Military members transitioning from active duty to civilian life face many challenges when they return home — not the least of which is the ability to obtain high-paying, rewarding career opportunities. Although educated, trained and highly skilled, these veterans often find themselves less competitive in the professional marketplace compared to civilian candidates who have taken a more traditional path.
Operation New Uniform (ONU), a Jacksonville-based nonprofit organization, was founded to address these challenges by equipping veterans with the business acumen, career search skills, confidence and networking connections to succeed and thrive in the business world. Since the organization’s first class in 2014, ONU has served 238 veterans, and the organization plans to expand in the near future.
ONU programs immerse veterans in a positive team environment comprised of successful veterans, business professionals and accomplished educators, and gives them the tools and resources to secure meaningful careers through their intensive three-and-a-half-week training program powered by Sandler Training. The organization, which works with other Veteran Service Organizations (VSO), is led by Executive Director and Ponte Vedra Beach resident Michele McManamon.
According to ONU, 96 percent of veterans completing the ONU program have found fulfilling careers. Also according to the nonprofit, over 99.24 percent of ONU veterans agree that ONU bridges the gap that other post-military programs do not, and 99.25 percent recommend ONU to other transitioning veterans. ONU’s commitment and impact in the lives and careers of transitioning veterans results in a $3.7 million-dollar impact to the local community.
Moving forward in 2019, ONU will continue its work and will host five graduations across the business landscape of Jacksonville with the support of a few of its premier business partners. Each of ONU’s graduations are free, yet guests are required to register to attend.
For more information about Operation New Uniform, its programs, graduations, upcoming events or ways you can support, visit https://onuvets.org or call (904) 328-1600.
Breakout box for upcoming Operation New Uniform graduations
Class 29
• Kick-off date: 3/13/19
• Graduation date: 4/5/19
• Location: BBVA Compass
• Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cohort-29-graduationhosted-
by-bbva-compass-tickets-55517874457
Class 30
• Kick-off date: 5/15/19
• Graduation date: 6/7/19
• Location: CIT
• Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cohort-30-graduationhosted-
by-cit-tickets-55518111165
Class 31
• Kick-off date: 7/17/19
• Graduation date: 8/9/19
• Location: Haskell
• Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cohort-31-graduationhosted-
by-haskell-tickets-55524476203
