JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Operation New Uniform, a Jacksonville nonprofit helping military members transition to civilian careers, is celebrating its 70th graduation after nearly 11 years of service.
CEO Michelle McManamon described the program’s unique approach: “We take a sales training program called Sandler and have made it into a curriculum that helps people learn how to sell themselves.”
Graduates learn to confidently present their skills to potential employers or even start their own businesses.
“Our service members, veterans, and military spouses know they’re loved. We don’t leave them. We have them for life,” McManamon said.
Since the first class of four veterans, the program has grown, with over 700 graduates.
The name Operation New Uniform reflects a mindset shift: “It’s changing your identity from who you think you are with all those roles attached, to understanding who you are without that role or uniform,” McManamon explained.
Operation New Uniform (WJXT)
The 70th graduation will be held on Oct. 31, featuring guest speaker Lt. Colonel Allen West. The event is free but requires registration.
“We want hiring managers to be there. You can hire our students on the spot,” McManamon said.
To watch the full interview with Michelle McManamon on Operation New Uniform’s milestone graduation and veteran career readiness programs, along with conversations with former Council President Ron Salem on Jacksonville’s health care fund deficit and Dan McCabe on the challenges air traffic controllers face amid the federal shutdown and staffing shortages, tune in to This Week in Jacksonville.
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