Group, Ltd., established in 1991. HDG is a Rhode Island-based multi-disciplined Engineering/Architectural firm serving the Biopharmaceutical, Pharma, Chemical and Manufacturing sectors. Hart Design Group is part of The Hart Companies (www.hartcompanies.com), one of New England’s oldest and largest Industrial Design/Build organizations. I have Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where I also played on the Men’s Baseball team. I am a Registered Professional Engineer, licensed in over a dozen states. I have been a member of several National Engineering Technical Committees. I have served on the boards of multi-employer Union benefit trust funds. I have been married for 32 years, and my wife and I have raised four children. We have a son who is an active military ( U.S. Army, 1st SFGA). Since 2014, I have volunteered as a Mentor for Veterans, transitioning Active Military members and military spouses. Typically, those relationships focus on careers but often branch into areas where they seek improvement and/or advice. As Hart’s President, I have had the privilege to hire several veterans and assist them with transitioning from the military into a civilian career. I have also hired and developed many young engineers, designers, and tradesmen. From that experience, I have identified an essential set of competencies that are indispensable for success but unfamiliar to many young people entering the workforce. Conversely, Military people typically possess many of those skills but sometimes need guidance applying them to the civilian marketplace.
My mentoring experiences have ranged from structured meetings with established agendas, time periods, and goals to more informal connections where the individual can reach out when they need advice. I’m not a mental health professional, but I firmly believe in the benefits of self-discipline, physical fitness, and positive focus, which are loosely described as practical Stoicism. These values feed into having a purpose, making a contribution, and building progress towards a goal, and are keys to a fulfilling life.
In the final session, graduates gain access to our curated job board featuring opportunities from organizations actively seeking Green Berets. They’ll also be introduced to their Green Beret Foundation VSO to assist in completing the VA claims process. Additionally, participants gain access to the Green Beret Foundation’s exclusive Next Ridgeline Facebook group, providing a supportive network moderated by Foundation staff for ongoing engagement and peer support.
