The Million Door Challenge: Veterans Finding the Right Career 

Virtual Service Operations is excited to highlight the next organization in our Eleventh Series! This month, we spoke with Shelby Mounts, Navy veteran and Executive Director of NextOp Vets, to learn how his team is helping enlisted service members move into meaningful civilian careers. This video is the first of two parts, with the next one coming out next month, so stay tuned to learn even more about their important work.

NextOp’s mission is to connect talented enlisted veterans with strong career opportunities in industries that offer stability, growth, and long-term potential. NextOp places veterans in ten key industries that are high-wage, forward-looking, and solid long-term investments. Many veterans leave the military unsure of where to start. Civilian job hunting can be confusing, and it is often hard to know who to trust. That is where NextOp comes in. As Shelby says, “The candidate may start out with the idea… that all they really care about is a job,” but they may find that they need a little more. 

Because most of the team at NextOp are veterans themselves, they are able to build trust quickly with veterans searching for civilian careers. Once a veteran enrolls, the team works one-on-one to understand what brought them there, what they are looking for, and where they want to go. It often begins with the simple goal of finding a job, but over time, the process becomes more personal. Veterans get support with resume writing, interview preparation, and exploring career paths, with guidance at every step. 

Their focus is specifically on enlisted service members, who often face more barriers when transitioning into civilian work. Shelby described this effort as part of the “Million Door Challenge,” a reference to the many career options available that are not always easy for veterans to access. By helping them understand the civilian job landscape, rebuild trust, and connect with the right employers, NextOp makes it easier for veterans to find the door that is right for them and walk through it. 

If you’re a veteran looking for your next step or an employer interested in hiring skilled and experienced candidates, be sure to watch this video. Check out what NextOp is doing and see how they’re opening doors to great opportunities for veterans.  

Invest in Impact: How VETS Indexes Supports Veterans and Delivers Results

At Virtual Service Operations, we’re dedicated to showcasing organizations that not only support our veterans but also integrate them as key contributors to their workforce. We are proud to feature VETS Indexes in this month’s The Eleventh episode. We had the privilege of speaking with George Altman, President, and Nick Antaki, Chief Marketing Officer, about their impactful mission.

VETS Indexes is revolutionizing corporate America by applying Environmental, Social, and Governance principles to recognize companies that prioritize the hiring, development, and retention of U.S. Military Veterans. Their custom indexes help businesses measure and reward veteran inclusion, proving that veterans’ leadership and unique skills are invaluable assets to any organization.

At the heart of VETS Indexes’ mission is their commitment to giving back. They donate a significant portion of their profits to charitable organizations supporting veterans and their families, allowing investors to make a positive impact while achieving financial returns.

In our conversation, George and Nick emphasized that “You aren’t helping veterans—veterans are helping you.” Their work continues to drive business success by unlocking the full potential of veteran talent.

We are pleased to share that VSO has received the 2025 Recognized Employer Award from VETS Indexes, a testament to our own commitment to veterans in the workplace. Watch the latest episode of The Eleventh to learn more about VETS Indexes and how they’re transforming the corporate landscape. 

Check Out Joshua Landsman’s Journey in Our Latest Veteran Conversation Series Release! 

VSO is excited to announce our next release in our Veteran Conversation Series: The Eleventh. This month, we spoke with Joshua Landsman, an Air Force veteran and current VSO employee. Joining us from Las Colinas, Texas, Josh recounts his time in service and his journey from active duty to civilian life. 

Josh initially planned to join the Navy straight out of high school. However, he opted for college instead. Five years later, he once again felt a strong pull towards service and enlisted in the Air Force. In his role, Josh’s unit managed the recovery of aircraft that went down within the United States. While he valued his military experience, he made stability for his family his top priority and transitioned out of the military. 

Josh’s shift from military to civilian life was notably smooth. He had proactively assessed how his military role would translate into civilian opportunities, recognizing that his skills in adaptability, resourcefulness, and versatility would be advantageous.  

His advice to those transitioning?  

  1. Seek out other reintegrated service members for guidance. Speaking with service members who recently made their transition back to the civilian workforce was one of the keys to the success of Josh’s reintegration.  
  1. Get as much education as you possibly can in the time that you’re in. Josh emphasizes the importance of earning educational certifications and degrees while in service to better prepare for civilian life.  

Don’t miss Josh’s full interview for a deeper dive into his military experience and transition to civilian life!