JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — They served our country and now they're looking for a new career path. The Jacksonville nonprofit organization Operation New Uniform helps veterans and military members transition to the business world, and recently celebrated their 62nd graduating class.
"Before Operation New Uniform, I was a man without a purpose, direction or motivation," said Army veteran Hassan Tate. "Just going through the motions of life."
Tate served in the Army for 25 years and spent a significant portion of his time as a recruiter. Now, he's ready to use the skills that he learned through Operation New Uniform to give back to veterans, possibly with a career in human resources.
"Sales and recruiting are always welcome," said Tate. "But, if I can do anything to assist veterans because I see a huge need for veterans to be serviced, I want to be a part of that."
Nick Wargo will be discharged from the Navy later this month and hopes to enter a career in financial technology that will allow him to grow by being challenged.
"Over time, I learned I loved challenge," Wargo told First Coast News about the training he received through Operation New Uniform. "I love learning new things and I loved pushing those around me to be the best versions of themselves."
Operation New Uniform is free for active-duty servicemembers, veterans and military spouses to successfully transition from military life to purposeful stable careers.
The Players Championship Executive Director Lee Smith was the keynote speaker at the graduation and said he's impressed by the backstories that led each graduate to this point.
"That's the impressive part of a group like this," said Smith, "When you have 15 veterans that really have their own DNA and can bring a lot of different things to successful companies in the area."
"This program has been transformative and I'm incredibly thankful for the support and guidance that I received," said Tate.
More information about Operation New Uniform, including future classes can be found on their website here.
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