with Chris Lancia, a Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellow and decorated

U.S. Army veteran with over 25 years of service. Chris offers a deep

dive into the Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship Program, an

innovative 12-month paid initiative that equips veterans with the skills

and experience needed to transition into impactful roles within state

government.
Chris breaks down the program's structured

three-phase approach: first, fellows immerse themselves in understanding

the inner workings of state government operations; second, they tackle

significant project work that shapes public policy and state services;

and finally, they transition into full-time employment roles,

contributing their military-honed leadership skills to the civilian

workforce. This state-funded program is designed to eliminate financial

barriers, making the transition smoother for veterans.
Chris

emphasizes the importance of executive coaching, mentorship, and

professional development tailored to veterans. These components help

fellows overcome common challenges such as cultural fit, professional

networking, and navigating civilian workplace expectations. He also

discusses the vision to expand this successful model to local

governments across Tennessee and potentially nationwide.
Beyond

the fellowship, Chris reflects on his diverse military career—from Black

Hawk crew chief to logistics and public affairs officer with the elite

1/60 Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He shares his impactful work

with nonprofit organizations like the George W. Bush Institute and the

Travis Manion Foundation, and his co-founding of Grid Square Recon LLC,

which connects military families with local resources.
Chris

passionately highlights the need for veterans to build and lean on

strong support networks, engage in mentorship opportunities, and invest

in their communities to ensure a successful and fulfilling transition to

civilian life.
Don't miss this in-depth conversation about

veteran leadership, community impact, and how innovative programs like

the Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship are paving the way for

veterans to continue serving in meaningful roles. Discover how you can

support or replicate this initiative in your own community!
Subscribe to VET S.O.S. for more inspiring stories and veteran resources!

Connect with Chris Lancia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lancia/
Learn more about the Tennessee Governor's Veteran Fellowship Program:
https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us/governor-s-veteran-fellowship.html
Follow VET S.O.S.: https://vetsospodcast.com

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