
About Operation New Uniform
Founded in 2014, Operation New Uniform (ONU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering transitioning Servicemembers from all branches of the military to find their “new uniform”—a fulfilling career in the business world.
What began as a single opportunity for one Veteran in Jacksonville, Florida, to attend a Sandler Training class and develop sales skills has grown into a nationally recognized program that has transformed the lives of more than 600 Veterans and Military Spouses across the United States.
ONU’s proprietary approach meets each student where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally—on their transition journey. For Veterans, we help uncover their unique value and worth, empowering them to see themselves beyond the team-first mentality ingrained during their military service. For Military Spouses, we provide the tools and support they need to define their own identity and pursue their personal and professional goals. This life-changing, person-centered methodology makes Operation New Uniform a truly one-of-a-kind program.
We proudly offer in-person classes for Servicemembers and Veterans at our headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, and at our satellite location in Tampa, Florida. For Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses seeking a flexible option, we also offer online, self-paced programs available throughout the year. Detailed schedules for classes and graduations can be found on this website.
At Operation New Uniform, we believe those who have served our country deserve the very best support as they transition to civilian life. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our corporate partners and donors, all of our transformative programs are provided free of charge to qualifying applicants, ensuring that no Servicemember, Veteran, or Military Spouse faces this journey alone.
Our Mission: Operation New Uniform is a free, comprehensive Career Development Program dedicated to addressing the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and career transitions faced by Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses. Through tailored training, one-on-one coaching, and a lifelong support network, we empower participants with the skills, confidence, and professional tools necessary to navigate the competitive job market and secure meaningful, stable careers that honor their potential and contributions.
Our Vision: To produce confident graduates who are coveted and embraced by the community.
Our Values: Teamwork, Ambition, Compassion, Talent, Integrity, Community, and Service (TACTICS)
Operation New Uniform Team

Michele McManamon
Chief Executive Officer &
Co-Founder

Char Miller
Chief Marketing Officer
U.S. Army Veteran Spouse

Lavender Morrison
Director, Sponsorships & Partnerships

Tracey Bradley, Sr.
Director, Career Placement U.S. Navy Veteran

Breanna DeLong
Program Manager
U.S. Army Veteran Spouse

Jay Lugg
Executive Assistant &
Office Manager

Olivia Fisher
Program Coordinator
U.S. Navy Veteran

Rich Possert
Outreach Coordinator
U.S. Navy Veteran
Board Officers
Chair

Bob Buehn
U.S. Navy Veteran
Treasurer

Dayton Warfle
Patriot Consulting Group
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Secretary

Daniel Starratt
ICE
U.S. Army Veteran
Immediate Past Chair

David Trenholm
Bank of America
U.S. Navy Veteran
Board Members

Blace Albert
First Command Financial
U.S. Army Veteran

Abraham Blocker
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

LaSandra Boykin
CSX

Jeff Brown
Swisher

Melissa Circelli
Fidelity National Financial

Scott Hausman
Auto Crane
U.S. Army Veteran

Richard Hill
Swisher
U.S. Army Veteran

Jenay McKinney
Ascendo Resources
U.S. Navy Veteran

Johnny McManamon
CDZ

Simone Ridgell
U.S. Navy Veteran

Mark Vlaun
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

Raymond Theiss
First Citizens
U.S. Army Veteran
Advisory Council

Ryan Smith
JAX Executive Jet Center

Leigh Jacobs
USI Insurance Services

Jake Ammon
Franklin Street
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Hon. Board Member

Allen West
Retired U.S. Army LT Col
Veterans Graduated
gain employment within 4 months
economic impact of graduates in the workplace
average starting salary of graduates
In the News
- American Legion (Digital; March 2025)
- Buzz TV (Digital; February 2025)
- Resident News (2 Editions; Print and Digital; March 2025)
- Ponte Vedra Recorder (Print and Digital; February 2025)
- Buzz TV (Digital; January 2025)
- MSN (December 2024)
- Jacksonville Jaguars Community Champion- Michele McManamon (Gameday and Digital; November 2024)
- Orlando Magazine (Print and Digital; September 2024)
- News4JAX (TV and Digital; September 2024)
- COX Media Group (PSA’s; August – September 2024)
- Jacksonville Radio (PSA’s; February – September 2024)
- Buzz TV (Digital; July 2024)
- News4JAX (TV and Digital; July 2024)
- Action News JAX (TV and Digital; July 2024)
- First Coast News (TV and Digital; May 2024)
- First Coast News (TV and Digital; March 2024)
- COX Media Group (PSA’s; February – April 2024)
- Jacksonville Radio (PSA’s; February – April 2024)
- 1010XL Radio (PSA’s; February – April 2024)
- First Coast News (TV and Digital; January 2024)
- News4JAX (TV and Digital; November 2023)
- Jacksonville Business Journal (Print and Digital; November 2023)
- Tampa Bay Business & Wealth (Print and Digital; November 2023)
- Ponte Vedra Recorder (Print and Digital; July 2023)