About Us
Our Story
“Spirit of Freedom (SoF)” 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. “Spirit of Freedom (SoF)” exists to do everything possible to allow transitioning SOF veterans a good life after retirement.
The “Spirit of Freedom 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 “Spirit of Freedom Foundation’s” primary objective is to enable transitioning SOF veterans 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.
SoF Fellowship Program
The Spirit of Freedom Fellowship (SoF) Program is a post-service accelerator designed for elite veterans, specifically those from US Special Operations, Intelligence organizations and associated SOF subject matter experts who are transitioning from military excellence to civilian success. SoF Fellowship offers structured, purpose-driven pathways – called Azimuths. These Azimuths are designed to provide strategic direction across key domains based on identity, education, entrepreneurship, leadership and legacy. Rooted in values of discretion, performance and mission clarity, each Fellow receives tailored access to tools, networks and committed partners that unlock opportunities for the next chapter; whether in business, advanced education, industry, artisan craftsmanship and much more. This is not a broad-based spectrum veteran transition program, rather it is a precision-guided initiative for those who have operated at the highest levels and are ready to do so again. As a result our finite resources required to sustain such a highly successful program, SoF Fellowship is limited to three to five SOF veterans per year who are selected by their peers and chain of command.
Additionally, SoF does offer a series of complimentary initiatives, resources and relationships with select SOF nonprofit partners in order to equip SOF veterans to prosper and enjoy their next phase of life.
Azimuth I
Strategic Planning & Direction
Purpose: Equip Fellows with a structured plan for the next phase of their life and career through advanced education, trade/craft schools, apprenticeships and tailored opportunities to provide an advantageous position in all endeavors.
A post retirement plan and/or a series of options to explore, access to resources and trusted consult from dedicated network contacts ensures a transitioning SOF veteran has the information to make informed and efficient decisions.
In many instances retiring SOF members 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 SOF senior Non-Commissioned Officers require an advanced degree in order to be eligible for continued promotion within the community.
Azimuth II
Entrepreneurial Acceleration & Support
Purpose: Empower Fellows to launch, refine and/or scale a business venture.
As SoF Fellows seek employment in the private sector, an introduction and integration can be facilitated by Spirit of Freedom into specific, targeted industry networks. This is accomplished through the assistance of patriotic sponsors and supporters who understand how to translate an Fellow’s skill set into an invaluable asset. Many companies and businesses understand that the training and experience these Fellows have received from the pinnacle of Special Operations 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.
Azimuth III
Professional Integration & Leadership
Purpose: Position Fellows to enter and advance in competitive civilian industries and leadership roles.
As Fellows systematically progress through the Spirit of Freedom Fellowship Program and work with the SoF Board to design a highly customized post-retirement strategy by leveraging the most advantageous aspects of the three defined Azimuths, SoF is able to frame a hybrid program completely tailored to the Fellow’s goals for a gratifying and self-sustaining life after 20+ years of sacrifice operating at the pinnacle of US Special Operations. Transition from Military service is unfortunately stressful, confusing and difficult for the majority of all service members however translating the skills and experience of a retiring Special Operations member presents unique challenges in order to fully capture their extreme value in a manner recognized by industry. Moreover, as a result of the unwavering dedication required for successful Special Operations, it is essentially impossible for a SoF Fellow to understand what options are available, in turn how to approach establishing a stable foundation or even gauge what opportunities will provide a good life. Therefore, Spirit of Freedom strives to expose our Fellows to a range of targeted industries, network advocates, SoF sponsors and influential mentors as a proven means to help our Fellows make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
Fellowship Selection Criteria
Spirit of Freedom (SoF) has cultivated relationships amongst organizations that work daily with the US Special Operations Command. These organizations are key in maintaining clear communication with the SOF/Intelligence Community, moreover, for identifying potential fellows to join one or more Spirit of Freedom (SoF) programs. After consulting these organizations, in addition to active and former SOF veterans involved with The Spirit of Freedom Foundation, the following criteria was developed to ensure an optimal fit regarding a retiring veteran’s goals compared to available SoF offerings, intentionally designed to be specialized, impactful & highly customized. In turn and given the nature of The Spirit of Freedom Foundation programs, resource allocation is a limiting variable and in all likely-hood will remain a factor since the SoF Foundation prioritizes maintaining the utmost discretion in our fundraising efforts rather then adopt widely used marketing campaign models, branding techniques or ever compromise any invaluable and protected “network” that have graciously accepted SoF has a contributing member.
1.
2.
That select group of individuals will then be relayed to The Spirit of Freedom Foundation Board for review and final selection based on majority, but with the intent on a unanimous decision.
3.
For advanced scholarships awarded by The Spirit of Freedom Foundation, we will extend the before mentioned resources to any eligible SOF veteran as much as we possibly can given our capabilities.
4.
By forming strategic partnerships with other well established nonprofits, The Spirit of Freedom Foundation not only benefits from the mentorship from SOF focused organizations but are also able to merge resources, therefore exponentially expanding the “good” a nonprofit can do in pursuit of mission accomplishments.
