Date of Award

3-29-2022

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Management (DMgt)

First Advisor

Dominick Volini

Abstract

Our identity is what makes us who we are. When a person joins the military, their identity is broken down and reshaped into a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airmen. When a person exits the military, "veteran" status is placed in front of them like a mask or shield. This study examines a veteran transitional program designed explicitly for Post 9/11 High-Performing Veterans (HIPOVeterans) conducted at the Union League of Philadelphia. The program address’s identity and brand presence along with traditional transition methods and tools. It is essential to state that this dissertation is not about veteran challenges such as suicide, homelessness, jobless claims, Military Sexual Trauma or other critical veteran issues which dominate the news.

The purpose of this paper is to explore veteran identity and how veteran transitional programs play an essential role in HIPO-Veterans successfully transitioning out of the military. This is important because there is a significant gap in veteran research on successful veterans. HIPO-Veterans are not addressed uniquely, nor are they distinguished from the whole veteran population. Instead, all veterans are lumped into one group, and typically only those with challenges and issues are singled out.

The Union League of Philadelphia generously provided access to the Veteran's transition program conducted yearly every January – June until January 2020. COVID-19 provided a unique opportunity for the program to pause and evaluate the effectiveness of its curriculum. Access to the program provided an insight into the veteran transitional process and the mentors serving the veterans. Two surveys were administered, and the data collected from the survey resulted in the development of a new model for the Union League of Philadelphia to implement. This model can be replicated in other veteran transitional programs as well.

Comments

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Management in Strategic Leadership

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