Freedom and Whiskey Foundation
>> Freedom and Whiskey Foundation
The “Freedom & Whiskey Foundation” is an evolution of nonprofits with a deliberate focus on an efficient and streamlined organizational structure in order to provide optimal support to the Special Operations Forces’ (SOF) community. “Freedom & Whiskey Foundation” exists to do everything possible to allow transitioning operators a good life after retirement.
The “Freedom & Whiskey Foundation” is directed by former SOF veterans who are able to better forecast the current needs of transitioning SOF veterans by establishing and maintaining simple lines of communications with friends that are still active. The foundation will initially be a collaboration between Leiper’s Fork Distillery, located in Middle Tennessee, and retired SOF operators, eventually adding additional regional spirits producers to the program as growth and capability needs warrant.
The “Freedom & Whiskey Foundation” nonprofit’s primary objective is to enable transitioning operators to choose how they want to live their next phase of life by equipping them with integral resources that are unfortunately not readily accessible to these heroes who have spent 20+ years destroying their mind, body & soul, and in turn options for a future, because of extreme training programs and constant deployments to the most dangerous places on Earth. The “Freedom & Whiskey Foundation” developed a series of “pathways” for retiring operators (and families) to utilize as a means to carve out the type of life they deserve and have more than earned.
Pathway 1
Education Advancement
In many instances retiring Special Operators are interested in higher education to set themselves apart and to give themselves a competitive advantage as they move into another phase of life. In some cases, active Special Operations Junior Enlisted Officers are required by military protocol for promotion within the officer’s rank. A lot of time there is a shortfall between the realities of costs of such programs and what an operator’s GI Bill will pay. Often these operator’s would prefer to pass their GI Bill benefits to their children instead of using thes benefits themselves, leaving them with the burden of footing the bill for these educational needs. An advanced scholarship provision will be provided for any college program into which a selected and qualified Operator is accepted. If desired, this pathway will also include trade schools and industry training for a certain trade schools and industry training for a certain trade or industry segment. Educational advancement can be key in allowing retiring operators options as it relates to job acquisition and gaining industry expertise in the field they are interested in pursuing.
Pathway 2
Professional Networking/Entrepreneurial Support
As retiring Operators seek employment in the private sector, an introduction and integration can be facilitated by Freedom & Whiskey into specific industry networks. This is accomplished through the assistance of patriotic supporters who understand how to translate an Operator’s skill set into an invaluable asset. Many companies and businesses understand that the training these Operators have received in the form of managing and motivating others, while successfully carrying out an objective, can be invaluable in helping them grow and effectively managing their businesses.
Also, many retiring Operators are naturally interested in establishing their own businesses. Using experienced and successful members of the business community, the Freedom & Whiskey Foundation will also provide entrepreneurial support and business opportunity analysis to retiring Operators. This assistance can include industry analysis, financial modeling and strategic planning. These services can ensure that the foundation of their new businesses are solid and help to ensure that they are successful in their endeavor.
Pathway 3
Direct Employment with Freedom & Whiskey
It is the intent of Freedom & Whiskey Foundation to be managed and operated by retired members from the Special Operations ranks. This dynamic ensures that a continuous line of communication is maintained between retiring Operators and those Foundation employees that have already made the transition to retirement. This scenario uniquely enables the Foundation to be in the best possible position to identify and understand the specific needs of retiring members of their own community. As an official staff member of Freedom & Whiskey, retired Operators will advance the Freedom & Whiskey mission by administration of the Foundations daily needs as well as organizing core fundraising efforts. This will include designing and taking contributing donors on life changing excursions specifically designed to accomplish a goal. The excursions will be designed across a wide spectrum and range from executive team building to strenuous sporting activities.
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