SAN DIEGO — In the military, members of Special Operations Forces are the best of the best. But what happens when America's elite leave the military?
In this Zevely Zone, I went to Coronado to preview the Swim for SOF. On September 14, The Honor Foundation is hosting a high-performance athletic event called the Swim for SOF. The event in its fourth year shines a spotlight on a community special to San Diego, our Special Operations Forces.
"I'm not sure I would be here without it," said Shannon Daniel who just retired from the Navy's Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team. "I had no clue what I wanted to do. I joined the Navy at 18 straight out of high school."
After serving his country for 23 years, Shannon, wasn't afraid to admit that leaving the military was overwhelming.
"I have a family, I have a wife and two kids and I'm like how am I going to support them? What am I going to do? What is next for me? Like I got to get a job," said Shannon.
He discovered The Honor Foundation, a nationwide non-profit that helps America's military elite become civilians again.
The Honor Foundation (THF) is a career transition institute for U.S. Special Operations Forces. The non-profit organization translates its elite military service to the private sector. THF helps create the next generation of corporate and community leaders. It achieves this through a three-month program, which provides tailored executive education, one-on-one coaching and access to a nationwide professional network.
"The Honor Foundation is laser focused on helping Special Operations veterans transition to thriving to next opportunities wherever they may be," said Michael Halterman who served in the Marine Corps for 20 years in both the infantry and special operations.
Michael is now a Vice President for The Honor Foundation who knows firsthand the tough questions that come with leaving the military.
"What is my new purpose in life? What is my new mission and how am I going to do that and who am I going to do that with?" said Michael.
Swim for SOF is a 3.3-mile open water swim from Coronado Island to the U.S.S. Midway. This is the 4th year of the swim. Last year they had over 100 swimmers, including veterans from all branches of the Special Operations Community, first responders and patriotic supporters. Best of all, everyone's welcome to swim.
"The first year was really hard. I swam without a wetsuit or without fins," said Marcus Vogel. He swims to honor his father who served as a civilian in the Navy for 40 years. "Having grown up and around it I have a real appreciation for and gratitude for these people who make this sacrifice," said Marcus.
After a ceremony on the beach outside of the Hotel Del, the athletes run to Glorietta Bay, then swim to Tidelands Park and finally across the bay to U.S.S. Midway Museum.
"It's really heartwarming to be honest. It gets emotional especially at the end when you get out," said Shannon.
He was able to start his own business.
"The Honor Foundation, I ain't trying to get emotional for you, but it changed my life and I've seen it change tons of other people," said Shannon.
THF is a cause that celebrates both the fallen and the living. Heroes who died for our country and those with so much more left to give. Every step is dedicated to preparing men and women to continue to realize their maximum potential during and after their service career.
The Honor Foundation has more than 3,000 graduates. The organization has a campus in San Diego and all across the country.
For more information about making a donation or participating in the Swim for SOF, click here.
Watch other Zevely Zone stories: