Leadership Continues: How Veterans Can Lead in Their Communities Today
- Hannah Gentilo
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
For many veterans, the transition out of military service comes with an unexpected challenge: redefining purpose. The structure, mission and leadership responsibilities that shaped their daily lives don’t always have a clear equivalent in civilian settings. But the truth is—leadership doesn’t end when service does. It evolves.
Veterans are uniquely equipped to lead. Through years of training and real-world experience, they develop resilience, discipline, adaptability and an unwavering sense of responsibility. These traits don’t disappear after deployment—they’re deeply ingrained and incredibly valuable in any community.
Today, veterans are stepping up in new ways. Many become mentors, offering guidance to
others navigating post-service life. Others serve through volunteer work, community organizing or simply by being a steady, supportive presence for those around them. Leadership doesn’t always mean being in charge—it often means showing up, being dependable and lifting others along the way.
One area where this is especially visible is in the world of health and wellness. At our
organization, Boots to Health Foundation, veterans lead fitness groups, support recovery
journeys and build strong peer networks rooted in trust and shared experience. These efforts go far beyond exercise—they help foster confidence, purpose and connection.
Leadership can also take shape through civic engagement—whether serving on local boards, helping with neighborhood initiatives or advocating for mental health and veteran support services. Veterans bring a mission-focused mindset and an ability to work through high-pressure situations—qualities that are deeply needed in today’s communities.
As Independence Day approaches, it’s a timely reminder that service comes in many forms.
Veterans continue to serve—not through command, but through compassion. Not through
authority, but through action. And in doing so, they help shape stronger, healthier and more
united communities.
Leadership doesn’t end with military service—it just finds new ground to grow.
References
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). Veteran Health and Well-Being.
(Provides data on veterans’ health challenges and importance of community support.)
Smith, E., & True, G. (2014). “Wounds of War: Military Service, PTSD, and Leadership in
Civilian Life.” Journal of Military Psychology, 26(5), 340–350.
(Examines how military leadership skills transfer to civilian leadership roles and challenges
related to PTSD.)
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
(Explains PTSD, common triggers, and coping strategies relevant to veterans.)
Kukla, M., & Mishkind, M. (2018). “Peer Support and Veteran Wellness.” Military Medicine,
183(Supplement_1), 334–340.
(Describes benefits of peer mentorship and community support among veterans.)
Boots to Health Foundation. (2024). About Us.
(Information about the organization’s mission supporting veterans through fitness and
community.)
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