We’re thrilled to present the final installment of our Veteran Conversation Series—The Eleventh! This month, we have the privilege of speaking with Dan Knott, a dedicated Army veteran. Joining us from Chesapeake Bay, Dan shares his experiences in the Army and his journey transitioning to civilian life.

Dan served for twenty-two years in the Army as a helicopter pilot, completing four years of deployments and combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He found his time in the Army truly remarkable, commenting that even the challenging moments felt rewarding. The demanding lifestyle, however, caused severe burnout. When Dan was selected for his dream assignment, he declined the command and realized it was time to move on from military service.

One of Dan’s main concerns when leaving the Army was finding a new sense of purpose. After struggling to find one for several years, Dan discovered a new mission: to help others find their purpose after military service. While he recognized that he may not fully relate to civilians in most career fields, he found that he connected with watermen who share a similar mindset.

Dan’s key advice for transitioning service members? Pursue what brings you joy. As he puts it:

“The biggest advice I can give somebody that’s transitioning out of the military is do something you love doing–what brings you joy and happiness. If you can find something you love doing, do it.”

We’re confident you’ll find Dan’s story both inspiring and enlightening. Be sure to watch the full video to discover valuable insights about his military experience and transition to civilian life.