Empowering Veterans Through the Military Thriving Change Forum
A Private Sector Led Movement Calling the Next Generation to Serve.
On June 12, 2025, ZeroMils is excited to partner with Georgetown University to host its second annual Military Thriving Change Forum. This engaging event will bring together nearly 150 senior leaders from various sectors, uniting their expertise to formulate actionable solutions that empower Veterans to thrive and inspire the next generation of service members.
The Change Forum aims to enhance local leadership through a nationally-driven perspective. Dr. Joel Kupersmith, a Navy Veteran and Emeritus Professor at Georgetown University, underscores this mission: "Our goal is clear. By channeling local leadership through a nationally-driven strategy, we will empower Veterans, military spouses, and their families to rewrite the narrative and change negative attitudes toward our military and our civic life — one community at a time." This vision is especially crucial today.
As opportunities for service through programs like AmeriCorps dwindle and military service becomes a less likely path for the youth of today, the Georgetown Change Forum arrives at a pivotal moment. The military's ongoing recruitment efforts, despite lower accession standards and promotional campaigns aimed at countering negative public perceptions, continue to face challenges in meeting their goals. This context emphasizes the pressing need for building stronger connections between Veterans and the younger generation.
A concerning trend highlighted by a national study reveals a significant decline in mentorship among youth aged 18 to 21. The study shows a six percent drop in the number of young adults reporting having had a childhood mentor over the past decade. Alarmingly, one-third of teens from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have never had a mentoring relationship. Many of these unmentored youths express a belief that they don't know how to find a mentor or think mentors are unavailable to them.
With 18 million Veterans comprising 6% of the population, there exists a unique opportunity to tackle these systemic issues head-on. Veterans possess a wealth of experiences and leadership skills that equip them to inspire the next generation to engage in military service and other essential service professions that contribute to national and regional security.
Among the solutions is a collaborative effort led by military and Veteran-led nonprofits that have emerged over the years, particularly since the Global War on Terrorism began. Veterans actively participating in these organizations are taking on mentorship roles, guiding thousands of young individuals towards careers in military and service-oriented fields.
One shining example of such nonprofit work is Soldiers to Sidelines, which provides 2,000 certified Veteran coaches who collectively influence the lives of 100,000 young people annually. At the Georgetown Change Forum, attendees will witness the program firsthand, as over 100 youth from three local high schools learn alongside Veteran coaches, alongside coaching staff from Georgetown and the Washington Commanders.
Through a partnership with ZeroMils, the Change Forum aims to inspire thousands more Veterans to connect with youth during upcoming Uniting in Service events planned across the country, with exciting gatherings set for Minneapolis in August and Charlotte in November.
Founded by two Marine Colonels, ZeroMils has dedicated itself to restructuring the conversation surrounding Veterans. The Military Thriving mission responds to the trending narrative that highlights "military friendliness," at times overlooking the struggles Veterans encounter post-service. ZeroMils envisions creating a movement that shifts the perception of Veterans from a "broken" narrative to one of thriving individuals who continue to contribute positively to society.
During the Change Forum, ZeroMils will unveil its Military Thriving Action Coalition, which includes longstanding partners like National University, Wells Fargo, CVS Health, Neighborly, and numerous senior leaders committed to supporting military and Veteran initiatives.
"We must establish a coalition of the committed to change misperceptions about service," emphasizes Kevin Schmiegel, CEO of ZeroMils and retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel. "Together, the private and public sectors can spotlight the strengths and successes of our military and veteran-connected families rather than the struggles. Young people need to hear and see that we, as Veterans, are thriving because of our service, and not in spite of it."
ABOUT ZEROMILS:
ZeroMils is a mission-driven, service-disabled veteran-owned consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations attract, retain, and engage military-connected talent. Their focus on community leadership and effective marketing strategies amplifies the impact on companies and fosters trust within the brand. In 2022, ZeroMils launched a Military Thriving movement aimed at reframing the narrative around Veterans, celebrating their achievements and the invaluable contributions they offer. For additional information, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Military Thriving Change Forum?
The forum aims to create actionable solutions that empower Veterans and inspire youth to serve.
Who is organizing the Change Forum?
The event is a collaboration between ZeroMils and Georgetown University.
Can people attend the forum virtually?
Yes, participants can join the livestream from anywhere.
How are Veterans participating in youth mentorship?
Veterans volunteer through nonprofits, guiding youth towards military and service-oriented careers.
What initiative is ZeroMils launching at the forum?
ZeroMils will launch its Military Thriving Action Coalition, aiming to build a supportive network for Veterans and their families.
