After retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2017, I faced the same challenge many veterans encounter: figuring out what comes next. I had spent over a year preparing for my transition and believed I had done everything right—tailoring resumes, networking, and applying to jobs well before my retirement date. Even so, it took me six months after I retired to land my first civilian role. It was a humbling and at times uncomfortable experience, walking into rooms full of strangers, reintroducing myself in a new context, and learning an entirely different professional landscape.
 
What ultimately made the difference wasn’t just networking—it was learning how to translate my military experience into language that civilian employers could relate to. It meant reshaping how I told my story on paper and in person, and helping others understand how my background could add value in a completely different environment.
 
That experience became the spark behind the Rhode Island Veterans Network. I wanted to create a space where veterans didn’t have to walk into those rooms alone. A place where we could share lessons learned, help each other bridge the military-to-civilian gap, and open doors through real connections.
 
But this isn’t just about jobs. It’s also about community. Veterans share a bond that’s hard to replicate, and many of us miss that after we leave service. These events are meant to be a way to reconnect—with each other, with a shared sense of purpose, and with a network that understands the path we’ve walked.

Whether you’re looking for your first job or just a sense of connection, this community is here to help you move forward.