Last week participants gathered for an opening session at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, where they heard from President George W. Bush, General Peter Pace, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald, and former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, among others.

Participants were selected after a rigorous application and review process. They join a growing network of 33 scholars from the 2018 inaugural class who are rising leaders – both veterans and non-veterans – from a wide range of sectors who are working to improve post-9/11 veteran outcomes. They hold a variety of roles including business and community leaders, members of veteran-serving non-profits, as well as leaders in government, academia, and active military service members.

Throughout the five-month program, participants will meet with a variety of nationally known and distinguished professionals, educators, and experts in post-9/11 veteran transition issues and leadership development. They will attend sessions in Dallas, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.  The program will conclude with a final session and closing ceremony at the Bush Center in October.

Stand To Leadership Program Photos by Grant Miller

Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Highlights