Austin-area mentors needed to help veterans

Every year, nearly 200,000 men and women leave the U.S. Military and many have a tough time transitioning out of service.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Every year, nearly 200,000 men and women leave the U.S. Military and many have a tough time transitioning out of service.

“You're part of the military. You're part of a team. It's very structured—your life—very regimented, and you're losing that. For many, it's a feeling of a loss of identity, possibly a loss of purpose,” described Brigadier General Mike Eastman with Onward Ops.

As a service member, Eastman said he knows the pressures.

“You're contemplating all of the major decisions that anyone making a life change has to do. A new job, a new house, relocation schools for the kids. So how do you relieve the convergence of all those decisions?” Eastman asked.

The answer? Mentorship.

Onward Ops is a military transition support program partnering with Andrea McCarren, the President of the PenFed Foundation.

“We get to veterans who are transitioning up to 12 months before they separate from the military," McCarren said. "We stick with them with mentors for 12 months after they've left and it is an idea that is innovative, but it is working.”

There is a need for mentors, said McCarren.

“It can be anyone in the Austin community because think about geographic moves you've made in your life. When you get to a new town, you need housing, you may need schools for your children, you need doctor's medical care,” McCarren said.

Last year, 10,000 service members were enrolled in the program.

“Mentorship is a total game changer. It doesn't cost the mentor anything to do it, just a few hours a month,” explained McCarren.

“And as Mike said, everyone needs a purpose. everyone needs a mission. Fewer than 1% of Americans serve in uniform, serve in our military. Let's give a purpose and a mission to the other 99%.”

Sign up to become a mentor with the PenFed Foundation.

“All you need to do is give of your time and think about the impact we could all make working together,” McCarren said.