Over the past week, I`ve been fortunate to witness SOTF bring people together in Chicago, Destin, and Rye, New York. Three very different communities, three completely different events, one common thread: the power of people who simply show up. Not everyone walked through the door knowing exactly what our SOTF Fellows needed. Some didn`t know how they could help, what they could offer, or if they had anything of value to contribute, but they showed up anyway.

They listened. They asked questions. They made connections. And perhaps most importantly, they raised their hands and said, "Ask me."

There`s something incredibly powerful about that simple gesture. It doesn`t require a title, a checkbook, an impressive network, or a perfectly formulated plan to help. It just requires a willingness to be present and an openness to serve. The message our Fellows receive from folks simply showing up speaks volumes.

We often underestimate the value we bring to others. A conversation, an introduction, a fresh perspective, or even a few words of encouragement can change the trajectory of someone`s next chapter. That`s something I see time and again at SOTF. The most meaningful connections don`t always begin with someone knowing how to help; they begin with simple willingness.

So, show up. Just as you are.

You don`t have to have all the answers. You don`t have to know exactly where you fit. You just have to be willing to raise your hand and say, "Ask me." Come and find us at a SOTF event, and let`s see how you can help our Fellows in a meaningful way.

Sarah Vanderleest
Director of Operations ...

Today, on DAF Day, we recognize the donors who choose to support the SOTF mission through their Donor-Advised Funds.

A DAF gives individuals and families the ability to recommend grants to organizations that reflect their values and philanthropic priorities.

For SOTF, that support helps provide best-in-class training, education, and business connectivity to Special Operators as they transition into their next careers.

If supporting Special Operators through their transition aligns with your giving priorities, consider recommending a grant to SOTF through your DAF.

🇺🇸 Give through your DAF and learn more by copying this link into your browser: sotf.org/donate

To those who already support SOTF in this way, thank you for your trust in our mission and for choosing to stand behind the men and women we serve. Your support helps us continue providing the resources, relationships, and opportunities that make a meaningful difference in their transition. ...

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Silas Ostaff has successfully transitioned into a Project Management role with @SAICinc.

Silas is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the @USArmy as a Sergeant Major after 28 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Silas` accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Silas retired as a US Army Senior Enlisted Advisor, Sergeant Major, out of the 10th Special Forces Group. During his 24-year tenure in 10th SFG (A), he served as a Battalion Operations Sergeant Major, Company Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, Sniper Master Trainer, Team Sergeant, Communications Sergeant, and Sniper Instructor at the JFK Special Warfare Center and Schools.

🇺🇸 Silas delivers decisive execution as an operational executive candidate for the industrial defense industry to drive profitable improvements in products, processes, and client experience. Silas excels at swiftly understanding key drivers of opportunity and solutions, taking confident action with clarity of purpose, and translating strategy into results without hesitation.

🇺🇸 As a leader, Silas’ mission is to lead autonomous teams with a relational approach, clear direction, and generative guidance that motivates the team to realize their potential at scale.

🇺🇸 In his free time, Silas enjoys competitive shooting, pursuing additional education and technical certifications, and cabin weekends in the mountains with his wife.

“The SOTF program enabled the first critical steps in reinventing my value proposition to the Defense Industry, where I can continue to serve National objectives with key industry partners. Reflection and introspective awareness are decisive in personal growth, and the SOTF personnel, as well as Melba and Edwards Holiday with the Atlantic Leadership Group, guided my exploration through the transition process. I am grateful for the time and resources the SOTF program provided to enable my success.”

To learn more about Silas` incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

#TransitionTuesday #SOTF #usarmy #SOFOperators #sof #specialoperators ...

After many years in the corporate world, I’ve learned that most organizations are not short on strategy.

We have plans, technology, talented people, and ambitious goals. But even the best strategy means very little without leaders who can turn it into execution.

As organizations invest in AI, technology, transformation, and growth, I believe we should also be asking whether we have the leaders who can establish priorities, align teams, make decisions without perfect information, adapt when circumstances change, and ultimately deliver results.

It’s also worth considering how we identify those leaders.
Industry experience and functional expertise matter, but they don’t always tell us how someone will lead when the plan stops working.

That’s something I’ve come to appreciate about the Special Operations leaders we work with at SOTF. They have spent years operating in complex environments where they are expected to understand the objective, establish priorities, empower others, adapt quickly, and execute.
The terminology may differ in the corporate world, but the leadership capabilities remain remarkably relevant.

As organizations think about the next 12 to 18 months, perhaps the question isn’t simply, “Who do we need to hire today?”

It’s also, “What leadership capabilities will we need tomorrow, and are we building relationships with those people now?”

Great strategy without execution is simply intention.

Where does execution tend to break down in your organization, and what have you found actually helps?

Kerry Black
SOTF Director of Corporate Engagement ...

The SOTF Team is excited to announce Steve Cheap has successfully transitioned into a Safety Officer (CBRNE) role with The City of Houston. Steve is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the @USArmy as a SFC after 20 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Steve’s accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Steve served in both the Infantry and Special Operations Civil Affairs communities throughout his career, progressing from an Infantry Mortarman to senior leadership positions within Civil Affairs.

🇺🇸 Steve now dedicates his time to his family and to continuing to serve his community.

“The transition from a 20-year military career into the civilian workforce came with challenges that were very different from anything I had experienced in uniform. The SOTF Team helped me translate my military experience into something civilian organizations could understand while providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout the process.

"What stood out to me most, however, was that their support extended beyond my career transition. When my family encountered major and unexpected health issues during an already challenging period in our lives, the SOTF Team was there for us. They reached out, checked on my family, and made it clear that if we needed assistance, they were ready to help in any way they could. That meant more to me than any résumé review, job lead, or professional connection.

"SOTF showed me that their commitment to transitioning service members is about more than finding the next job; it is about taking care of the service member and their family. I’m incredibly grateful for the support they provided to my family and me as I transitioned into my next chapter with the City of Houston, and I encourage other transitioning service members to take advantage of the community, resources, and network SOTF provides.”

To learn more about Steve’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

#TransitionTuesday #SOTF #specialoperators #SOFOperators #sof ...