Reston-based Warriors Ethos’ Mission is to Help Veterans Launch Civilian Careers

More than 300 guests attended the Warriors Ethos 7^th annual Gala at The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly on December 7. Reston-based Warriors Ethos’ mission is to provide assistance in career planning, professional development, and placement of service members, veterans, their spouses, and caregivers throughout their transition. Forty companies and 50 individuals sponsored the Gala, with the top sponsors including Reston-based Hypori, Reston-based Intelligent Waves, Coforma, and PGL.

“Warriors Ethos is a 501(c) (3) established in 2013. Our founder, Jared Shepard, Veteran Small Business Owner of Intelligent Waves and Hypori, noticed that Special Operation soldiers were experiencing quite a few challenges in their transition from service, and some were wounded. His vision became our mission at Warriors Ethos,” said Vonzell Mattocks, Executive Director, Warriors Ethos.

Pictured at center of photo: Jared Shepard, Founder, Warriors Ethos & CEO at Hypori Virtual Mobility

A former Marine with more than 23 years of service in the military, Mattocks has focused his post-military career assisting others with their post-military transition.

“Our goal is to support the transition of service members and their spouses with unique one-on-one mentoring, coaching, and engagement in their desired career, Mattocks said. “This includes our staff providing customized transitional assistance, insight, and guiding their preparation of medical, resume, LinkedIn, and networking throughout the process. Some of our graduates wish to pursue entrepreneurship, education, and employment and we customize the process for each individual in their transition.”

At Warriors Ethos, the 11-member board is 65 percent veteran affiliated. Currently 20 executives volunteer their time to coach the transitioning career seekers. The executives meet with transitioning service members and their spouses in “fireside chats” to discuss how to make the transition to civilian careers.

“At Warrior Ethos we focus on the ‘Individual 3 E’s’: Education, Entrepreneur, fulfillment in Employment,” Mattocks said. “Education involves the sharing of information through instructional and training opportunities. Entrepreneurship focuses on sharing opportunities for starting and growing a business. But fulfillment in employment is key — we try to help veterans and their families find fulfilling careers.”

Left to right: Richard Ferry, Program Manager, Discover Techologies; Vonzell Mattocks, Executive Director, Warriors Ethos.

An effective transition experience for service members, veterans, their spouses and caregivers, requires a commitment on behalf of the service member and the business community, according to Mattocks. Additional volunteer executives are sought to help the many veterans requesting services.

“The ultimate goal of Warriors Ethos is to ensure that every service member participating in their program achieves a successful job placement – one that leads to the next phase of a very successful civilian career,” Mattocks added. “It’s a comprehensive approach – while in uniform they engage and lead in the process sharing their perspective, desires, and include their families in their next mission. We are there for them every step of the way.”

Left to right: FCEDA staff in attendance at the Gala: Mike Batt, VP, Talent Program; David Kelley, Director, National Business Investment, Roderick Williams, Talent Initiative Manager.

For more information about Warriors Ethos, visit www.warriorsethos.org.

Fairfax County Economy Development Authority (FCEDA) is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified organization and actively collaborates with public, private and nonprofit partners, such as Warriors Ethos, to assist transitioning military, veterans, and military spouses across the globe to transition their career and find opportunities in Northern Virginia.

Photos courtesy of John Hoover Photography. Final photo courtesy of FCEDA.